We will be meeting in smaller groups with this program in order to meet the guidelines for COVID-19 social distancing. Masks will also be required.

Maximum of 100 participants. HCS will also be monitoring COVID guidelines and will adjust as needed to remain in compliance of any/all group gathering requirements for the County. We ask that all participants be cognizant of this in order to be flexible with groupings as needed.

We have decided to combine the Next Step 10k and Next Step 10 mile program for 2021!! We will have some of the best coaches to be found. Don’t miss out!

We’ll meet at Wilde Lake High School, which enables us to run to Lake Kittamaqundi, Howard Community College, Wilde Lake and the paths at the beginning of the Bagel Run! Due to current restrictions on high school track permits we will not use Wilde Lake HS Track.

The Next Step 10k/10 Mile Program has three tracks. The first will have a plan and structure for runners who have been running 3 to 5 miles on a run and would like to attempt their first 10k race. The second will have a plan and structure for runners who have been running 5 to 7 miles on a run and would like to attempt their first 10 mile race. The third is intended for runners who are running several times a week and whose long run is between 8 and 10 miles and want to improve their speed for this distance.

Weekly training runs will involve speed work, hill work and all sorts of training with runners of similar speeds and abilities.

The Next Step 10k/10 Mile training calendar will specifically prepare you for running the Baltimore 10-miler, but this race is not required. You will need to register separately for the B-10 if you would like to participate in it.

Cost covers Wednesday training session with experienced coaches, weekly communication with the coaches and a premium with the Striders/Next Step Logo on it.

We will meet Wednesday nights. We run when it rains, but not when there is lightning or thunder!

We will have a 5K time trial on March 17 in order to place participants with those of similar speeds.

*You MUST be a current Howard County Striders member in order toparticipate! Not already a member? Sign-up here: HCS Membership

For event-related questions, please click on the Contact the Organizers button on the left-hand side of this page.