Looking for a powerful way to support girls in your community—while getting inspired yourself? Join us as a Running Buddy for Girls on the Run Bay Area!

Our seasonal 5K events are more than just a run—they’re a joyful celebration of the confidence, strength, and growth our girls have built throughout the season, held each November and May. As a Running Buddy, you’ll complete the entire 5K alongside one of our program participants. You don’t need to be fast—you just need to show up with encouragement, energy, and a commitment to helping a girl cross the finish line with pride.

What’s a Running Buddy?

A Running Buddy is someone designated by the council or a participant’s parent/guardian to complete the 5K alongside a program participant. Your role is to serve as a:

• Motivator

• Pace-setter

• Cheerleader

You’ll support your assigned girl from start to finish, encouraging her every step of the way. This is a one-day commitment that makes a lasting impact.

How Will I Be Matched?

If you’ve registered to be assigned as a Running Buddy and are not known to the participant’s family, we’ll:

• Contact you to complete a basic online background check

• Share your assigned team name via email the week of the 5K

• On 5K day, you’ll check in at your team’s table and be paired with a participant right there!

Why Is There a Registration Fee?

While we often describe this as a “volunteer-style” role, there is a registration fee for Running Buddies. Here's why:

• Our 5K events are large-scale celebrations that cost over $50,000 to host

• Registration fees help cover event costs and keep the 5K accessible and free for our participants

• Your registration includes your bib and materials for the event

Note: There is no cost to spectate, so bring your friends and family to cheer from the sidelines!

Ready to Be a Running Buddy?

Scan the QR code or visit gotrbayarea.org/5K to register and make a girl’s big day even brighter.

Event-day registration is not available, so make sure to sign up at least one week in advance.