Kansas City Running and Training Programs
The Runner’s Edge Training Program, established in 1997, is one of the longest running and largest running groups in the country as it has evolved into a highly effective and enjoyable way to boost your physical, mental, and social health! Led by Coach Eladio Valdez, the program emphasizes camaraderie, organized group workouts, and structured training schedules to help participants achieve their fitness and overall health goals while enjoying the process. All abilities and ages are welcomed!
Key Highlights:
- Group Workouts: Participants have a variety of pace groups to choose from, ranging from 7 to 15 minutes per mile. Each group is led by a pace group leader who helps the group warm up while easing into the run for a more enjoyable experience.
- Mileage Options: You have flexibility! Distances span from 1 to 22 miles, catering the training to all distances; from 5Ks to ultramarathons.
- Experienced Coach: Coach Eladio Valdez, with extensive experience in running and coaching, provides guidance and support to participants since 1997 in Kansas City.
Benefits of Joining:
- A variety of fun, safe, and scenic well marked courses with aid stations every 2 miles on Saturday mornings. No need to carry your own water!
- High Reward/Low Risk Training System to minimize injury risks.
- Comprehensive education resources including a 300-page training handbook, weekly tips, and clinics.
- Discounts at local running and health related stores and LOTS of race discounts!
- Flexibility in choosing races, training distances, and paces.
- Access to scenic trails and neighborhoods, exploring new routes every Saturday.
- Specialized speed sessions and strength classes to improve performance and prevent injuries.
Program Achievements:
- Over 2,500 participants with many remaining with the program for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years.
- Program growth from 30 to nearly 250 participants.
- Nearly 500 first time half marathoners, including over 50 walkers totaling over 4,000 half marathons
- Nearly 2,000 marathons completed including over 850 first time with 75 walkers, achieving a 99% finishing rate and nearly 1,000 P.R.’s
- 100+ Boston Marathon qualifiers.
- Accomplishments with several participants completing marathons on all 7 continents and the North Pole, completing the Pike’s Peak Ascent & Marathon, 100-250 mile relay races, various ultra marathons from 50K to 250 miles, and forming lasting relationships including 20 marriages
- Most notable: Participants raised thousands of dollars for local charity organizations.
TRAINING PROGRAMS
The Colorful Session
Summer & Fall Sessions
Summer and Fall programs occur late June to late October/early November Typically our mid-fall sessions are from late August to late October/early November for those who want to skip the hot weather. Summer/Fall sessions include Tuesday speed and hill sessions from early July to late October and Thursday Strength & Mobility Classes June through August to improve your running while learning how to treat and prevent injuries.
2025 Summer/Fall Training Programs
Gear up for your fall race season with our supportive and goal-driven training programs! Whether you’re tackling your first 5K or going after a marathon personal best, our summer/fall sessions are designed to help you succeed. We offer expert coaching, personalized training plans, and a welcoming community to keep you motivated and accountable through the warmer months and into race season. This program is perfect for runners and walkers training for fall races such as the Des Moines Marathon, Kansas City Marathon, Gobbler Grind Marathon, and more. From beginners to seasoned athletes, we focus on building consistency, preventing injury, and making training fun and sustainable.
Join us and take the next step toward your fall finish line—no matter your pace, we’ll help you get there!
2025 Main Summer/Fall Program
Dates: Saturdays at 7:30 AM (June 28 – November 1, 2025)
Location: Scenic, supported routes throughout the Kansas City metro area
Train through the summer and into the fall with our supportive and goal-driven program! Whether you’re targeting your first 5K or a marathon personal best, this program offers expert coaching, individualized plans, and a vibrant running community. Perfect for those preparing for fall races like the Des Moines Marathon, Kansas City Marathon, Gobbler Grind, and more. All levels and paces are welcome—walkers, runners, and everyone in between!
Registration Fees:
| Registration Type | Deadline | Alumni | New Participant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance Registration | By June 1, 2025 | $185 | $215 |
| Regular Registration | By June 15, 2025 | $205 | $235 |
| Late Registration | After June 15, 2025 | $225 | $255 |
Strength & Mobility Summer/Fall Classes
Details for Summer Mobility Programs will be released later this year!
Speed & Hill Summer/Fall Programs
Details for Summer/Fall Programs will be released later this year!
The Winter Soilders
Winter Sessions
The Holiday sessions will feature runs through some of the best holiday lights in the city and will be more laid back offseason workouts to maintain basic fitness, so lots of festive sights to see to get in you into the spirit of the holiday season while sneaking in a good enough workout! For the Winter session, we’ll ease back into things to get ready for the spring!
Winter Program
This program is perfect for those looking to enhance their mental, physical, and social well-being in a fun and manageable way. Enjoy running in refreshing winter conditions while staying in shape for the holiday season and preparing for a successful spring. Join us for scenic, safe courses with aid stations, whether you’re training for a winter marathon or just seeking camaraderie.
Dates: Saturday Mornings at 7:30am on safe and scenic routes throughout the Kansas City metro.
The Early Trainer
Spring Sessions
Spring program occurs late January to early June. We hold a mid-spring session from April to mid June for those who want to skip the cold weather. Spring sessions include Tuesday speed and hill sessions from mid January to late June and Thursday Strength & Mobility Classes April & May.
2025 Spring Programs
This spring program aims to help participants complete their first race, improve their performance, or simply stay active in a supportive environment. Whether you’re training for a marathon, half marathon, 5K, or 10K, our program provides expert coaching, personalized plans, and a welcoming community. With a focus on health, consistency, and fun, runners and walkers alike can target races like the Garmin Marathon, Running with the Cows, and Hospital Hill. No matter your pace or experience level, we’re here to help you reach your goals this spring!
Mid Spring Program
Dates: Saturday Mornings on safe and scenic routes throughout the Kansas City metro. (March 29, 2025 – June 14, 2025)
Full Spring Program (currently in session)
Dates: Saturday Mornings at 7:30am on safe and scenic routes throughout the Kansas City metro. (January 27, 2025 – June 8, 2025)
Spring Speed Session Program
Dates: Two (2) options for Spring Speed Sessions. Two Sessions of 8 workouts at 6:00 PM on Tuesday evenings at a variety of locations. (Early Spring March 11 – April 29 and Late Spring May 6 – June 24