Running and Fitness Training Programs in Kansas City
Professional Marathon and fitness Training Coach in Kansas City
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!
Benefits of Joining Runner's Edge, A Kansas City Local Running Group
- 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.
- 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.
Our Program Achievements:
- Over 2,500 participants with many remaining with the program for 5, 10, 15, 20, and even up to 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.
Kansas City Running Programs
Winter Sessions
The Holiday sessions will feature runs through some of the most scenic routes 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 Speed & Hill Programs in Kansas City
Dates: Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
Location: Scenic, supported routes throughout the Kansas City metro area
This program is designed for individuals looking to enhance their mental, physical, and social well-being through dynamic, progressive training that focuses on both hill and flat terrain. Participants will benefit from group-based workouts that improve speed, strength, and stamina, while experiencing fun, innovative, and low-risk sessions that yield high rewards.
Winter Speed Session Dates: January 20 to March 10
Registration Fees:
| Registration Type | Deadline | Alumni | New Participant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Registration | By January 19, 2026 | $80 | $90 |
Winter Marathon and Half Marathon Running Programs in Kansas City
Dates: Saturday Mornings at 7:30am
Location: Scenic, supported routes throughout the Kansas City metro.
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.
Winter Session Dates: November 14, 2026 to January 16, 2027
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.
Spring Running Programs in Kansas City
Dates: Saturday Mornings at 7:30am
Location: Scenic, supported routes throughout the Kansas City metro area
This spring program aims to help participants complete their first race, improve their performance, or simply stay active in a supportive environment. 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!
Spring Session Dates: January 17, 2026 to June 13, 2026
| Registration Type | Deadline | Alumni | New Participant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance Registration | By January 1, 2026 | $185 | $215 |
| Regular Registration | By January 17, 2026 | $205 | $235 |
| Late Registration | After January 17, 2026 | $225 | $255 |
Spring Speed & Hill Programs in Kansas City
Dates: Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
Location: Scenic, supported routes throughout the Kansas City metro area
This program is designed for individuals looking to enhance their mental, physical, and social well-being through dynamic, progressive training that focuses on both hill and flat terrain. Participants will benefit from group-based workouts that improve speed, strength, and stamina, while experiencing fun, innovative, and low-risk sessions that yield high rewards.
Early Spring Session Dates: March 17 to May 5
Late Spring Session Dates: May 12 to June 30
Summer & Fall Training 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 and Fall Marathon Training Programs for Runners in Kansas City
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!
Summer and Fall Running Programs in Kansas City
Dates: Saturday Mornings at 7:30am
Location: Scenic, supported routes throughout the Kansas City metro area
This summer program aims to help participants complete their first race, improve their performance, or simply stay active in a supportive environment. 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 of their choosing. No matter your pace or experience level, we’re here to help you reach your goals this summer!
Summer and Fall Session Dates: June 27 to October 31
Summer Rehab Run Classes in Kansas City
Dates: Thursdays at 6:00 PM
Location: Scenic, supported routes throughout the Kansas City metro area
This essential program is perfect for runners looking to boost their longevity, health, and enjoyment of the sport. It offers practical instruction on muscle flossing using everyday items found along running routes, proper foam rolling techniques, and effective warm-up and cool-down routines. Participants will also engage in strength training workouts that use affordable, portable equipment, and learn simple, preventative strategies—like ‘prehab’ runs and balance exercises—to stay healthy and run through injuries safely while still improving.
Summer Session Dates: TBD
Speed & Hill Summer/Fall Programs in Kansas City
Dates: Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
Location: Scenic, supported routes throughout the Kansas City metro area
This program is designed for individuals looking to enhance their mental, physical, and social well-being through dynamic, progressive training that focuses on both hill and flat terrain. Participants will benefit from group-based workouts that improve speed, strength, and stamina, while experiencing fun, innovative, and low-risk sessions that yield high rewards.
Summer Session Dates: July 7 to September 8
Fall Session Dates: September 15 to November 10