FAQ
Why is the Girls on the Run Greater Boston program fee increasing?
Beginning with the Fall 2026 season, the standard Girls on the Run Greater Boston program fee will increase from $225 to $295 per participant. It costs Girls on the Run Greater Boston $425 for each girl to participate in the program. In order to ensure the program remains accessible to every girl, we rely on the generosity of donors and sponsors to help make up the difference between the cost of delivering the program and the fee that caregivers pay.
This is the first program fee increase since 2019. Over the past seven years, Girls on the Run Greater Boston has worked hard to absorb rising costs while continuing to provide a high-quality experience for every participant. However, increasing expenses across all areas of our operations now make a fee adjustment necessary to sustain the program and ensure its long-term impact.
Just as importantly, our commitment to accessibility remains unchanged. Financial assistance will continue to be available, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every girl can participate, regardless of her family's ability to pay.
Why now?
Since 2019, the cost of nearly every aspect of running our program has increased, including:
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Program materials and curriculum supplies
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Staff salaries and benefits
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Insurance and administrative expenses
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Transportation and logistics
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Event production and safety services
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Technology and program management systems
At the same time, inflation has significantly increased the cost of goods and services. While many organizations have adjusted their pricing during this period, Girls on the Run Greater Boston has maintained the same program fee for seven years.
This increase will help ensure that we can continue delivering high-quality programming, trained coaches, participant support, and culminating events that families have come to expect.
What does the program fee include?
The Girls on the Run program fee includes:
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An 8-10 week, evidence-based social-emotional learning curriculum
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Trained and caring volunteer coaches at every site. All coaches are background checked and GOTR provides CPR & first aid training to those who need it.
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Program materials and participant resources
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A program T-shirt, water bottle, journal, cinch sack and healthy snacks for participants
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Season-long support from Girls on the Run Greater Boston staff
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Registration for our culminating 5K celebration event, 5K medal and celebration.
The fee also helps support the extensive planning, training, and quality assurance required to deliver a safe and impactful experience for every participant.
What about the 5K events?
Girls on the Run Greater Boston hosts two large-scale 5K celebrations each year on Boston Common—one in the spring and one in the fall.
Each event welcomes more than 6,000 participants, family members, coaches, volunteers, and community supporters. Producing events of this size requires significant investments in:
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Venue permits and fees
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Public safety and emergency services
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Event infrastructure and equipment
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Accessibility accommodations
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Volunteer management
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Logistics, staffing, and operations
These events are a signature part of the Girls on the Run experience and provide a memorable opportunity for participants to celebrate their accomplishments alongside thousands of supporters.
Does the program fee cover the full cost of participation?
No.
Even with the fee increase, the $295 program fee remains significantly below the actual cost of delivering the program. It costs Girls on the Run Greater Boston more than $425 per girl to provide a complete season experience.
The difference is made possible through the generosity of individual donors, foundations, grants, and corporate sponsors who believe in our mission and invest in the girls we serve.
In other words, every participant's experience is subsidized through charitable support, regardless of the amount paid in program fees.
Will financial assistance still be available?
Absolutely.
Girls on the Run Greater Boston remains deeply committed to ensuring that every girl can participate, regardless of her family's financial circumstances.
Financial assistance will continue to be available, and we encourage families to request support if the program fee presents a barrier. Cost should never prevent a girl from experiencing the confidence, connection, and life skills that Girls on the Run provides.
We are proud that every season hundreds of families receive assistance that allows their girls to participate, and we will continue raising funds to support this commitment.
Has Girls on the Run Greater Boston changed its commitment to accessibility?
No.
Accessibility and inclusion remain central to our mission. While program costs have increased, our commitment to serving girls from all backgrounds and income levels remains unchanged.
We believe every girl deserves the opportunity to participate in Girls on the Run. Through financial assistance, community partnerships, grants, donor support, and corporate sponsorships, we will continue working to make that possible.
How are donations and sponsorships used?
Every participant benefits from charitable support.
Donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships help us:
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Subsidize the cost of participation for every girl
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Provide financial assistance to families
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Train and support volunteer coaches
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Deliver high-quality programming across the region
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Produce our culminating 5K celebrations
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Expand access to communities with the greatest need
What is the most important thing families should know?
There are two key things we hope families understand:
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This is the first program fee increase since 2019, despite seven years of rising costs and inflation.
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Girls on the Run Greater Boston remains committed to ensuring that every girl can participate, regardless of her family's ability to pay. Financial assistance will continue to be available, and no girl will be turned away because of financial need.
The increased fee helps us sustain and strengthen the program while continuing to provide meaningful financial support to families who need it.
Who can I contact with questions?
If you have questions about program fees, financial assistance, or registration, please contact Girls on the Run Greater Boston. We are happy to discuss options and help ensure that every interested girl has the opportunity to participate.