Girls on the Run is gearing up for another fantastic season of fun, friendships and 5K fun at Metro schools this fall, and we’re looking for positive-minded, can-do women to coach teams in Lincoln and Omaha.

You DON’T have to be a runner to get involved – you just need to live a healthy lifestyle, project a positive attitude and have passion to help young girls put their best foot forward.

Girls on the Run is an innovative after-school program that combines exercise, education and mentoring to promote self-esteem, goal-setting and healthy living in third- through fifth-grade girls. Teams meet for 75 minutes twice a week for two months to play interactive running games and train for a 5K run/walk. Lessons on goal-setting, health, communication, teamwork and self-respect are incorporated with the physical training, so girls get a well-rounded positive experience in a noncompetitive atmosphere.

The overall time commitment for first-time coaches is about 40 hours over 14 weeks. That includes 20 meetings with your team; a few hours on 5K day; and coach training (dates in August). The fall season runs Aug. 21 through Nov. 4.

Coaches must commit to two days per week; no part-time applicants please.

Visit www.GOTRNebraska.org/volunteer/ to learn more about this rewarding (and FUN!) short-term volunteer opportunity. Get involved to find out for yourself why “Girls on the Run is so much fun!”