2026 In-Training Fall Beginners 5K

In-Training powered by adidas

Registration opens late August 2026.

Atlanta Track Club's 2026 In-Training Fall Beginners 5K program is designed for beginner athletes with the goal of participating in and finishing their first 5K road race, the 2026 Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day 5K! The program is intended for both beginner runners and walkers and combines structured workouts whether training at home or as a group at Atlanta Track Club headquarters.

The 2026 In-Training Fall Beginners 5K program features:

  • In-Training Certified Coaches to guide you while keeping you accountable
  • Online learning opportunities on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. led by Atlanta's running and walking subject matter experts followed by Q&A
  • In-person, midweek workouts at five different locations throughout the metro Atlanta area
  • In-person, Saturday workouts at Atlanta Track Club headquarters
  • Training grounded in science and experience guided by Atlanta Track Club's coaching philosophy
  • Daily email/text reminders of workouts powered by Final Surge
  • Online platform to build community and camaraderie
  • Course preview run on November 14 to make sure you're ready to roll on race day
  • Premium race day experience including dedicated In-Training home base offering In-Training athletes exclusive gear check, private portable restrooms, post-race celebration and more

This training program is for beginners aiming to complete their first 5K. While participants do not have to be consistently exercising prior to the program, all participants must be cleared by a medical professional that they are healthy enough to train.

Notes
1. We encourage you to make sure you have a current 2026 Atlanta Track Club Membership before you register for this training program or other Atlanta Track Club events to ensure you receive the lowest price for the program or event.
2. This In-Training program does not include entry into the 2026 Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day 5K. Register for the race here.
3. This In-Training program includes an optional field trip to the 2026 PNC Atlanta 5K on Sunday, October 25. If you plan to participate in the 5K race, you must register for the race. Register for the race here. There will be no in-person practice at Atlanta Track Club headquarters on Saturday, October 24.

In some cases, the program may be shortened for late registrants. Please email training@atlantatrackclub.org if you are interested in training with Atlanta Track Club but need to reduce the length of the program.

Training Program Policies

Distances

  • 5K (3.1 miles)

Cost

  • $75.00

Program Schedule

Late August

Registration opens

September 27

Orientation - online at 3:00 p.m.

September 28

Training begins

September 30

In-person, midweek workouts begin

October 3

In-person, Saturday workouts begin

October 12

Registration closes

Saturday, October 24

No in-person practice

Sunday, October 25

Optional field trip, PNC Atlanta 5K

November 14

Field trip - Course Preview, Summerhill

November 26

RACE DAY!

Locations

Saturday Location


Saturday location may rotate throughout the city to provide a variety of settings for long runs




Wednesday Locations: Athletes select a location during registration.


EARLY MORNING

  • Azalea Park, 203 Azalea Drive, Roswell, GA 30075 - 6:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.
  • Cheney Stadium with Coach Bob, 741 Connally Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 - 6:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.

LATE AFTERNOON

  • Legacy Park, 500 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Peachtree Middle School Track, 4664 North Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30338 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Piedmont Park with Coach Bob, Dockside (just inside 12th Street gate), Atlanta, GA 30309 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Locations subject to change based on demand and participation.

Benefits

  • Science-based 9-week training program created and updated by Atlanta Track Club coaching staff
  • Online training log to provide daily workout reminders and the option to record your workouts and track your progress
  • Weekly In-Training newsletter
  • Weekly online education sessions created and presented by industry experts on a variety of topics including apparel, foot and ankle care, footwear, recovery, running form, sports hydration and electrolytes, sports nutrition, sports psychology, strength training and more
  • Access to a private online community where athletes can celebrate teammates, like and comment on fellow athletes' posts, organize group runs, and interact with coaches
  • Atlanta Track Club In-Training Certified Coaches and Run Leads to guide and check your progress
  • Accountability to reach your goals!

Participant Athletes

The program is open to beginning runners and walkers training to finish their first 5K road race.

  • Level I: Beginner runners and walkers 9:00-20:00 minutes per mile including run-walk-run intervals

Orientation

We will kick off the program with a 60-minute online orientation in which Coach Bob will provide an overview of the program, explain Final Surge and its benefits, and answer your training questions.

Sunday, September 27 at 3:00 p.m. on Zoom. Zoom information is included in your WELCOME email that is sent the week before your training begins.

Coaches

Bob Wells, Manager & Coach - In-Training, Atlanta Track Club
In-Training Certified Coaches and Run Leads

Tuesday Night Education Session Topics*

  • adidas running shoe overview and guidance
  • Your In-Training training plan explained
  • Prehab/rehab, injury prevention
  • Recovery
  • Run-walk-run
  • Running gear basics
  • Sports hydration
  • Sports nutrition
  • Becoming a lifelong runner

* Partial list of past topics, subject to change.

Guests & Speakers*

* Partial list of past guests and speakers, subject to change.

Become a Member

Did you know that as a member of Atlanta Track Club you receive a discount on races and training programs? Join today to begin receiving discounts and the many other benefits of membership!

Join Today

Frequently Asked Questions 

Technology

What is Final Surge?

Final Surge is the coaching and training platform In-Training uses to deliver workouts to athletes, communicate with athletes, and check their progress. Final Surge is available as both a web-based desktop application and mobile app.

Is there a cost associated with using Final Surge?

No. Final Surge is free for athletes.

I am not technologically savvy. Will I be trained on how to use all of the digital tools in the program?

Yes! Orientation, online videos, downloadable documents, and more will take you through the process step-by-step to maximize your experience.

Do I have to type my workouts into Final Surge?

No, the platform will sync with your watch to allow for a seamless experience.

Coaching

Are there opportunities for interactions with coaches?

Yes! In-Training Certified Coaches and Run Leads are present at the Saturday and midweek workouts for in-person conversations. Athletes are also encouraged to use the private Final Surge Social Wall and Message Boards where In-Training Certified Coaches and Run Leads answer participant questions.

Will I be able to schedule weekly one-on-one calls with my coach?

No, but you do you have digital correspondence and access at online educational sessions and our Wednesday and Saturday in-person group workouts.

Group Training

Are group interval/speedwork sessions included with this program?

No. Our midweek interval workouts are not appropriate for beginners. However, at five locations throughout the metro Atlanta area, including Cheney Stadium and Piedmont Park with Coach Bob, we will have a In-Training Certified Coach or Run Lead guide a beginners midweek workout.

Are supported, group workouts sponsored by Atlanta Track Club included with this program?

Yes! Saturdays at Atlanta Track Club Headquarters will be the home for all of our In-Training participants.

General
Once I sign up for In-Training how long does it take before I receive my plan?

Your training plan is added to your Final Surge training calendar a few days before your first day of training.

Where should I run or walk?

Runner and walkers have individual likes and dislikes for training locations. While Atlanta Track Club can recommend popular locations throughout the metro Atlanta area, it is important to find safe routes near your neighborhood to maintain consistent training. Shaded streets with sidewalks and few intersections are best or dedicated paths devoted to pedestrian traffic. Using tools such as RunGo, MapMyRun, and gmap-pedometer can be useful in determining good routes. We also encourage talking with Run Leads and other participants for local recommendations.

I did not reach the prescribed mileage for a day or week. Should I adjust my paces or workouts?

You do not. Most of your workouts are for a specific amount of time and the mileage is an estimate. If you are over or under by a small amount it is okay. Consistency of effort and training are more important. Some days, specifically your longer workouts, the total mileage is the priority. These are typically your Saturday workouts.

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