Our Training Programs
The Runner’s Edge Training Program, established in 1997, is one of the longest running and largest running groups in the country as it has evolved into a highly effective and enjoyable way to boost your physical, mental, and social health! Led by Coach Eladio Valdez, the program emphasizes camaraderie, organized group workouts, and structured training schedules to help participants achieve their fitness and overall health goals while enjoying the process. All abilities and ages are welcomed!
Key Highlights:
- Group Workouts: Participants have a variety of pace groups to choose from, ranging from 7 to 15 minutes per mile. Each group is led by a pace group leader who helps the group warm up while easing into the run for a more enjoyable experience.
- Mileage Options: You have flexibility! Distances span from 1 to 22 miles, catering the training to all distances; from 5Ks to ultramarathons.
- Experienced Coach: Coach Eladio Valdez, with extensive experience in running and coaching, provides guidance and support to participants since 1997 in Kansas City.
Benefits of Joining:
- A variety of fun, safe, and scenic well marked courses with aid stations every 2 miles on Saturday mornings. No need to carry your own water!
- High Reward/Low Risk Training System to minimize injury risks.
- Comprehensive education resources including a 300-page training handbook, weekly tips, and clinics.
- Discounts at local running and health related stores and LOTS of race discounts!
- Flexibility in choosing races, training distances, and paces.
- Access to scenic trails and neighborhoods, exploring new routes every Saturday.
- Specialized speed sessions and strength classes to improve performance and prevent injuries.
Program Achievements:
- Over 2,500 participants with many remaining with the program for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years.
- Program growth from 30 to nearly 200 participants.
- Nearly 500 first time half marathoners, including over 50 walkers totaling over 4,000 half marathons
- Nearly 2,000 marathons completed including over 850 first time with 75 walkers, achieving a 99% finishing rate and nearly 1,000 P.R.’s
- 100+ Boston Marathon qualifiers.
- Accomplishments with several participants completing marathons on all 7 continents and the North Pole, completing the Pike’s Peak Ascent & Marathon, 100-250 mile relay races, various ultra marathons from 50K to 250 miles, and forming lasting relationships including 20 marriages
- Most notable: Participants raised thousands for charity
TRAINING PROGRAMS
The Colorful Session
Summer & Fall Sessions
Summer and Fall programs occur late June to late October. Typically our mid-fall sessions are from late August to late October for those who want to skip the hot weather. Summer/Fall sessions include Tuesday speed and hill sessions from early July to late October and Thursday Strength & Mobility Classes June through August to improve your running while learning how to treat and prevent injuries.
2024 Main Summer/Fall Program
Designed for those who want to complete a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or full marathon.
Dates: Saturdays and or Sundays at 7:30am from June 22 to October 26.
Pricing: Save by registering with our advance registration. Pricing structure for both Runner’s Edge Alumni and New Participants are below.
Summer/Fall Advance Registration for a Runner’s Edge Alumni is $180 and for a New Participant is $210 by June 1.
Summer/Fall Regular Registration for a Runner’s Edge Alumni is $195 and for a New Participant is $225 by June 15.
Summer/Fall Late Registration for a Runner’s Edge Alumni is $210 and for a New Participant is $240 after June 15.
2024 Strength and Mobility Summer Class
Dates: 9 Thursday classes 6:15-7:15 pm from June 13 to August 15
Pricing: Runner’s Edge Alumni $90 | New Participant $105
2024 Summer/Fall Programs
Speed & Hill Sessions:
Dates: Two (2) Session Options; Tuesdays at 6:00 pm from July 9 to August 27 and September 3 to October 29.
Pricing: Save $30 and sign up for both sessions. Runner’s Edge Alumni $160 | New Participant $180; if you are interested in signing up individually, please see our pricing structure with advance/regular registration below.
Summer Advance Registration for a Runner’s Edge Alumni is $80 and for a New Participant is $90 by July 1
Summer Regular Registration for a Runner’s Edge Alumni is $90 and for a New Participant is $100 after July 1
Fall Advance Registration for a Runner’s Edge Alumni is $90 and for a New Participant is $100 by August 27
Fall Regular Registration for a Runner’s Edge Alumni is $100 and for a New Participant is $110 after August 27
The Winter Soldiers
Winter Sessions
Winter program occurs mid November to mid January. Winter sessions include Tuesday offseason Speed & Hill Sessions which also incorporate lots of strength & mobility to maintain your fitness..
2024 Winter Sessions
Dates (November 9 – January 11)
- New Participants Advance Registration (before November 1): $105
- New Participants Regular Registration (after November 1): $120
- Alumni Participants Advance Registration (before November 1): $90
- Alumni Participants Regular Registration (after November 1): $105
The Early Trainer
Spring Sessions
Spring program occurs late January to early June. We hold a mid-spring session from April to mid June for those who want to skip the cold weather. Spring sessions include Tuesday speed and hill sessions from mid January to late June and Thursday Strength & Mobility Classes April & May.
2024 Spring Programs
Dates (January 27 – June 8)
- New Participants Advance Registration (before January 1): $210
- New Participants Regular Registration (after January 1): $225
- Alumni Participants Advance Registration (before January 1): $180
- Alumni Participants Regular Registration (after January 1): $195