About SoleMates

The Girls on the Run® SoleMates program provides a great opportunity to give girls an example of healthy living. By joining Girls on the Run SoleMates, you can play a vital role in ensuring the future success of Girls on the Run® programs that impact on the lives of thousands of young women every year.

SoleMates is the adult charity running leg of Girls on the Run® (GOTR). We are male and female athletes who pursue individual goals, such as running a marathon or participating in a triathlon, to raise money for local Girls on the Run® councils.

Registration for Girls on the Run SoleMates is $26.00 and then members agree to raise a minimum of $262.00. We support our runners every step of the way with exclusive runner premiums, effortless on-line fundraising and online support. We encourage our participants to continue fundraising beyond the low minimum to support our mission.  Additional incentives are available for all participants that surpass the fundraising goal. 

Girls on the Run International support of SoleMates athletes:

• Easy online registration process and online fundraising
• Welcome packet complete with an exclusive Girls on the Run SoleMates New Balance technical t-shirt and other branded gear
• Incentive prizes for participants exceeding fundraising minimums 
•  Training Manual with marathon and half marathon plans for any level developed by Jenny Hadfield, co-author of best selling Marathoning for Mortals
• New Balance running shoes to the top 100 fundraisers and discounts on New Balance products for all SoleMates athletes
• Special promotions from national partners
• Inspirational emails providing deeper connection to the Girls on the Run mission
• Access to information and fundraising tips and ideas posted in Participant Section of www.girlsontherunsolemates.org
• Group training runs (optional varies per city)

In addition, if you are doing the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon you receive:

• Access to heated Girls on the Run SoleMates tent in Charity Village which serves as a meeting space on race day
• Private gear check
• Access to private portable restrooms before and after the race
• Food, drinks & other essentials before, during and after the race for both runner and family

It is very easy to get involved!  Click Here

When you register, you need to select an event or type in the name of the race if it is not listed on the dropdown menu.  Although we focus on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, we support you doing any event at any distance!  Please note that registration for SoleMates does not include registration to the actual race you choose to participate in while raising money for Girls on the Run.  You will still need to register for the event of your choice independently.  These are two separate registrations. 

By registering for Girls on the Run SoleMates you are agreeing to pay the $26.00 sign-up fee and raise a minimum of $262.00 on or before 30 days after completing the race, or be personally responsible for this amount.  When you sign up, you can choose the local Girls on the Run council (team) that will receive your donations. 

Just as SoleMates members are changed by their experience, Girls on the Run uses running to transform the way girls see themselves and their opportunities.  Our ultimate goal is to raise enough money to reach every girl, and to educate and prepare her for a lifetime of self respect and healthy living.  If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to call or email us at solemates@girlsontherun.org

Hope you can join us!

Training Plans by Jenny Hadfield

Girls on the Run International is honored to partner with Jenny Hadfield, a well known and respected member of the running community, to create several progressive training plans for both the half and full marathon distances.  These training guides are provided to the athletes in the welcome kit from Girls on the Run International.

Coach Jenny Hadfield is the co-author of the best-selling Marathoning for Mortals, and the new Running for Mortals and Training for Mortals series. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, a Masters Degree in Exercise Science and is a certified coach and personal trainer. She writes a monthly column on running for Health Magazine, blogs for Runners World and has written for many other publications.

Coach Jenny is co-owner of Chicago Endurance Sports, Chicago's largest multi-sport training company. Jenny is an accomplished endurance athlete and has competed in adventure races all over the world. She is a Boston Marathon qualified runner and veteran of over 35 marathons.

Jenny began her running career struggling to get down the street. Step by step, she trained, raced and became a top-ranked endurance athlete. Her unique coaching style draws from her struggles to get started as well as her impressive racing experiences. She coaches a myriad of runners and walkers of all levels. 

For more information on Jenny, visit www.JennyHadfield.com.