How do I know what volunteer positions are available?

Register by visiting https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=5891. After selecting the volunteer option, you will be presented with a list of volunteer opportunities.  All volunteers must register through the online process.

At what time and to what location do I report?

Your volunteer assignment and all race day information will be communicated to you via email.  Based on your assignment, you’ll be given a report time and location.

How long will the event last?

The actual event time is 8:30-noon. However, some volunteer roles will start earlier than 8:30am and conclude after noon.  The Volunteer Coordinator will work to assign you to a responsibility which meets your time requirements.

Do I need to bring anything?

You should pick up your volunteer shirt and race bag during the Friday, May 18^th, 4pm-6pm packet pickup at the Girls on the Run of Central Illinois’s Office (907 Clocktower Drive, Springfield, IL; 217-726-9808). All Volunteers must wear the provided volunteer shirt for their race day duties.  If you cannot attend Friday’s packet pickup, you can pick these materials up on Saturday morning, event day, at the Registration Booth, between 7:30am – 8:30am at Washington Park, before reporting to your volunteer assignment.

Can I volunteer the day of the race?

No.  All volunteers are required to register and authorize a background check which must be completed before the race.

Why is a background check required?

Over 50% of our participants will be under the age of 13.  A background checks for every volunteer is a prudent investment to ensure the safety of our young participants.

Is volunteer orientation required?

After you complete volunteer check-in at the Registration booth, a Volunteer Coordinator will review with you the responsibilities associated with your assignment.

If I volunteer as a part of an outside organization, can I request a letter of completion?

Yes.  We can provide confirmation of your participation.  The preferred method is for you to bring to the race a document which can be signed by one of our Volunteer Coordinators.

What if I have a large group that would like to volunteer?

Please call (217-726-9808) the Girls on the Run office to discuss your group size and volunteer interest. You can also contact one of the race directors by e-mail Sarah Jones sarah@gotrcentralillinois.org or Annie Whiting annie@gotrcentralillinois.org for more information about what roles are available for large groups.

How do I become a Girls on the Run program/race sponsor?

Basic information about sponsorship opportunities is available on our website, www.gotrcentralillinois.org. Please call our office at 217-726-9808 for any other information you need.

Are donations that I make tax deductible?

Yes.  Girls on the Run of Central Illinois is a 501(c)3 charity.  A letter confirming the donation will be sent to each donor.

Who do I contact for specific questions prior to the race? 

Annie Whiting, Co-Race Director:  annie@gotrcentralillinois.org

Sarah Jones, Co-Race Director:  sarah@gotrcentralillinois.org

What is the weather policy for the event?

The event will be held as scheduled except in the case of severe weather (lightening or dangerous thunderstorms).

How do I register?

Our website, www.gotrcentralillinois.org has a participant registration link. You can also register by visiting https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=5891

Where when is packet pick up?

Friday, May 18^th from 4-6pm at Girls on the Run of Central Illinois’s Office (907 Clocktower Drive, Springfield, IL; 217-726-9808).

Also available on site the day of the race: Saturday, May 19^th from 8:30am – 9:30am at Washington Park.

What is the course location/route/finish line:  Is there a map available?

The race is an out-and-back course which starts on the south side of the park near the pavilion and follows the road to the east.  A map identifying the course and other race-related activities is available for download from our website.

Where is event parking?

Parking within the park will be very limited and car access will be shutdown at approximately 8am.  Participants should park throughout the neighborhoods on the south side of the park.

Will the race be timed?  Will prizes be awarded?  Will race results be posted?

This Girls on the Run 5K is a non-competitive event.  The focus of the race is for our program participants, their families and our community runners to successfully complete the 5K distance with a smile on their faces. For runners interested in estimating their 5K time, a race clock will be available at the finish line.  No prizes will be awarded or race results posted.  However, every finisher will receive a Girls on the Run 5K finisher’s medal.

How many races will be held?  Will there be a staggered start?

All runners/walkers will participate in the same 5K event.  Faster runners should position themselves close to the start line, but be cognizant that the race includes many inexperienced young runners who may not be fully aware of race etiquette.  Please remember…this event is not intended to be a competitive road race.

My daughter is a spring 2012 Girls on the Run program participant.  Does she need to register?  Should she pickup her race bag at packet pickup?  If I want to run with her, do I need to register?

Program participants are automatically registered for the 5K event.  Her coach will provide her with instructions regarding the event.  Program participants will be given their race bag the morning of the event and don’t need to attend Friday’s packet pickup.

Family or community members who want to run in the 5K must register for the race and pay the applicable race fee.  Only runners with race bibs will be allowed to run.

Can I register the day of the race?

Yes.  The cost is $35 (cash or check payments only).  A t-shirt is not guaranteed for participants who register after May 4^th.

I am a spring 2012 Girls on the Run program coach or running buddy, do I need to register and pickup my packet?

No. Coaches/Running Buddies are automatically registered for the 5K event.  Your race bib and bag will be available the morning of the event at your school site meeting place.

Is there a check-in time?

The 5K Race starts at 10am.  Race events such as face painting, hair painting, etc. begin at 8:30am.  Warm up is scheduled for 9:30am.

What other activities will be a part of this race event?

The race festival area will include the following activities free of charge:

• Happy Hair Station
• Face Painting Station
• Photo Op Area
• Pre-Race Warm-up
• Post-Race Dance Party

The Race Festival area will include the following activities that will charge additional fees:

• Craft/Activity Tent
• Merchandising tent with GOTR clothing and other items available for purchase

Will there be water stations on the race course?

Yes.  The course will have two water stations.

Can I run with a baby jogger (stroller), dog or headphones?

No.  For the safety of all participants strollers and dogs are not allowed on the race course.  Please leave pets and headphones at home.

If I am not running, where can I cheer the participants?

Cheering is encouraged anywhere along the side of the race course.

Will refreshments be available?

Post-race snacks will be available for race/walk participants. No refreshments will be available for purchase.

Are there changing rooms or other on-site amenities?

Washington Park is your typical older public park environment.  A small restroom facility is on-site.  Port-a-Potties will also be on-site.

What is the weather policy for the event?

The event will be held as scheduled except in the case of severe weather (lightening or dangerous thunderstorms).

Girls on the Run (GOTR) of Central Illinois is an experiential afterschool program for girls 3^rd – 8^th grade that uses the power of running to prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.  The GOTR curriculum creatively incorporates training for a 5k (3.1 miles) with 20 lessons that focus on building self-esteem and improving emotional and physical health, all while helping them develop essential life skills. The program culminates with all participants completing a celebratory 5k event which honors the girls.  Parents, caregivers, siblings and friends of participants as well as community members are encouraged to join in the celebration as 5k participants or encouraging spectators.

To ensure the safety of all participants and facilitate the success of the event, please review and abide by the following:

Race Participants – General Information:

• Proceeds benefit Girls on the Run of Central Illinois.
• The 5k event is non-competitive. Girls on the Run medals will be given to all finishers.
• No official timing will be performed. However, a race clock will be at the finish line, so that participants have the option of noting their time.
• No strollers, pets or ear buds are permitted on the race course.
• Only registered runners/walkers are permitted on the race course during the 5k.  All participants are expected to wear the provided race bib.
• Parents are responsible to determine the appropriateness for their children to participate.
• We will run rain or shine, but we will delay the race if there is thunder or lightening. We consider your registration fee to be a donation.  No refunds will be given even in the event of race cancellation because of weather.

Registration – Race Participants:

• Current semester program Girls on the Run participants, coaches and running buddies and do not need to register.
• Online registration (https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=5891) is encouraged.  No online transaction fees are passed to registrants.
• To guarantee a t-shirt, registration must be received by May 4th.  After this date, t-shirts are not guaranteed and are only provided as available.
• Online registration cost is $25 through May 4th and $30 from May 5^th – May 17^th.  Online registration closes at midnight on May 17^th.
• Paper registration cost is $30 at packet pickup and $35 on race day.  Cash or check only.  On race day, registrations will be accepted from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Registration – Volunteers:

• Volunteers must register on-line (https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=5891) by midnight May 16^th.  There is no registration fee for volunteers.
• All volunteers 18 years or older must agree to a background check.  Instructions for completing the background check will be emailed within a few days of the volunteer registration being submitted.
• All volunteers must be 14 years of age or older to be unattended.  Youth 10-13 must be with an adult.  No volunteers under age 10.

Packet Pickup: 

• GOTR participants, coaches and running buddies do NOT need to attend packet-pickup.  Race bibs and bags will be provided to them on race day.  Coaches will be notified with specific race day instructions.
• 5k registrants and event volunteers are encouraged to pick up their race bags (race bibs and t-shirts) on Friday, May 18^th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Girls on the Run of Central Illinois office located at 907 Clocktower Drive, Springfield (217-726-9808).  
• Paper registrations will be accepted at Friday’s packet pickup. 
• Packet pickup will also be available race day from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Registration Tent in Washington Park.

Event Logistics

• Schedule: The fun starts at 8:30 a.m. with face and hair painting, along with other fun activities. GOTR participants should wear their GOTR program t-shirts and arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. to meet their team at the School Village. The 5k start time is 10:00 a.m. Post-race activities including snacks for participants and a dance party for all will last until noon.
• Location: The May 19^th, GOTR 5k Event is in Springfield, IL at Washington Park located at 1500 South Grand Avenue. The main registration tent and event venues are all located between the main pavilion and the tennis court area on the south side of the park.
• Parking: Parking within Washington Park is very limited.  Please park on neighborhood streets located south of South Grand Avenue, across from the Washington Park Pavilion.
• Race Etiquette: To facilitate a positive race experience for all runners and walkers, we ask that you practice standard 5k etiquette:
  • Do not push or rush to the starting line once the “gun” goes off.
  • If you plan to walk the race, please start in the back of the group.
  • Should you need to walk, please move to the side of your lane and try to ease your pace instead of abruptly stopping.
  • The race course is designed as an “out and back” course.  Please stay on your side of the road so returning runners/walkers can use the other side.

For any other questions, please contact one of our 5k event Co-Directors, Sarah Jones (sarah@gotrcentralillinois.org) or Annie Whiting (annie@gotrcentralillinois.org).

Tracy & Deb after their recent half-marathon!

Zeman joined GOTR in July 2010 as Program Coordinator. She formerly was a writing instructor at the University of Illinois at Springfield. From 2007-08 she was a Veteran School Coordinator at Communities in Schools of Chicago. From 2005-07, Zeman was Writer-in-Residence for the poetry-in-the-public-schools program at the Poetry Center of Chicago, later becoming Program Coordinator for all the programs at the Center. A native of Peoria, Zeman earned a bachelor’s degree in English from DePaul University in Chicago, IL and a master’s degree in Creative Writing from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

The Girls on the Run of Central Illinois Board of Directors are Chair: Deb Shultz, Vice President: Lauren Lurkins; Treasurer: Susan Akers; Secretary: Barbara Seidman; Board Members: GerriAnne Graham, Karen Carlson.

Girls at the Fall 5K

Fall season Girls on the Run participants recently completed with their end-of-the-season Fall 5K.   This was our largest 5K yet. We estimate that approximately 125 girls participated and that 175 family members, coaches, and friends came out to support the girls on their run! The day was cold and windy but the girls persevered. Forr more photos of the Fall 5K please visit our Facebook page.

Girls, families, coaches, and other supporters at the Fall 5K

Fall 2010 Girls on the Run served 150 Springfield-area girls at 10 schools in 11 programs. Spring 2011 we plan to reach 225 girls at approximately 16 different sites. May 2010 we will also host our first-ever Girls on the Run Community 5K. Please check our website for more details in the coming months. With the generous support of our community we hope to continue growing. Thanks to everyone–girls, families, sponsors, donors, friends–who made our Fall 2010 season possible!

2010 Athena Award Winner, Deb Shultz

Deb Shultz, director of Girls on the Run of Central Illinois, received the Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s Athena Award on Wednesday, September 15, 2010.

“This award isn’t about me,” Shultz said. “It’s about the woman who founded the program, the girls who participate and the amazing women who make it happen.”

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is an international, non-profit prevention program that prepares girls ages 8-13 to run 3.1 miles and educates them about healthy physical and emotional lifestyles. Deb has been the executive director of GOTR since its inception in Springfield.

The program empowers girls at an early age to prevent the display of future at-risk behaviors, giving girls greater self confidence, a stronger sense of identity, a healthier body image, and a better sense of community. The program is administered in the autumn and the spring at both public and private Springfield elementary schools. New and recurring sites participate each year. A second tier of the program, Girls on Track, adapts the program for pre-teen girls.

“Today’s girls face so many challenges — to look a certain way, to act a certain way — Girls on the Run lets girls do nothing but be themselves,” Shultz said.

In 13 seasons at 66 program sites, GOTR has touched the lives of more than 100 volunteer coaches who have inspired 700 girls to run a 5K and complete a 10-week, 20-lesson curriculum to encourage healthy physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. The autumn season is under way at 12 Springfield schools, with 50 coaches mentoring 180 girls. Those girls will finish the season together by running a 5K scheduled for Saturday, November 13 at Springfield Christian School.
While most other GOTR programs in the United States employ a full-time person for the director’s duties, Deb has volunteered her time since 2004 to make GOTR a thriving success.

A nominator wrote, “What makes Deb exceptional is that she embodies the principles of the very program she directs. She personifies the spirit of the program with her energy, vitality, strong self-esteem, and healthy lifestyle. Her zest for life, her passion for the program, her tireless drive to enrich the lives of these girls is beyond compare. She represents an effective community leader: one who gives without expecting accolades, one who inspires everyone she meets with a passionate attitude; one who has the knowledge, skills, and initiative to get things done, combined with an exceptional wellspring enthusiasm and joyfulness.”

GOTR makes a powerful impact in girls’ lives, as one girl wrote, “Girls on the Run made me fearless. Before Girls on the Run, I never tried out for anything because I was afraid I was going to fail. Girls on the Run made me feel invincible. I know I can accomplish my goals if I try hard enough.”

Through GOTR, Shultz has helped young girls, coaches, parents, siblings, and teachers make healthier lifestyle choices, improving the quality of their lives and ultimately the quality of the Springfield community.

The Springfield Chamber of Commerce has presented the Athena Award for 12 years. The award honors community leaders who help women reach their full potential. Athena International, created in 1982, has award programs in more than 600 communities worldwide.

Go Girls Go!

Last week was the conclusion of the Spring season of our Girls on the Run of Springfield programs.  The Spring season was the 13^th and “final” season for Girls on the Run of Springfield.  (Don’t panic…GOTR is not going away! J)  When the program was brought to Springfield, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield generously offered to serve as our non-profit organization partner.  Since the first season in Spring 2004, the Boys & Girls Clubs provided GOTR the following:

 ·         Non-profit status required of all GOTR Councils

·         Insurance coverage through their policy

·         Administrative support for expense payments

·         Use of their copier for our program materials

·         Autonomy to operate and expand the program

 GOTR of Springfield is the only GOTR council in Central Illinois.  Without the support of the Boys & Girls Clubs, our community might not have established a GOTR council.  Our partnership enabled GOTR to impact the lives of over 700 participants.  Net is…our GOTR community is grateful to the Boys & Girls Clubs and their staff members.

 Effective July 1, 2010, Girls on the Run of Central Illinois will assume sole responsibility for the GOTR programs.  As the name change implies, the intent of the new non-profit organization is to focus solely on GOTR and grow the program throughout Springfield, Sangamon County and beyond.  With the new organization comes more resources (a 6-person board, more volunteers and, hopefully, a paid Council Director) to support program growth and insure program quality is maintained.  We are excited about the possibilities offered by the organizational changes and look forward to sharing our plans with you.

Over 50 girls and their running buddies celebrated the end of the season by running a 5K. Look at those awesome smiles!

So….let’s get to the highlights of the Spring season which included 9 program sites, 102 participants, 35 coaches and 10 running buddies:

My summary of the three things we do in GOTR programs is Run, Learn and Have Fun.  Based on feedback forms completed by the girls, site visits and coach comments, I can safely confirm that we successfully accomplished all three items.  Let’s take a look at each one.

Run:

The girls’ feedback form includes the following two questions:

·         What did you not like about Girls on the Run?

·         What did you like most about Girls on the Run?

Each season, I laugh when I read the responses to these questions.  About 1/2 of the girls answer the “not like” question with “I had to Run”.  About 1/2 answer the “like” question with “I got to Run”.  The thing I find humorous is that we don’t make the girls “run”.  We ask them to move (walk, skip, run, etc.) with a positive attitude.  Secretly, I think they all like “running/moving”….especially during their Practice and Final Event 5Ks!

Over 4,000 girls, running buddies, and other runners celebrated at the GOTR 5K in St. Louis

Approximately 12 girls from the Girls on the Run of Central Illinois council participated in the Girls on the Run 5K hosted by Girls on the Run St. Louis.  The girls enjoyed food, hair and face painting, dancing, special cheers, and a whole lot of motivation while they ran through Forest Park.   The event saw more than 4, 000 participants of all ages cross the finish line!

She may have just turned 9 years old, but she ran the whole way – 3.1 miles!