Lake Merritt Run Club · Training Programs
Beginner Running Class
Five weeks to your first 5K or 10K. RRCA-certified coaches, Sunday morning sessions at Lake Merritt, all abilities welcome.
Your First 5K Starts Here
Lake Merritt Run Club offers a beginner running class to help individuals prepare to comfortably run a 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles). This program is designed for those new to running or anyone who wants to improve their endurance for distances of 3–6 miles.
We meet in person on five consecutive Sunday mornings from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the picturesque Lake Merritt in Oakland. Group meetings are supportive, fun, and engaging — covering essential topics such as running form, safety, injury prevention, and other fundamental running skills.
This training is best suited for anyone looking to build up to a 5K, runners of all paces looking to improve their endurance and stamina, and those who wish to restart their running journey. Advance registration is required with a minimum of 20 participants.
Questions or need fee assistance? Contact organizer Ed Vitocruz at vitocruz@lakemerrittrunclub.org
What’s included
- 5 in-person Sunday sessions
- 5-week training plan
- Running form coaching
- Online resources & documents
- Injury prevention guidance
Who it’s for
- Absolute beginners
- Run/walk participants
- Returning after a break
- Slower runners improving endurance
- All paces welcome
Meeting details
Sunday mornings · 9:00–10:30 AM
5 consecutive weeks
Adams Point, Lake Merritt
Oakland, CA
Optional goal race
Optional local 5K or 10K at end of program — register separately. Coach shares recommendations each session.
Choose Your Plan
Select your ticket type below and register on the event page. Save $10 by joining Lake Merritt Run Club before registering.
- All 5 Sunday sessions
- 5-week training plan
- RRCA-certified coaching
- Online resources
- Member discount applied
- All 5 Sunday sessions
- 5-week training plan
- RRCA-certified coaching
- Online resources
- Join club to save $10
- All 5 Sunday sessions
- 5-week training plan
- RRCA-certified coaching
- Online resources
- Contact organizer for discount code
No one is turned away for financial reasons. Contact organizer Ed Vitocruz at vitocruz@lakemerrittrunclub.org to request fee assistance or the returning participant discount code.
Membership is just $25/year and saves you $10 on this class plus discounts on all future training programs.
What to Expect
Week 1 — Getting Started
Introduction to running form, breathing, and pacing. Group warm-up and first run/walk interval session. Meet your coaches and fellow participants.
Weeks 2–3 — Building Endurance
Progressive run/walk intervals increasing your continuous running time each week. Topics include safety, injury prevention, and hydration.
Weeks 4–5 — Race Prep
Longer continuous runs, race-day preparation tips, and a final session to celebrate your progress. Optional goal race recommendations provided.
Optional Goal Race
An optional local 5K or 10K race at the end of the program — register separately. Coach shares current recommendations. Recent options have included the SF Pride Run and Rock the Lock 5K/10K at Lake Chabot.
Adams Point, Lake Merritt
Grassy Meadow just before the Sailboat House
5 consecutive weeks
Upcoming Sessions
Sessions below pull automatically from our events calendar and are always up to date. Click any session to register.
Meet the Team
Coach Laureli M.
Head Coach · RRCA CertifiedCertified running coach under the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). Leads the Beginner Running Class program at Lake Merritt.
Ed Vitocruz
Organizer · RRCA Certified CoachRRCA certified running coach and program organizer. Questions about the program, fee assistance, or returning participant discount codes? View profile or email vitocruz@lakemerrittrunclub.org
Ready to Start Running?
Five Sundays. RRCA coaches. Lake Merritt. All abilities welcome.