
Go Girls Go!
Program Overview
Go Girls Go! is a program for girls in 4th - 6th grade that is designed to improve the health and well-being for girls at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. Research shows girls frequently drop out of organized sports around this age and many become sedentary. Go Girls Go! incorporates both educational lessons and physical activity---working to educate and empower young girls to improve their self-esteem, goal setting, friendships, and increase their physical activity. Go Girls Go! is offered to various grades and schools within Franklin County. Groups meet twice a week for approximately ten weeks before the final celebration at the Go Girls Go! 5K race.
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Go Girls Go! values all qualities that make our participants and mentors who they are. As a program and as individuals, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all.
2023 - 2024 Program Statistics
Mentor Information
Go Girls Go! is a heavily volunteer driven program. Mentors lead small groups of girls safely through neighborhoods, focusing on motivating and providing words of encouragement to the girls. Mentors can be of all running levels. Site leaders will pair runners of similar speeds together. Mentors receive free entry into the race if they attend at least nine Go Girls Go! practices. Contact us if you would like more information on becoming a Go Girls Go! Mentor.
Mentor FAQ's
How do I become a mentor?
All mentors must register to be a mentor and submit all of their clearances before joining a school site. To get started, please fill out a mentor interest form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfguuVFhbo8Mo9LNcVRuOkLaqAzZUdsWuqXlxjcRoThvMeQcA/viewform
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What does a mentor do?
Mentors are assigned a school site where they will mentor the girls at that school throughout their practices, during both the lesson and running portions. Mentors lead small groups of girls safely through neighborhoods, focusing on motivating and providing words of encouragement to the girls. Mentors can be of all running levels. Site leaders will pair runners of similar speeds together. Mentors receive free entry into the 5k race if they attend at least half of the Go Girls Go! practices.
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Do I have to be a runner to be a mentor?
No, you do not. You have to be motivated, motivating, and willing to work with the students. You are encouraged to try your best to set goals for yourself in walking and running.
All that said, walkers are welcome!
Program Information
GGG runs twice a week, beginning directly after school, and generally lasts for an hour and a half. Please check with your site leader for specific pick up locations and times at your school. Girls should be wearing or bringing clothing that is comfortable to run in and appropriate for the weather each GGG day. Girls need to be wearing appropriate running sneakers each time. If they do not have appropriate running shoes, please contact your site leader and we will ensure they are provided with a pair at the time of their practice. It is highly recommended that each girl bring a water bottle to each practice to keep them hydrated. A light snack will be provided to each girl directly after school each time. The first half of the practice the girls will receive a positive, educational lesson on a topic that is motivating and encouraging. They will then go outside to run or walk the remainder of the time. GGG will still occur regardless of inclement weather. If there is inclement weather the girls will practice running indoors doing various activities. If we can run outside, we will. If there is a school closure or early dismissal, there will be no practice.
Race Day FAQ's
Who attends the 5K race?
Anyone is welcome to attend and participate in the 5k. All girls and mentors from each of the schools are invited to attend the 5K, free of charge. Each girl and mentor will be registered for the race. The girls are encouraged to have a running buddy, which could be any adult figure in their life that is willing to run/walk with them throughout the 5K. The running buddies WILL need to register themselves. If a girl does not have a running buddy to sign up with them, they will be assigned a mentor.
When and where is the 5K held? The end of season 5K will be held at the Southgate Shopping Center, 184 Southgate Mall, Chambersburg PA, 17201. All participants/families should park in the parking lot of the Southgate Shopping Center. Participants are encouraged to arrive no later than 8:30 AM the day of the race so they can pick up their race-day packet. Where do girls, mentors, community members and running buddies report to the morning of the race? Girls and mentors should report to their school table, which will be located in the corner of the parking lot. A mentor is anyone who was approved and attended practices throughout the season. At the table, you will receive a race-day bag, which will include your bib number and toe tag that you will need to attach to your shoe in order to record your race time. Race shirts and mentor shirts (if you are a first time mentor) will also be in your race bag. Only mentors are permitted to wear the orange mentor shirts. We ask that all mentors wear their orange mentor shirt (not their race day shirt) on race day so they are able to be identified as such. Running buddies and any other community member who are running the race and already registered will need to enter the First Lutheran Church located diagonally from the parking lot, to pick up their race bag, which will include their bib number and toe tag that will need to be attached to your shoe in order to record your race time. If you registered by the date that ensures you get a race shirt, your race shirt will also be in your bag. How do I register for the race? Running buddies and community members can register for the race at https://cvraceseries.us/Events/EventPage.php?event_id=1546 The cost is $30 to register if you are 18 years or older and $20 to register if you are under the age of 18. If you would like a race day t-shirt, you must register by the cut off date on the website for it to be included. Online registration generally closes two days before the race. All girls and mentors will be registered at no cost by their site leader. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER YOUR CHILD IF SHE IS A GO GIRLS GO PARTICIPANT! I am a running buddy or community member and forgot to register for the race. Can I still register the morning of the race? Yes! We encourage running buddies and community members to register prior to race day, but it is still possible to register for the race at the same-day registration table inside the First Lutheran Church, located diagonally from the parking lot (43 W. Washington St.). What can I expect on race day? The race will be held rain or shine! Please check the weather for the morning of race day and dress accordingly. Wearing layers is encouraged because they can be removed right before the race begins, if needed. Please make sure you wear appropriate running shoes and comfortable clothing. All participants will begin the race at the same time at 9:00 AM. If you have questions, find someone in a red jacket or go to the DJ table in the parking lot. Please ensure you give yourself enough time to park, pick up your race bag and use the restroom prior to the race starting. Restrooms will be accessible in the First Lutheran Church diagonally from the parking lot. There will be cones and police volunteers guiding you where you need to run. The course is marked and will begin at the top of the Southgate Shopping Mall parking lot. Participants will run around the Nitterhouse Soccer Complex, back up to the Southgate Shopping Mall, down the rail trail and back until they reach the finish line. Results will be posted near the finish line and will also be posted on the Timber Hill Timing website after the race has concluded. Please stick around for the announcement of winners and medal awards ceremony for each school! This usually concludes by 11:00 AM.