The course for a 5K is 3.1 miles. 

As a reminder, this is a fun, celebratory event for our participants and not a competitive race. While our fastest 5K participants will complete the course in 25 minutes, most cross the finish line in 30-50 minutes. Everyone who participates is encouraged to walk, roll, push, run or skip at their happy pace!

First, we understand that life happens, and circumstance might make it impossible to attend.

We strongly encourage that all participants attend and complete the 5K, as it is the goal that teams are preparing for all season long! It’s the ultimate opportunity to build confidence through accomplishment. Remember, this is the first 5K event for many – including coaches, participants, friends and family members. We are in it together!

For safety reasons, every participant must wear a race bib (provided by the council). Our council ensures every participant has a running buddy, and only critical 5K volunteers have access to confidential information.

To ensure every participant crosses the finish line, we monitor the course and conduct head counts. Our council has a safety plan in place, which trains staff and volunteers on how to respond during an emergency or incident.

Yes. Girls on the Run 5K events are for everyone! GOTR coaches and site liaisons ensure that ALL participants can walk, run, push or roll safely and at their own happy pace. 

A Running Buddy is an individual designated by the council or by the parent/guardian to complete the 5K alongside a program participant during the 5K event, for the entire duration of the course.

Yes! This is encouraged! This is a great way to accomplish a goal together. 

Absolutely! Every registered youth participant who completes the 5K will receive a medal.

That depends on the season! 

Spring Season Regional 5K: Open to any registered participants, Running Buddies and community runners (including past participants who register for the event).

Fall Season Site-Based 5Ks: Site permits/agreements limit the participant capacity at site-based 5Ks, and only ONE Running Buddy per participant should register. If more than one Running Buddy arrives to a site-based 5K they may be asked to leave and return at the end of the event.  

Site-based 5Ks take place at the same time and location the team holds practices during the season (unless otherwise notified). For more details, please view our Site-Based 5K FAQ. 

A virtual 5K is still a 3.1-mile event, but is completed from a location that you choose. That could be in your neighborhood, at a nearby park, on a trail or even on a treadmill! It’s your 5K and you can run, walk, roll or push it at your own happy pace! 

We highly encourage Running Buddies, even for the virtual 5K.

Yes. All 5K registration forms include liability waivers.