The Teen Running club for homeschool families in the Raleigh area to promote physical fitness, build endurance, and foster community though running. Training will begin on Monday, March 2, 20206 at 9:00 AM. The group will meet every Monday at 9:00 AM throughout the the spring, with sessions held at either the American Tobacco Trail or Umstead Park, depending on trail conditions and weekly plans.

The goals of the Teen Running Club are to:

*Encourage healthy habits, consistency, and confidence though running

*Provide structured yet flexible training support for a wide range of abilities

*Prepare participants to complete local train running events

*Build community and friendships among homeschool teens

*Weekly meetings on Mondays at 9:00 AM, beginning March 2, 2026

*The group will meet most weeks, with two planned exceptions, during which runners will complete an independent workout or optional alternate activity

*A detailed calendar of meet-ups and locations is provided below.

American Tobacco Trail: a mostly flat, scenic trail ideal for building endurance and accommodating beginners

Umstead Park: rolling terrain and wooded trials to help runners gain strength, agility, and trail experience

*A proposed weekly training plan will be provided to all participants

*The plan will include suggested mileage, optional workouts (such as intervals or hill training), and recovery guidance

*Runners will choose the race distance they wish to train for, and the plan will be adaptable to different goals.

Emphasis will be placed on community, safety, hydration, proper warm-ups and cool-downs, and enjoyment of running.

To ensure a successful season, we are seeking support from our homeschool community! We are currently looking for one parent co-leader to work alongside the primary parent leader in assisting with communication, weekly meet-ups, runner supervision, and overall coordination, as well as two student participants to serve as club co-leaders.

Student co-leaders will help with group communication and route planning, gaining valuable leadership experience along the way. These roles are collaborative, supportive, and designed to share responsibility while building community. If you or your student(s) are interested in helping lead and support this spring's running club, we would love to hear from you!

Parents are encourage to assist as volunteers, pace leader, or helpers during weekly runs

Participants should bring water, wear appropriate footwear, and dress for the weather

Routes will be chosen with safety and accessibility in mind

Parents are responsible for transportation to and from meet-ups and for registering their child(ren) for races.

The club will train toward two local trail running events, allowing participants to select the distance of races(s) that best suit their interests and ability level.

7K (approximately 4.3 miles): an excellent option for beginner and intermediate runners and a great first trail race

10 miles: ideal for runners seeking a longer endurance challenge on varied trail terrain

2 miles, 4 miles, or 10 miles

This event is known for its fun, welcoming atmosphere and scenic trails featuring dirt paths, roots, rocks, and gentle hills.

Parent volunteers will help support logistics such as rout marking, timing, and group coordination.

3/2 - American Tobacco Trail

3/9 - American Tobacco Trail

3/16 - American Tobacco Trail

3/23 - Umstead Park

3/30 - Umstead Park

4/6 - Umstead Park

4/27 - No meeting (day after race)

5/4 - Umstead Park

5/16 (Saturday) - Zen Squirrel Trail Run (Race Day)

Note: Any weather-related changes or location updates will be communicated in advance.