Press release here:
BEGINNING RUNNERS PROGRAM KICKS OFF 13TH YEAR ON MAY 5
Designed to train all levels, ages and abilities to compete in Bele Chere 5K
ASHEVILLE – Asheville Track Club, in partnership with Asheville Parks and Recreation, kicks off its 12-week Beginning Runners Program on Tuesday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at Carrier Park off Amboy Road in West Asheville. The class is designed to help first-time runners of all ages and fitness levels reach a goal of completing the Bele Chere 5K on July 25. The program is also appropriate for injured runners who want to come back gradually without reinjuring and runners who have taken time off and want to resume the activity.
Runners meet three times a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Each class is a combination of running and walking. As the class progresses, the amount of walking decreases and running increases until members are able to run nonstop in – or at least complete – the 5K race.
The program is free, though participants contribute 50 cents per class to help raise funds for program T-shirts and joining ATC is encouraged.
Aside from support and coaching, the program features guest speakers on topics such as injury prevention, nutrition, proper footwear, trail running, hydration and stretching. Head coach is Tom Kingsbury, who started running five years ago in his mid-40s after a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Today Kingsbury competes regularly and no longer needs diabetes medications.
“People are aware of the need to increase their physical activity to control their weight and improve their cardiovascular fitness,” said Wayne Stanko, president of ATC and co-coach of the program. “Some people try to run a mile. They feel like it is the worst thing they have ever done, and they never try again. But the Asheville Track Club’s Beginning Runners Program makes it easy. It’s a safe, sane way to start on the road to physical fitness.”
In its 13th year, the Beginning Runners Program has added more than 500 runners to the ATC community – from preteens to 70 – with 50 runners completing the challenge last year. Registration for the class takes place at the park on May 5 at 6 p.m. Online registration is also available at www.ashevilletrackclub.org.
For questions about the program, contact Kingsbury at 665-7526 or burytom@charter.net.