10k and Half-Marathon Training Program 2026 – Run or Walk

Can YOU run a 10K or a Half Marathon this year?

We believe the answer is YES — with the right support, community, and coaching. And that’s exactly what Team Asha RTP brings to the table.

Join us for our Info Session on May 2nd  to learn how you can go from where you are today to confidently crossing the finish line this November.

What you get with Team Asha:

  • Structured, step-by-step training program
  • Dedicated coaches & mentors with you every step
  • Strength training guidance
  • Nutrition advice (Eating right & hydration)
  • Access to physios & injury prevention support
  • Shoe clinics to find the perfect fit for YOU
  • A motivating group that lives by “No Runner Left Behind”

Why join us?

We intentionally limit the program to just 25 runners/walkers to ensure personalized attention, strong community bonding, and the best chance for you to succeed.

Don’t miss out — attend the Info Session 

Location: Apex Community Park Small Shelter – 2200, Laura Duncan Road
Date: May 2nd 2026
Time: 4 PM

RSVP Here to attend the information session

Take the first step. You’ll be surprised what you’re capable of.

WHO IS THIS TRAINING  PROGRAM FOR

  • First-time runners and walkers (yes – even couch to 10K!)
  • Runners looking to level up to a Half Marathon
  • Anyone who wants to train in a fun, supportive community

TARGET RACES

Choose from:

Nov 1st 2026

  • City of Oaks Marathon – 10K & Half Marathon (Raleigh, NC)

Nov 14th 2026

  • Richmond Marathon – Half Marathon (Richmond, VA)
  • Charlotte Marathon – Half Marathon (Charlotte, NC)

Whether your goal is to finish your first 10K or crush a Half Marathon – this is your moment.

Coaches and Mentors

Nilesh - Coach

Nilesh Tharval is an RRCA-certified running coach, marathoner, and community leader who has been helping runners achieve their goals for over a decade. Since starting his running journey in 2012, he has completed multiple marathons and 50+ half marathons, including several of the World Marathon Majors.With a personal best of 3:15 in the marathon and 1:31 in the half marathon, Nilesh combines real race experience with structured coaching to guide runners at every level, from beginners to marathon finishers

NILESH - COACH

As the founder of a growing running community in the RTP area, he has coached 100+ runners to successfully complete 10Ks, half marathons, and full marathons. His coaching focuses on building a strong aerobic base, staying injury-free, and following a disciplined yet practical training approach that fits into real life.At the core of his coaching philosophy is the 4D principle – Desire, Determination, Dedication, and Discipline. Nilesh believes that when these four elements come together, runners not only achieve their race goals but also build confidence and resilience that extends beyond running.

Nidaa - Strength Training Coach

Nidaa Hossenlopp is a dynamic Team Training Instructor known for her fiery, motivating coaching style. With credentials including ISSA Personal Trainer, Elite Trainer, Nutritionist, CPR Certification, a Master’s in Management, and a BA in Philosophy, she brings both expertise and heart to every session. Inspired by her own post partum transformation, Nidaa is passionate about helping other mothers build strength and confidence. She leads high energy barbell, strength, and Reformer classes, empowering every client who walks through the door.

NIDAA - STRENGTH TRAINING COACH

Nidaa Hossenlopp is a dynamic Team Training Instructor known for her fiery, motivating coaching style. With credentials including ISSA Personal Trainer, Elite Trainer, Nutritionist, CPR Certification, a Master’s in Management, and a BA in Philosophy, she brings both expertise and heart to every session. Inspired by her own post partum transformation, Nidaa is passionate about helping other mothers build strength and confidence. She leads high energy barbell, strength, and Reformer classes, empowering every client who walks through the door.

SUDARSHAN - MENTOR

Sudarshan is a passionate long-distance runner, He began his journey with Team Asha over 20 years ago, training for and completing the San Francisco Marathon in 2006. What started as a personal challenge evolved into a lifelong pursuit, with over 20 marathons completed across the globe—including all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, achieved in 2026.Beyond personal milestones, He is deeply committed to coaching and mentoring runners of all levels.

SUDARSHAN - MENTOR

Over the years, he has guided numerous runners in the US and Bangalore, India—helping them build endurance, stay injury-free, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. His approach blends discipline, consistency, and community support to inspire lasting success both on and off the course.

Annette - Physio and Stretching Coach

Annette Rogers is a native of North Carolina, originally from the Boone area. After living abroad for 20 years, she came back to make her home in Apex 8 years ago.
Annette is a licensed PT and is fluent in Spanish.

She has been an avid runner for the past 30 years and has always loved to exercise and live a healthy life. She still fits in a run a couple days a week, but she is also passionate about weight training and Group Fitness, she is a certified instructor for Les Mills Body Pump, Body Combat and Grit and also teaches a circuit training class once a week.

ANNETTE - PHYSIO AND STRETCHING COACH

Annette earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from UNC Chapel Hill and her Master of Physical Therapy from East Carolina University.
Annette enjoys connecting with people of all ages and skill levels to help them become the best version of themselves.
She brings experience in both land-based and aquatic therapy and has treated a wide range of conditions including pre- and post-surgical rehab, joint replacements, orthopedic sports injuries, arthritis, chronic pain, neurological conditions, and more. Annette is especially passionate about building strong relationships with her patients and guiding them back to the activities they love most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone! Whether you’re a beginner with no running background or someone aiming to improve performance, the program is designed for all levels.
Absolutely. Our coaches specialize in couch-to-race transformations and will guide you safely from the ground up.
  • 10K
  • Half Marathon
Participants can choose from:

  • City of Oaks Marathon (November 1st 2026)
  • Richmond Marathon (November 14th 2026)
  • Charlotte Marathon (November 14th 2026)
  • Structured weekly running plans
  • Group runs in the Triangle area
  • Strength training sessions
  • Nutrition workshops
  • Access to physios for injury prevention
  • Dedicated coaching and mentoring
Typically:

  • 3–4 runs per week
  • 1 group long run (usually weekends)
  • Strength/nutrition sessions

What makes Asha different is our belief in achieving goals together as a team. We train as a community, not as individuals, supporting one another every step of the way.

Our philosophy is simple:
“No Runner Left Behind.”

With the guidance of dedicated coaches and mentors, we help every runner overcome challenges and reach the finish line with confidence.

We focus on:

  • Community & accountability – growing stronger together
  • Personalized guidance – support tailored to your journey
  • Holistic development – building both fitness and mindset
  • The 4D Principle – Desire, Determination, Dedication, and Discipline
Not at all. All paces are welcome. We train as a team and support each other every step of the way.
No problem. Coaches provide guidance to help you stay on track even if you miss workouts.
Sign-up details will be shared at the Info session on May 2nd. Reach out to a Team Asha coordinator ([email protected]) to get started.
No. Walkers are welcome also. It is about building discipline, confidence, and community while working towards a meaningful goal. We believe anyone can train to walk/run 10k half marathon distances with training and discipline.
Our coaches will guide you on injury prevention, recovery and assess the best way for you to train and complete your goal.
Lots of Enthusiasm and willingness to invest in yourself to become active and fit.
There’s no minimum fitness level required to join the program. However, as with any exercise routine, we recommend consulting your doctor before starting training.

Team Asha programs across different locations regularly welcome runners who are new to endurance sports—especially running. In fact, 99% of first-time participants successfully complete their Half Marathon or Marathon, proving that with the right support and training, anyone can achieve their goal.

There is an initial non-refundable registration fee of up to $50. Other costs include race registrations (we will negotiate a charity group discount that can be used during registration for the major races that Team Asha targets), running gear like shoes and apparel, food/drink supplies during long runs.
We ask participants to commit to a fundraising goal of $500 for the 10K training program and $800 for the Half Marathon training program.
You’ll raise funds by reaching out to friends and family to support your cause. We’ll set up a personalized fundraising page for each runner and provide guidance on effective fundraising strategies. Additionally, many companies offer donation matching programs, which can significantly increase your impact since Asha is part of most employer matching initiatives.
All funds raised go 100% directly to the schools. Our coaches and mentors are dedicated volunteers who give their time purely out of passion for the cause. Asha for Education is entirely volunteer-run, with no paid employees, ensuring that every dollar you raise makes a real impact.
Team Asha goes beyond just running—we provide the tools and expert support you need to train smart and stay injury-free.

  • Gear & Shoe Clinics – Learn how to choose the right running shoes and gear for your needs
  • Nutrition Guidance – Understand how to fuel your body before, during, and after training
  • Strength Training Support – Expert-led sessions to build strength and improve performance.
  • Physio Access – Guidance from physiotherapists on injury prevention and recovery.
  • Stretching & Mobility Sessions – Learn proper techniques to stay flexible and avoid injuries
  • Sponsor-Led Workshops – Dedicated clinics led by trusted partners and specialists committed to your success

These periodic sessions are designed to support you through every stage of your journey—from your first run to race day.

We plan to begin training in the first week of July 2026. The program will gradually build up to longer distances, followed by a taper period in the final couple of weeks leading up to the first race on November 1st.
Registration will close once we reach a maximum of 25 runners/walkers, or by June 1, 2026—whichever comes first.
Every registered runner or walker will receive a FREE Asha-branded dri-fit shirt, included as part of your registration. You can wear it proudly during training runs and on race day.