Running Start 5K Program

June 15th – August 10th, 2025

The Running Start program is designed for walkers and beginning runners who want to learn to run, build endurance and complete a 5K (3.1 mile) race. The program culminates on August 10, 2025 with participation in PGRC’s Women’s Distance Festival 5K and Fella’s 5K races.

The program kicks off on Sunday, June 15th and is led by RRCA certified coaches!
Sign up now to participate!

REGISTER HERE

Running Start 5K Training

Running Start is open to walkers, beginning runners and/or runners who are returning to the sport after time away.

More experienced runners looking to improve their 5K performance should consider PGRC’s Spicy 5K Training, coming in August (details and registration for Spicy 5K Training coming soon).

Cost

The program fee is $25.

Time & Place

*Race registration fees not included in training program fees. Please register separately.

Program Structure (Training) or Course Description (Run)

The Running Start program consists of three (3) group workouts per week. Participants train as a group with RRCA Certified Coaches and Pace Leaders on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Training Group Workouts:

Weekly run days and times are set as per the below schedule. Run locations with fluctuate between the listed locations. Coaches will announce which location each week in advance. The program kickoff will be held on Sunday, June 15 at Watkins Regional Park.

  1. Sundays at 7:00 am –
    1. Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro (Google Maps Link)
    2. Mission BBQ, Greenbelt (Google Maps Link)
  2. Tuesdays at 6:30 pm –
    1. Kehoe Track, UMD, College Park (Google Maps Link)
    2. Herbert Wells Ice Rink, College Park (Google Maps Link)
  3. Thursdays* at 6:30 pm –
    1. Herbert Wells Ice Rink, College Park (Google Maps Link)
    2. PGRC Summer Fun Series at Buddy Attick Lake, Greenbelt (Google Maps Link)

Race/Program Requirements

  • Ability to walk and desire to run.
  • Ages 18 and up
  • An active PGRC club membership is required. If you are not yet a member, you will be prompted to join PGRC during registration.

Required Supplies & Equipment

  • Water (bring to every session)
  • Proper running shoes

Recommended Supplies & Equipment

  • Hat with a visor
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Proper sports bras (women)
  • Watch, stopwatch or an app for interval timing purposes

Medical Clearance

If you are under medical care, have a medical condition, or have not exercised recently, we recommend you secure clearance from your doctor before participating in this or any training program.

REGISTER HERE

If you’re interested but have more questions, come and join us at any of the weekly club runs or email us at training@pgrc.org.