what does it cost to participate?

The actual out of pocket cost to the GOTR program is approximately $150 per girl for the twice per week, ten-week program. This $150 covers the full cost of one child’s participation which includes:

• A pair of New Balance Running Shoes
• 20 lessons conducted by two certified GOTR Coaches
• an official Girls on the Run T-shirt
• participation in the New Balance GOTR 5k beginning and ending on the campus of Western Michigan University
• a water bottle
• a healthy snack at each practice
• a 5k finisher's medallion

A family that can afford to pay $150 is asked to pay the full amount.  Participants of Girls on the Run and their families who cannot afford to pay $150 choose a program fee ranging from $0 to $149.  Girls participate equally in the program regardless of the fee their family selects.  Girls must complete the program to receive all benefits noted above including the shoes.  The following scale is provided for families to choose what they believe they can afford.  The financial sustainability of our program depends on the honesty and integrity of parents who choose their appropriate registration amount.  It is essential that each family contribute as much toward the full cost of the registration fee as it can afford.  Local fundraising efforts and donations help to bridge the gap between program fees paid and necessary sponsorship. Families that have the ability to and are interested in supporting the program beyond the $150 may choose to sponsor additional girls as well.

Reading the Scale:  Find the correct number for your household in the “# of Family Members in Household” column below.  In that row, select the box that represents your household’s annual income from the last year.  Follow the column down to the “Suggested Amount” box at the bottom.  Example: A household of 5 family members with an annual income of $40,000 would choose a registration fee between $50 and $99.