Q: What is the cost to participate in GOTR?

A:

The full registration cost involved with our program ranges from $100 – $135 per girl. However, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year so that girls can participate no matter what their financial situation. Registration fees include a GOTR water bottle, program t-shirt, snack at every practice, race registration fee, race t-shirt and the valuable knowledge and confidence gained from the interactive curriculum and passionate coaches.

Q: Why the Young Age?

A:

Studies show that girls between the ages of eight and twelve are still receptive to adult influence, while beginning to feel peer pressure. It is a period in our emotional and intellectual development when we become aware of and begin to recognize important life and relationship issues. In addition, learning to value physical activity early in life increases the likelihood of participants staying physically healthy into adulthood. Studies show that those who develop exercise habits by their teen years are most likely to maintain those habits for life. Regular, moderate exercise improves cardiovascular functioning, reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, osteoporosis and obesity and positively counters the effects of depression and anxiety.

Q: What schools and locations have hosted GOTR?

A: Pine Street Elementary, T.K. Gregg Recreation Center, Houston Elementary School, Jesse Boyd Elementary, Spartanburg Day School, Campobello-Gramling School, Converse College, Woodruff Leisure Center and the Chapman Cultural Center.

Q: Is it safe for young girls to run the 5K (3.1 mile) distance?
A:
Children’s bodies are well suited for endurance exercise, and numerous studies have shown that children show many positive physiological adaptations to endurance exercise training. The keys are gradual progression and common-sense adult supervision. If those conditions are met, running 3 miles is a reasonable goal for most young people.
-Russell R. Pate, Ph.D., Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina