Wanting to run your first long-distance race? Whether that’s a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon, this workshop is for anyone who's been thinking about signing up but may feel intimidation about pulling the trigger.

Led by Jess Laddin, a Community Coordinator at The Spark of Hudson, avid runner and marathon finisher, this presentation and interactive conversation is packed with practical advice. Jess isn’t a fitness professional—just someone who wanted to run long distances and took the first step.

In this presentation, we’ll cover:

• How to get started in the running community

• Gear do’s and don’ts

• Common myths (and what’s actually helpful)

• Tips, tricks, and mindset shifts for training

• Training resources to help you stay motivated and on track

Whether you’re eyeing your first 5K or your first marathon, you’ll leave with the tools, support, and inspiration to lace up your shoes and sign up for that race you’ve always dreamed of running!

Jessica Laddin has spent nearly the past four years working in community arts programming and youth/ intergenerational workshop curation. From 2021-2024, Jess was the Community Workshop Coordinator at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, where she programmed free community workshops including, but not limited to, Shakespeare Improv, Chess Club, Hip-Hop Dance, and Art Club. Jess is one of the cofounders of Hudson Community Choir (est. 2023), which is a free and non-audition whose mission is to foster an empowering community of singers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to help them find connection, belonging, and joy through musical performance. Jess is now a Community Coordinator at The Spark of Hudson as of August, 2024. She is an avid marathon runner, a cat lover, and aspiring forensic psychologist. Jess is a graduate of Ithaca College (2021) and holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance.

The long distance races she has completed include, but are not limited to:
- Du City Tri Coney Island Half Marathon
- NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon
- RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
- NYRR New York Marathon