The Lehigh Valley Road Runners and the Women’s 5K Classic Inc. are offering five different options for a 12-week beginner running and walking workshop entitled First Strides to prepare area women to participate in the Women’s 5K Classic on October 13. Open to women ages 12 to 112, the weekly sessions include a group walk/run and a brief presentation on various topics: proper walk/run shoes, training principles, injury prevention, nutrition and more. Workshops are approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Workshops will be held at Lehigh Parkway, in Allentown, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday beginning July 24 and every Wednesday beginning July 25. At the Hanover Twp. Community Center, in Bethlehem, classes will take place from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday beginning July 25 and from 6 to 7:15 p.m., Thursdays, starting July 26. The Bethlehem Twp. Community Center, in Bethlehem, will host classes from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays, and from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays.

Cost: $50 (early bird rate $45) for 12 weekly workshops, including instruction, coaching, literature and graduation shirt if earned. For more information, call Judy Morrison at 610-746-6585, email [email protected] or visit FirstStrides.com.