A Running Start

Registration for the 2025 Fall Session is NOW OPEN!

A RUNNING START — 2025 FALL SESSION

The first session of the 11 week program will be on Thursday, August 7th. Training sessions are held on Thursdays at 6pm at Saint City Running.
The 2025 Fall Session finale will be racing the Victory 5K on Saturday, October 18th at Victory Memorial Drive in Minneapolis.

A Running Start is focuses on the true beginner. The goal of this class is to create more runners.  We want you to be starting at the start.

Are you someone who has been curious about running but needs structure and support to see it through? Identify as “not a runner”, or coming back to the sport after some time away? This will be that first step. Can you walk for 30 minutes? If yes, we can get you to finish your first 5K. Our training plan includes walking and running, thoughtfully working you up to the 5k distance! We meet once a week to share a workout as a group and dive deeper into different educational topics with our coaches. We also give you a comprehensive training plan that provides an additional 4-5 days of walking and running workouts per week. While we encourage our participants to follow the training plan to the best of their ability, we understand life gets in the way sometimes and will help you tweak and adjust things as needed.

No matter your cultural, racial, or financial background, we want to empower you to not only run a 5k but also to take agency over your own running journey and physical health. We do that by sharing experiences as a group, brining in expert guest speakers, holding “office hours” where you can get personalized advice, and maintaining one-on-one interactions with our coaches. Don’t just take it from us, though — here are some reflections from runners that joined our very first Running Start Program.

“After the run club, I look at exercising differently now. I don’t want to go to the gym anymore, I want to run outside!” - Jessica

“I think I’ll probably be a lifelong runner now! Really life changing!” - Betsy

“The coaches were amazing! Having them be able to structure training and explain it was so helpful.” - Sara

“I’ve just enjoyed this class and this group of people, getting back to a training schedule. It’s just so much fun.” - Tim

What’s included:  A $25 gift card towards a professional fitting and pair of shoes at Saint City Running, a custom ASICS running shirt, Feetures socks, and a complimentary race entry to the Victory 5K.

Signup with a friend and each of you receives $10 off your entry. Use coupon code: "ARSFriend" at checkout, and include your friend's name in the notes box.