The Merrimack Valley Striders are offering a free “couch to 5K” training program for runners and would-be runners who want to compete in the 12th Annual Step Up for Colleen 5K Walk/Run on May 4.
The race honors Colleen Ritzer, who was killed by a student while working as a math teacher at Danvers High School in 2013. There will be an opening ceremony at 8:45 a.m., followed by the race at 9 a.m.
“As a runner and a Colleen’s former AHS Oceanography Marine Biology teacher I am thrilled to be heading this program,” said Mollie Shenker, who is running the training program. “We will continue to promote our free couch to 5k training program on social media. Could you please advertise and or report on this free training program?. “As a town resident, runner, teacher, and mom, I know that these community runs are one of the wonderful parts of the Merrimack Valley community. The Step Up for Colleen holds a special space in my heart.”
The eight-week training program begins on March 1 and meets at Town Park next to the municipal buildings on Bartlet Street in Andover. Training is coached and supported by Merrimack Valley Strider volunteers and begins at 8:30 a.m. for eight weeks preceding the Colleen Ritzer 5K on May 4th.
The complete schedule, which is subject to change:
- Saturday, April 26.
- Saturday, March 1;
- Saturday, March 8;
- Saturday, March 15;
- Saturday, March 22,
- Saturday, March 29,
- Sunday, April 6,
- Saturday, April 12,
For more information, see the Striders’ Website.