Turkey Trot 5K Training — Baltimore

1500 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231

First Run

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Start Time

6:30 pm

Training Runs

Every Tuesday Every Saturday

Start Time

6:30 pm 7:30 am
Valencia Hike

Coach: Valencia Hike

My running journey started in late 2012. I was overweight and could barely run to the mailbox, let alone a mile. My goal was to lose weight and help my family become healthier, so I decided to give running a try.  I coached myself through a couch to 5k program and completed my first 5k.  I joined Black Girls Run and ran my first half marathon a few months later.  Running not only gave me life, but it was also my therapy.  Running allowed me to drop 80 pounds and do things I never thought were possible.  I went on to run several half marathons, marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlons, and OCR races.

 
Valencia is an RRCA certified run coach.  She is a run coordinator and ambassador for BGR! Baltimore.  She is the past president of the Baltimore Road Runners Club, where she also served as a couch to 5k and mid-distance running coach and race director.  She has served as a Ragnar Super Ambassador and Baltimore Women's Classic (BWC) coach for 7 years and is currently on the Brooks Run Happy Team. Valencia is passionate about helping new runners and increasing the diversity and inclusivity within her running community.


Virtual Training

We also offer virtual training options for our training programs.. You can either purchase a training plan or sign up for monthly virtual training with access to an expert coach.

Sponsored by Altra

Description

We are proud to be the Official Training Group of the The Y in Central Maryland Turkey Trot Charity Race

Whether you are a walker looking to take your first running steps or an experienced 5Ker looking to improve your speed, there is a place in our training group for you! Each group targets a local 5K race but regardless of if you are racing at the end of the program, this group will help you establish a consistent running routine.

This 6-week 5K training program is offered at Charm City Run locations. You will meet twice a week for supported group runs with your fellow runners and coach – once for a speed workout and once for a distance run in addition to following a weekly training plan. The small group atmosphere will also allow you to connect with other runners in the area.

Our next 5K groups starts the week of October 18th* and targets  The Y in Central Maryland Turkey Trot Charity 5K on Thursday, November 27th or another race within that time frame. Regardless of if you want to race – join the group to enjoy creating a consistent running routine with a supportive small group!

*starting dates and times will vary by location

Requirements

No running experience necessary! Runners, walkers and run/walkers of all levels welcome!

What To Expect

  • Supported group runs and workouts twice a week with planned routes, hydration and companionship
  • Positive and welcoming atmosphere for runners and walkers of all levels

  • Weekly training plans – beginner and intermediate options

  • Access to expert coaching services and advice

  • Gait analysis with footwear recommendations

  • 10% store discount at Charm City Run

  • 15% off Charm City Run signature races
  • Nutrition, gear and injury prevention education

  • Altra training premium (while supplies last)

Questions

Do you have a question about our training programs? Send an email to our Training Director, Natalie Ferguson, at natalie@charmcityrun.com and we will get back to you with more information.

Turkey Trot 5K Training — Baltimore

1500 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231

First Run

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Start Time

6:30 pm

Training Runs

Every Tuesday Every Saturday

Start Time

6:30 pm 7:30 am

Sponsored by Altra

Description

We are proud to be the Official Training Group of the The Y in Central Maryland Turkey Trot Charity Race

Whether you are a walker looking to take your first running steps or an experienced 5Ker looking to improve your speed, there is a place in our training group for you! Each group targets a local 5K race but regardless of if you are racing at the end of the program, this group will help you establish a consistent running routine.

This 6-week 5K training program is offered at Charm City Run locations. You will meet twice a week for supported group runs with your fellow runners and coach – once for a speed workout and once for a distance run in addition to following a weekly training plan. The small group atmosphere will also allow you to connect with other runners in the area.

Our next 5K groups starts the week of October 18th* and targets  The Y in Central Maryland Turkey Trot Charity 5K on Thursday, November 27th or another race within that time frame. Regardless of if you want to race – join the group to enjoy creating a consistent running routine with a supportive small group!

*starting dates and times will vary by location

Requirements

No running experience necessary! Runners, walkers and run/walkers of all levels welcome!

What To Expect

  • Supported group runs and workouts twice a week with planned routes, hydration and companionship
  • Positive and welcoming atmosphere for runners and walkers of all levels

  • Weekly training plans – beginner and intermediate options

  • Access to expert coaching services and advice

  • Gait analysis with footwear recommendations

  • 10% store discount at Charm City Run

  • 15% off Charm City Run signature races
  • Nutrition, gear and injury prevention education

  • Altra training premium (while supplies last)

Questions

Do you have a question about our training programs? Send an email to our Training Director, Natalie Ferguson, at natalie@charmcityrun.com and we will get back to you with more information.

Valencia Hike

Coach: Valencia Hike

My running journey started in late 2012. I was overweight and could barely run to the mailbox, let alone a mile. My goal was to lose weight and help my family become healthier, so I decided to give running a try.  I coached myself through a couch to 5k program and completed my first 5k.  I joined Black Girls Run and ran my first half marathon a few months later.  Running not only gave me life, but it was also my therapy.  Running allowed me to drop 80 pounds and do things I never thought were possible.  I went on to run several half marathons, marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlons, and OCR races.

 
Valencia is an RRCA certified run coach.  She is a run coordinator and ambassador for BGR! Baltimore.  She is the past president of the Baltimore Road Runners Club, where she also served as a couch to 5k and mid-distance running coach and race director.  She has served as a Ragnar Super Ambassador and Baltimore Women's Classic (BWC) coach for 7 years and is currently on the Brooks Run Happy Team. Valencia is passionate about helping new runners and increasing the diversity and inclusivity within her running community.


Virtual Training

We also offer virtual training options for our training programs.. You can either purchase a training plan or sign up for monthly virtual training with access to an expert coach.