Start date: Thursday, July 30th 2026 at 6:00pm

Location: Longfellow Elementary School

Duration: Every Thursday for 9 weeks, ending on Sept 24th

• The Next Step Building to 10K Program is for runners of varying abilities. Participants will do a 2 mile time trial July 30 at Longfellow Elementary at 6pm so coordinators can group participants with those of similar abilities.
• Weekly training runs will involve a variety of running techniques including speed work and hill work to improve running performance
• All runners should be able to run 3 miles before starting the program.

The program will meet weekly at the Longfellow Elementary School: 5470 Hesperus Dr, Columbia, MD 21044 at 6PM. Nearby running routes include:

• Beaverbrook neighborhoods
• Harpers Choice neighborhood
• Wilde Lake neighborhoods
• Paths at the beginning of the Bagel Run

The program meets weekly on Thursdays at 6PM starting on July 30th. Participants will do a 2 mile time trial July 30 at Longfellow Elementary at 6pm so that coordinators can group participants with those of similar speeds. We run when it rains, but not when there is lightning or thunder!

You must arrive to be ready and start training promptly at 6:00 PM each session!

Registrants must be a HCS member!
The cost covers:

• The program fee covers:
  • 8 weekly training sessions with experienced coaches
  • Weekly communication with coaches
  • 20% discount on entry into Columbia Classic 10K
    (NOTE: There is NO code to receive discount. A credit will be issued to whatever form of payment is used once program registration is closed.)

Looking to register for the race itself? Click Here

For more information, please email coordinators:

• Bill Arbeleaz: bill.arbelaez@striders.net
• Xuesong Wang: xuesong.wang@striders.net