Bethesda Track Club vs. Seven Locks Running Club

[Anonymous]

I cannot speak to Bethesda, but I have two children running at 7 locks. Coach Laura lives for the team. She is certainly focused on making the children the best they can be, but does it with a smile. I have asked both my children over their past 3 years with the club, if they are still enjoying running and the training, there has never been any negative comment from them, they love it and their teammates. Coach does run practices throughout the year, if you choose to sign up for them, but, with my children doing other sports we do not go to every practice and coach has never had an issue with our decision to operate like this. Obviously, as in life, the harder you work generally the better the outcome. Both of my children have come a long way and both are looking at XC/track for Middle and high school. I will add that the team has a bunch of great "families" that support each other. My children have developed very good team friendships. I cannot speak highly enough of Coach Laura and the results she gets from all the children. 7 locks is certainly a mid distance track and XC club not a sprint club and we are extremley happy with the club, coach and the focus. I hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Seven Locks Parents here and my daughter started as an 8yr old. She is 11 now. We couldn't be happier with our choice. Laura is amazing and she meets the kids at the level they are currently at. She is firm but encouraging and brings out the best in kids. My kid is a multisport athlete, and she encourages the kids to do other sports.
My daughter went from 8yr old crying on a track for first 2 weeks of her practices to earning several national titles. My daughter likes to push herself and gives 110% when she is out on the track, and Laura has a unique way of making sure she doesn’t over do it.
She offers more practice days so kids can make with to at least 2 of them with other various activities. She is not over training them by any means. My daughter does club swim also so she can make it to maximum of 3x per week the most. It is up to the kid to make the most of the practice. This is not a babysitting service, and kids need to know they need to be serious about the practice. Mine loves Coach Laura and respects her so much. Laura has instilled discipline, sportsmanship, and hard work into these kids. It is more than just running. This is preparing them for life. I have met so many wonderful parents and we are all supportive of the kids on the team.

[Anonymous]

Another 7LRC family. Second what the PP wrote. Coach Laura truly has a unique touch and meets the kids at the level they are at- but she’s able to motivate them to do their best. The kids are great and all look out for each other and celebrate their teammates wins. We have been with the club for more than 3 years and have been very happy. It’s a great club with lovely families that you enjoy hanging out with at meets. Coach Laura has developed and built a great club!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was recently asked about running clubs in the area. I know of a few from personal experience and second hand. In general, most clubs participate in the same meets - which are typically closer to Frederick (MD), at least for XC (track adds PG Sportsplex). Olney - more XC than track, smaller club, coaches seem engaged, mix of runner ability but over time, improvements noted.

BTC - established club, wide range of runners (some field), relaxed coaching, emphasis seems on doing a good job (less results oriented) - includes local HS runners as coaches; offers folks option of shorter distance vs. longer (as a running focus).

7LRC - newer/growing program, whether by chance or skill - includes some very talented runners (though understand that most were new to the sport) but also noticed marked improvement in others over time (again, all these teams run at similar meets so you see some of the same kids repeatedly); really wants to develop runners (especially mid-distance) rather than just condition athletes in other sports; pushes kids to be their best (not just doing a good job); has seasonal focus on national meets (but not sole focus); seems to develop kids well; also has HS runners as assistants.

BTC parent here and I'd say this is accurate, both from my personal experience and observations at the meets. BTC definitely has a wider range of runners and can be as serious as you want it to be. There are typically a number of kids who don't even want to run and are only there because their parents forced them. However this isn't really a hindrance to anyone who wants to participate. 7LRC has a greater concentration of serious runners for sure.

[Anonymous]

As an SLRC family with two boys in the club since 2022, I can't speak highly enough about Coach Laura and the SLRC team. We began with mid-to-long distance training to help my boys build endurance for soccer. Now, three years later, they never want to miss a single track practice. Despite the club's growth, every session is meticulously organized with junior coaches alongside Laura and Dan, ensuring that kids receive their splits and personalized attention.

One unique aspect of SLRC is that the coaches do not run with the kids; instead, they focus entirely on training and mentoring them. Coach Laura's work ethic is exemplary. In three years, we've only had two canceled practices, both due to inclement weather. She consistently shows up at meets and practices before anyone else, demonstrating a dedication that inspires the kids. This discipline and work ethic has also positively influenced other aspects of their lives.

SLRC has a significant presence at track and cross country nationals every year, with kids bringing home a plethora of medals. Coach Laura's commitment and the club's supportive environment have made a remarkable difference in our boys' athletic development and love for the sport.

[Anonymous]

My daughter currently runs for SLRC, and we are extremely pleased with her progress. This is our first year with the team for outdoor track (she ran XC in the fall), and we believe Coach Laura is the best in the business for middle-distance youth track. I don’t say this lightly, as we commute an hour each way to get my daughter to practice (we wouldn’t do that for a mediocre experience). Given the commute, my daughter only attends two practices each week, and Coach Laura has never expressed any concern about this. To address a previous post, I have never witnessed any inappropriate behavior from Coach Laura—she is a passionate coach who is fully committed to her athletes. If you’re looking for a running club that offers every Track and Field event, this club may not be for you. However, if you want a club that will help your child excel in middle-distance running events, Seven Locks is the one.

[Anonymous]

After living in Europe for several years, my family and I came back to the US last fall knowing both of our sons wanted to run but unsure of what team or format was best for them. A local friend recommended SLRC, and the rest is history. Starting at ages 7 and 9, both of my boys immediately latched onto XC and then indoor and outdoor track, under the careful guidance of Coach Laura and Coach Paul, the 8U coach. Coach Laura quickly saw potential in our older son and pushed him to begin believing in himself too. Her passion and commitment to the sport and team is infectious, as is her dedication and personalized attention to her athletes. My son has gone from finishing last for his XC team in his first race last fall to being at the top of his age group and qualifying for the AAU Junior Olympics this summer with his relay teammates. His progress has been remarkable to witness, and Coach Laura has never wavered in communicating her belief or strong expectations to him. She embodies the life lessons that mid-distance running can teach us -- hard work, grit, patience, flexibility, perseverance, and tireless dedication to achieving your end goals. Both of our sons are demonstrating these attributes in all aspects of their lives now, and we have SLRC to thank. We look forward to many more years of growth, development, and success on the team. Coach Laura uses the right ingredients to create magic, and it is a joy to witness the progress and end results for all of our runners! SLRC is THE unicorn that does mid-distance youth coaching best.

[Anonymous]

What's with all the weird chat gpt replies?

[Anonymous]

never got a gpt vibe from these replies ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are there any clubs closer into DC? Or in DC? Churchill and Whitman are a bit far for us.

Bumping this question. Are there programs like these in NW DC are closer in MoCo?

[Anonymous]

Would love to know this as well

[Anonymous]

Check out DC Hawks track club. It started at Hardy Middle School and has grown from there. Inclusive program with great runners and coaching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seven Locks is absolutely the best program to prep kids for HS running programs. The program not only builds stamina and conditioning — it also is focused on building confidence for HS athletics.

Really no choice between the two. You gotta go Seven Locks.

This ! BTC isn't a serious program, imo.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have a perspective on whether either of these clubs, BTC or Seven Locks, would be suitable for a high school XC runner who doesn't make the track team but wants to keep training in winter/spring? Are these clubs mostly for young kids?