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PGRC Winter 8K Program

in United States at Greenbelt Park

Online registration for this event is closed.


  • Individual
    PGRC membership is required to participate; become a PGRC member on step 2 of the registration process.

    Online registration is closed for this category.




About the Program

The coed three-month training program geared toward adults of all ages. The program begins Saturday, Jan. 8 and ends with an 8K "graduation"¯ race on Saturday, April 9. The purpose of the program is to train adults who have completed a 5K race in the last six months and are ready to train for an 8K race. Coaches will use a Run/Walk combination to improve endurance and speed.

Location and Time

Participants will meet at Greenbelt Park in Greenbelt, MD, on Saturdays and at the University of Maryland Kehoe track in College Park, MD, on Tuesday evenings. The third Saturday of the month the session will be held at different sites around the county. Participants should check the PGRC website for any location or time change.

Participants should arrive at the Sweetgum picnic area in Greenbelt Park by 7:45 a.m. prepared to start training at 8:00 a.m. Greenbelt Park is located off of Route 193.

Frequently asked questions about the 2011 PGRC 8K training program

Q. Who runs the program?
A. The Prince Georges Running Club, PGRC, is a volunteer organization for runners affiliated with the Road Runners Club of America, RRCA. The coaches and pace leaders are volunteers and many are certified through the RRCA. The head coach for the 2011 8K Training Program is Juanita Roberts, a PGRC member and certified running coach.

Q. How is the January 2011 8K program structured?
A. Each participant will be assigned to a group appropriate to his/her speed and level of fitness. Attendance will be recorded. Each pace group will have one or more pace leaders who will guide the group during the Saturday and Tuesday workouts. After every workout the group will gather for stretching. Some sessions may include a brief presentation on information important to achieving the goal of completing the 8K “graduation” race. Participants who are unavoidably absent for a session are expected to complete a workout on their own. A schedule of the training program, including the track workouts, will be distributed on the first day of the program.

Q. Will I stay in the same group for the duration of the program? Can I request to move to another group?
A. Each week the coaches will meet to discuss each participant's progress. Participants may be assigned to different groups based on an assessment by the coaches. Any questions or concerns should be shared with the pace leader or coaches.

Q. What are the requirements for participation?
A. The 8K Training Program is open to all members of PGRC. Membership in the club is required for participation for insurance purposes. Club membership is $20 per year for individuals or $25 a year for families and is valid for one year. Membership fees are not prorated; no matter what month you join the club, membership will expire Dec. 31 of each year. In addition to being a member of PGRC, The 8K Training Program fee is $45. The $45 fee covers the cost of registration for the 8K graduation race and all group training. Membership and Program fees are nonrefundable.

Q. How do I register for the 8K Program?
A. Members may sign up online at www.getmeregistered.com, which can be accessed through the club site www.pgrc.org. If you are NOT a PGRC member, you may join the club at the same time you register for the program. If you are a member, you can renew membership at the same time you register for the 8K program. Registration will close on January 12, 2011.
The following are requirements in addition to membership in the club, and payment of the 8K Training Program fee.


  • Participants are required to volunteer at one club event during the course of the year.
  • Attendance is required at the Saturday sessions, which begin promptly at 7:45 a.m. and end by 9:30 a.m. Time allowance includes a short warm up, run/walk session, and a stretch session.
  • Participants must have completed a 5K race with a verifiable time of 45 minutes or less in the last six months. For those unable to meet the time requirement, PGRC offers a beginner's program that runs during the same 12 weeks as the 8K program.
  • Weekly track workouts will be held Tuesday evenings from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the University of Maryland Kehoe track. Participants unable to make the weekly track session will be expected to complete the workout on their own. Consult the club website for details or any time or location change.
  • The 8K participants will sign a liability waiver and agree to abide by program rules.
  • MP3 players and other musical devices are prohibited for safety considerations.

Q. I recently completed a half-marathon or a full marathon, is the 8K program for me?
A. The 8K program is designed for the beginner runner, who is ready to move to the appropriate next race distance, the 8K. If you have recently, in the last six-to-nine months, run a race with a distance of more than 10K, you would not be considered a beginner. In that case, you should consult with the PGRC website for other training programs that are more suitable.

Q. I am diabetic or have some other medical issue and I am concerned that the 8K program may be too stressful for me. Am I a candidate for the 8K program?
A. Every participant is encouraged to seek a medical opinion from his or her medical provider prior to signing up for a training program. The program is run by a group of volunteer coaches and pace leaders who cannot offer medical advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to discuss any and all medical questions with their medical provider. There are diabetic runners and coaches in the club, so diabetes in itself does not disqualify you from the program provided you have professional medical clearance.

Q. Will I need to purchase equipment and other tools to participate in the program?
A. Yes. Each participant is encouraged to purchase the appropriate clothing and equipment. It is important that each participant wears the appropriate running shoes, foundation garments, weather- appropriate clothing and carries a water bottle or other fluid replacement. Other suggestions will be offered during the training.

Q. Can I bring my child to the sessions?
A. No. There are no childcare facilities available.

Q. I want to participate in the program but will miss some Saturdays due to prior commitments. Can I still participate?
A. Yes, the coaches are aware that vacations and travel may require an occasional missed session. However, it is expected that each participant will keep absences to a minimum and make up the missed workouts on their own.

Q. Does the program operate in inclement weather?
A. Yes, except that training workouts are canceled in the event of lightning, thunder or large amounts of snowfall. When in question participants should check the PGRC website, Twitter account or e-mail messages sent directly to their group.

Q. I am a walker, not a runner. I do not want to run, nor do I plan to run. Can I still participate in the training program?
A. No, the 8K program is for participants who want to improve running skills. The goal is to get participants to the point where they can run an 8K course.

Q. I have other questions not covered by this information sheet.
A. There will be a question and answer forum immediately before the first session begins.

Need More Information?

email: Training@PGRC.org
web: www.pgrc.org
phone: 202.521.1495


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