The sixteen (16) week Half-Marathon Training Program is geared towards walkers and runners who would like to challenge themselves and safely build mileage and endurance to complete a half marathon (13.1 miles). The program will offer the benefits of improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced adverse health factors, and safe training methods.

This year, the Half-Marathon Training Program formally starts on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Early registrants are also invited to join the program coaches starting on June 1 for an 8-week base-building conditioning phase at no additional cost!

Who Should Join?

Runners of all levels of experience are welcome to join, although you should be able to run at least 5K before starting the program. If you're interested in participating in the program this year, we highly recommend that you enter the program with a sound fitness base. If you've been running regularly, that's great – keep up with what you're doing. If you've been away from running for a bit, or would just like some pre-program structure, you can participate in the optional 8-week base-building phase starting June 1. For those who prefer a self-driven conditioning phase, we've attached a 6-week pre-training program you can use to help build a solid fitness base and lessen the chance of injury as you increase your training for your half-marathon.

Cost

The training program fee for either option is $70, which includes a training t-shirt and snacks and water at group training runs. Upon completion of the program, the group will also enjoy a celebratory brunch!  The program fee does not include any race registration fees, so please remember to register separately for your target/graduation race.

Program Structure

Once the program begins, your coaches will customize your program to meet your individual training needs, based on your specific running experience and race goals. Runners should expect to run at group training runs and on their own.

Training Group Workouts

Long Run - Sundays at 7:00 am - Mission BBQ, Greenbelt
Track Workout - Tuesdays at 6:45 pm - TBD - Ludwig Field, UMD, College Park
Endurance Run - Thursdays at 6:30 pm - Herbert Wells Ice Rink, College Park
Hill Training - Saturdays at 8:00 am - Greenbelt Park, Greenbelt

Target Graduation Race*

Participants can choose between The Richmond Half-Marathon on November 15, 2025 or The NCR Half-Marathon (Glencoe, MD) on November 29, 2025.

*Race registration fees not included in training program fees. Please register separately.

Program Requirements

• Aged 18 and up
• An active PGRC club membership
• Ability to complete 5k (3 miles) at any pace