Training Prerequisite:
There are NO training pre-requisites for this class. A willing attitude and a readiness for change is all that is needed to start the class.
This Program Includes:
Coached Weekly Workouts
Professionally fit running shoes ($140 value)
Comprehensive training schedule
Entry Fee Into Target Race
Post run recovery instruction to help you get stronger
Monthly seminars on running related topics and more!
Upcoming Training:
- Quentin Cooper 5k: Training begins: Monday January 13th, 2025 | Running Wild, Pensacola Fl. (Race Day: April 6th, 2025) (The group will meet on Monday and Wednesday nights from 5:30 - 6:30 PM) (This race is partnered with the Gulf Coast Half Marathon. On race day the half marathon starts first followed by the Quentin Cooper 5k.)
Later Training:
- 4th of July 5K: Training begins Monday April 14th, 2025 | Running Wild, Pensacola Fl. (Race Day: July 4th 2025) (The group will meet on Monday and Wednesday nights from 5:30 - 6:30 PM)
- Chappie James Bridge 5k: Training begins Monday July 28th, 2025 | Running Wild, Pensacola Fl. (Race Day: October 18th 2025) (The group will meet on Monday and Wednesday nights from 5:30 - 6:30 PM)
Sign Up Now
Meet the Coaches:
Lari Franklin: Training Program Director
Meet Lari, our training program director. Lari has been running since high school, where she was a hurdler, and has been
distance running for the past 16 years. Lari has been a coach at Running Wild for the past 8 years and the Training Program
Director for the past 7 years. She helps coach all distances and is both RRCA and CPR certified. Lari's favorite local race is
the Fiesta 10K.
Amber Labrato: Quentin Cooper 5K and Chappy James Bridge 5K Coach
Meet Amber, one of the amazing coaches for our 2025 5K training programs! Amber has been a running coach for 4 years,
but has been in the running world since she was 12. She specializes in coaching both 5K and 15K distances and is equipped
with both an RRCA certification as well as CPR and First Aid Certification.
Stephanie Rafferty: Hoho Hustle 5K Coach
Meet Stephanie, a running coach for the 2025 Hoho Hustle 5K. Stephanie has been running for over 25 years and has been
coaching running for 12 years. While she coaches distances from 5Ks all the way up to marathons, 5Ks are her favorite.
Stephanie works as a nurse and has her BLS certification which also equips her as a running coach!
Mona Schortmann: 4th of July 5K Coach
Meet Mona, one of the running coaches for the 2025 4th of July 5K! Mona has been in the running world for 14 years,
and coaching for 8. She coaches distances from 5K to marathon. Her favorite local race is the Double Bridge Run!
Lesley Leonard: 4th of July 5K Coach
Meet Lesley, one of the running coaches for the 2025 4th of July 5K. Lesley has been running since she was in
college, and started training for her first race in 2002. She has been coaching for Running Wild for 3 years, and
coaching running for over 10 years. She specializes in training distances from 5k to marathon but her favorite race is
the Double Bridge 15K. Lesley is a well equipped coach as she has a Doctorate and certification in Heatlh Ed Specialty,
as well as an ACSM certification in Exercise Physiology. Lesley is also CPR and First Aid certified.
Lesley Young: Hoho Hustle 5K Coach
Meet Lesley Young, one of the running coaches for the 2025 Hoho Hustle 5K. Lesley has been running for over 12 years
and been a coach at Running Wild for 1 year. Lesley's favorite distance to teach is the 5K distance, and her favorite local
race is the Double Bridge 15K.
