Courses for ages 18+
Courses for ages 3-11.
School Age Care provides quality care in a fun, safe and caring environment.
Special events hosted by Community Education
Courses for ages 12+ and families.
Do you want your child to experience all the benefits running can provide? The Hudson Run Camp offers the perfect opportunity to build a solid foundation in the sport, whether they’re just starting out or looking to take their skills to the next level. Led by experienced coaches Melissa and Jeff Burkart, this camp will guide young athletes through key aspects of training that will set them up for success. Sessions are designed to be fun and tailored to your child’s individual growth. Student athletes will learn:
Our goal is to inspire confidence, improve fitness, and build lasting habits that set up young athletes for future success. Whether your child is aiming for high school track, cross country or just loves running for fun, this camp will be a great start! All experience levels are welcome! Please bring a water bottle and wear proper running shoes.
Camp runs rain or shine. In the event of storms, sessions will be moved indoors with the potential of cancelling.
Instructors: Melissa & Jeff Burkart
Melissa Burkart
I bring nearly two decades of experience in education and a lifelong passion for running to our running camp. For the past 18 years, I have been a dedicated teacher within the Hudson School District. In addition to teaching, I have actively shared my love for the sport by coaching the girls' cross country team for two seasons and am currently entering my second season coaching the distance girls in track this upcoming spring. Prior to coaching I developed and ran running programs for elementary aged kids at River Crest and Hudson Prairie.
Running has been a constant throughout my life. I have competed in both track and cross country from high school through college, including running collegiately at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC). Post-collegiately, I continued to train and compete at a high level, and ultimately led to qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the marathon in 2016 and 2020. I continue to be an avid runner and am passionate about teaching others not only the mechanics of the sport but also the profound ways running can improve lives. (Pictured: Melissa and Jeff Burkart)
Jeff Burkart
Brings over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and athletic performance He has coached runners of all ages and abilities, from youth and adult beginners to elite athletes who have qualified for the Olympic Trials. His approach combines experience and practical, evidence-based methods to develop speed, endurance, and strength while fostering confidence, consistency, and long-term success.
Jeff currently coaches the Hudson High School girls cross country team alongside his wife, Melissa, and operates a full-time strength and endurance coaching business. Prior to coaching at Hudson, he spent 10 years coaching cross country and track at Woodbury High School (MN), serving as head coach for both boys and girls cross country and coaching middle- and long-distance athletes in track. His coaching experience spans middle school through high school, giving him a deep understanding of age-appropriate training and long-term athlete development.
Jeff is a lifelong runner who began competing in 4th grade and went on to compete collegiately at UW–Eau Claire, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Management. He continues to compete at the masters level in middle-distance running, allowing him to stay connected to the sport from an athlete’s perspective.
Before starting his own full time coaching practice, Jeff spent 16 years with Lifetime Fitness in various leadership and coaching roles, including Personal Trainer, Run Club Coach, Metabolic Specialist, and Regional Metabolic Specialist.During this time he worked on developing extensive expertise in evidence-based program design, movement principles, safe and effective training methods, and the psychology of behavior change. He is also passionate about using running to support mental health and build community, and he co-coordinates the Live Brave 5K and 1 Mile, a local race benefiting youth eating disorder prevention and recovery programs.
Jeff lives in Hudson with his wife, Melissa, and their two children, who are active in track and cross country at Hudson High School. Outside of coaching and training, he values the importance of recovery and balance, often found at home spending time with his family, chickens, goats, and dog.
