10K Program

The 10K Fall Training Program is a structured, group-oriented program designed to train participants to complete a 10K (6.2 mile) distance.  The program will peak at a long-run distance of 7-8 miles.  The 10K philosophy is that anyone who wants to run a 10K race, and follows the prescribed training plan, can achieve their goal.  The training program is designed with the Rockville 10K/5K as one of several goal races and encourages participation in several MCRRC races throughout the remainder of the year, including Run Under the Lights, Turkey Burnoff, Seneca Slopes, and our goal race of Jingle Bell Jog.  The Program is also suitable for participation in the many 8K, 10K, or 5-mile options in the DMV area.

Prerequisites:  Participants in this program are comprised of runners, run/walkers, or walkers. Program participants should have some running (or run/walking) experience. It is recommended program participants have a 3-mile run or run/walk base at the start of the program. We welcome participants of all abilities — including beginning runners, run/walkers, and walkers.  Participants of the walking group will walk to achieve and participate in the 10K distance (6.2 miles).  MCRRC Membership is required for participation in this program.  If you are not a member, you will have the opportunity to join MCRRC during registration.  Participants must be 18 or older to register.

Structure:

The 10K Program includes two weekly in-person workouts – a Tuesday track workout and a Saturday longer workout/ run.  Participation in MCRRC races will be encouraged and may occasionally be used as a substitute for some long runs (note that some races occur on Sundays).  The weekly track workouts will be held on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM at Winston Churchill High School (11300 Gainsborough Rd, Potomac) and long runs will be held on Saturday mornings at 7:30 AM – the locations will vary as we explore the many wonderful running routes available in Montgomery County. In mid-November, the schedule “lightens up”, with track runs being optional. In addition, it is recommended that participants complete 1 to 2 additional runs of 2-4 miles or cross training on your own during the week. Please note the track location is always subject to change at any time during the program, due to availability.

During registration, participants will be asked for a recent race time.  This information will be used to assess each individual’s running ability in order to group you with participants of similar ability. Each participant will be placed into a pace group based on the provided information. Each pace group will be led by at least one pace coach to keep participants motivated and safe during the group runs.  Running and run/walk groups will be provided up to 14:00 minutes per mile.  And there is a strong walking group in our program so walkers are encouraged!

** For those participating in both the 10K Program and Fall 5K Run/ Walk Program, a $15 discount will be available on the 10K Program registration page.  To take advantage of both programs, please be sure to first register for the Fall 5K Run/ Walk Program before contacting the 10K Program Director for further instructions on how to apply the discount.

Cost:  Online registration is $94.32 and is non-refundable. This price includes the registration + processing fee. You may pay less in processing fees per participant if you add more items to your cart.

Program Dates: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – Sunday, December 7, 2025

Orientation:

Date/Time:  Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Location: Winston Churchill High School, 11300 Gainsborough Rd, Potomac – please come dressed & prepared to run!

Program Directors:  Mary Travaglini and Craig Mathson

Mary is a Road Runner Club of America (RRCA) certified running coach who has been running MCRRC for 14 years. Mary started running with the club after back surgery and the run/walk style of the 5K program made running possible! Mary has helped pace coach the 5K program and runs with the 10k and Speed Development Programs. Mary loves running with fellow members and the motivation they give her to lace up and explore Montgomery County. This will be her fourth year co-directing the 10K program.

Craig became a member of MCRRC in 2017 through the Speed Development Program. His enthusiasm for running and helping others inspired him to become a coach, where he has successfully guided and motivated runners of all abilities. His coaching portfolio includes a wide range of programs such as the Spring 8K/10K, Fall 5K Run/Walk, Fall 10K, Winter 5K Run/Walk, and both Summer and Winter Half Marathon Programs. As an RRCA-certified coach, Craig leverages his extensive experience and knowledge to support runners at all levels, drawing from his personal participation in numerous 5K’s to Half Marathons over the years.