Middle School Runners 5K Challenge
TotalRunnerAthletics will be partnering this fall with East Granby Parks & Recreation to offer middle school students a unique running club opportunity. The Runners 5K Challenge is the perfect program for middle school students looking to take their running to the next level. Designed to prepare participants for cross-country running and track & field, this program begins with a 4-week intensive training period.
Runners will learn advanced techniques, pacing strategies, and goal-setting skills to prepare for 5k race season (weeks 5-10).
Participation in weekly 5k events will allow students to test their skills and compete in a friendly, supportive environment while preparing them for participation in Cross Country & Track & Field at the High School level.
Key Features:
- Advanced training for experienced runners and beginners through a customized 5k training plan for every athlete.
- Weekly 5K races to challenge and motivate weeks 5-10.
- Focus on technique, endurance, and mental toughness.
- Encourages healthy competition and camaraderie.
- Builds a foundation for future cross-country and track success.
Schedule:
Week 1 through 4: 5k training at East Granby Farms, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, students will be transported to East Granby Farms upon dismissal. Parent pickup of athletes is at 4 p.m at East Granby Farms (79 North Main Street, East Granby).
Week 1: Wednesday, 9/4 and Friday 9/6: Practice.
Week 2: Monday, 9/9 & Wednesday 9/11: Practice, No session on Friday 9/13.
Week 3: Monday, 9/16, Wednesday, 9/18, Friday, 9/20: Practice
Week 4: Monday, 9/23, Wednesday, 9/25, Friday, 9/27: Practice
Weeks 5 – 10: Race Season Begins, Practice on Monday & Wednesday only with one scheduled race each weekend)
Week 5: Monday, 9/30, Wednesday, 10/2: Practice,
Week 6: Monday, 10/7, Wednesday, 10/9: Practice. Saturday, 10/12: Race Day: Hartland Harvest Run Saturday 10/12: Race Day: Farmington Valley Pumpkin Run
Week 7: Monday, 10/14: NO SCHOOL: No practice, Wednesday, 10/16, EARLY RELEASE, practice runs dismissal until 2:30 p.m., Saturday, 10/19: Race Day: HMF 5k or Kid’s Run
Week 8: Monday, 10/21, Wednesday, 10/23: Practice. Saturday, 10/26, Race Day Collinsville Trick or Trot
Week 9: Monday, 10/28, Wednesday, 10/30: Practice. Saturday, 11/2: Race Day
Week 10: Monday, 11/4, Wednesday 11/6: Practice. Saturday, 11/9: Race Day: HMF Husky Run & Ruck or Jamies Run for CT Children’s
Registration Cost:
Program cost: $235 per resident and $245 non-resident, Families with two or more participants can receive a $25 discount for a second, and third child. Registration fee includes a custom training plan for their unique needs, a training log for recording their runs and other physical activity, a water bottle, and an after-school snack to fuel their run. An additional fee for the required uniform will be added once the price is finalized in the coming week.
Weekly Races: Participation in local events during weeks 5-10 is optional but highly encouraged. Families will receive race registration links to all events in their athlete welcome packet. All links for these events provide families with a discounted rate through TotalRunnerAthletics as a member of our team. Links can be shared with family and friends to encourage others to participate and support your athlete. I strongly encourage you to register your child for any events of interest as early as possible since most of these events will sell out prior to race day.
Uniforms: Runners who participate in the weekly race series will be required to wear a team uniform. Uniforms will include a cross country singlet and shorts (if your child plans to wear a t-shirt under the singlet they should order a size up, the singlet is not fitted, but do run true to size). This fee will be added to the account once it is finalized.
There will be optional items available to purchase in the team store (coming soon). Families will receive details regarding optional gear in their welcome packet and will need to be ordered by 9/6.