ALL NEW!
Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Program
August 8 - November 14, 2009
Step up to the challenge of the McDonald’s Half Marathon by joining the inaugural Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team! The program is designed to train and motivate individuals for the McDonald’s Half Marathon, a companion race of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, on November 14. The 14-week program will begin on August 8 at 8:00am and will provide you with a day-by-day approach to achieving an incredible personal goal – running 13.1 miles! What better way to train for a half marathon than to run as part of a team with other motivated individuals and an experienced coaching staff? The half marathon training team provides safety in numbers, a supportive environment, a social outlet and more motivation than you could ever ask for!
When you sign up for the team, here is what you get:
- 14-week training program starting on Saturday, August 8 at 8:00am with a detailed written schedule for you to follow;
- personal guidance from veteran coach Ro Gammon and her team of experienced coaches;
- organized and supported weekly group Saturday morning runs from Sports Backers Stadium, located next to The Diamond;
- a special Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team technical race shirt to wear during the race;
- entry in the 2009 McDonald’s Half Marathon and all associated race benefits;
- special clinics on subjects like nutrition, running attire and other related topics.
If you are interested in being a part of the Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team, sign up online or print out an entry form below. For more information, attend one of the orientation meetings listed below or call (804) 285-9495. The deadline for entry in the Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team is August 19, 2009 at 11:59pm.
Informational Meetings (Schedule subject to change) - You do not need to attend a meeting in order to join the program.
| Location |
Date |
Time |
| Shady Grove YMCA |
Wednesday, July 8 |
6:30 p.m. |
| Sports Backers Stadium |
Thursday, July 9 |
6:30 p.m. |
| John Rolfe YMCA |
Tuesday, July 14 |
6:30 p.m. |
| Midlothian YMCA |
Thursday, July 16 |
7 p.m. |
| Sports Backers Stadium |
Tuesday, July 28 |
6 p.m. |
Training Team Fee
$120 through July 31
$135 from August 1 through August 19
What the Entry Fee Includes
The Training Team fee includes your entry in the McDonald’s Half Marathon and the 14-week training program. As part of your participation in the program, you will receive a special Sports Backers Half Marathon technical runner’s singlet for the race. In addition, a local running race will serve as an (optional) training run and may require an additional entry fee.
To register, sign up online or complete the attached entry form and mail it with your check. For additional information, please call the Sports Backers at (804) 285-9495. All Training Team entry fees must be received by August 19 at 11:59pm.
Training Team entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable, no exceptions. Once we receive your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate. All training team entries must be received by August 19, 2009 at 11:59pm.
How to Register
There are three ways to register:
- Register online through August 19.
- Print out an entry form and mail it in with a check.
PLEASE NOTE: All Training Team fees must be received by August 19 in order to participate in the program.
Entry Confirmation
Already registered? You can confirm your entry here.
Please Note:
- Once you have registered for the Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team, there will be no refund of entry fees if you are unable to complete the program.
- If you choose to run the HCA Virginia 8k, rather than the McDonald's Half Marathon, on November 14, you will be charged the event’s standard $10 fee to switch races.
Head Coach
Veteran coach Ro Gammon will lead the Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team. Ro has been a popular head coach of the Midlothian YMCA 10k Training Team since its inception in 2001 and has served as a Marathon Training Team coach for 7 years. She is a certified personal trainer and running coach and has served as an Educator and Coach in the Powhatan School System for 33 years.
Fitness Requirements to be on the Training Team
There is a 3 1/2-hour time limit to complete the McDonald’s Half Marathon on November 14, so that requires running a good portion of the 13.1 miles. We do not have a "walking" group for the Training Team. Each participant should be able to comfortably finish three miles at a time a few times per week while primarily running prior to starting the Training Team on August 8. You must be 18 years or older to join the Team.
Other Races
Throughout the 14-week program, a local race may be used as a training run. This race may require an additional entry fee and will be optional.
