Sports Backers Marathon Training Program
May 30- November 14, 2009

Have you ever thought about running a marathon – that’s 26.2 miles – but didn’t know where to start? Look no further than the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team, designed to motivate and train individuals to run the SunTrust Richmond Marathon on Saturday, November 14, 2009. The Training Team provides you with a day-by-day approach to achieving and incredible personal goal. What better way to train for a marathon than to run as part of a team with other motivated individuals and an experienced coaching staff?

Here is what last year’s participants had to say about the program: “Wonderful support from the beginning. I was new to Richmond so this was a fantastic way to learn the city and meet new running friends.” - Heather Cauley “I could not imagine training for a marathon on my own.  This program makes it achievable.” - Anita Waters “My husband and I both loved our first year on the team.  We are in totally different places in our running career. With the team, we had the same schedule, just modified to meet our individual needs.  This was my first time running with a team and I was terrified to start.  However, I soon saw the advantages and grew to love the company I made.  My husband, on the other hand, had been longing for the camaraderie he had left behind with college cross country and finally found it again in the training team. The team was life changing for us both--for totally different reasons.  It was our first major accomplishment as a married couple.” - Karla and George Ott

When you sign up for the team, here is what you get:

If you are interested in being a part of the Sports Backers 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 Marathon Training Team is June 14, 2009.

Informational Meetings (Schedule subject to change)

Location	Date	Time
Anthem Health & Fitness Expo for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k (Arthur Ashe Athletic Center)	Thursday, March 26	12 & 6:30 p.m.
Anthem Health & Fitness Expo for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k (Arthur Ashe Athletic Center)	Friday, March 27	12 & 6:30 p.m.
Sports Backers Stadium	Saturday, May 2	9 a.m.
Midlothian YMCA	Tuesday, May 5	7 p.m.
Shady Grove YMCA	Thursday, May 7	7 p.m.
Sports Backers Stadium	Monday, May 11	6 p.m.
John Rolfe YMCA	Tuesday, May 12	6:30 p.m.
Downtown YMCA	Wednesday, May 20	6 p.m.

Training Team Fee
$140 through May 22
$155 from May 23 through June 14

What the Entry Fee Includes
The Training Team fee includes your entry in the SunTrust Richmond Marathon and the 24-week training program.  As part of your participation in the program, you will receive a special Sports Backers Marathon Training Team t-shirt in July and a technical runner’s singlet in November.  In addition, there are some local running races that will serve as (optional) training runs and may require additional entry fees.

To register, complete the attached entry form and mail it with your check or bring it with you to one of the informational meetings.  For additional information, please call the Sports Backers at (804) 285-9495.  All Training Team entry fees must be received by June 14.

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 June 14, 2009.

How to Register
There are three ways to register:

1. Register online through Sunday, June 14.
   
2. Sign up in person at one of the orientation meetings listed above.
3. Print out an entry form and mail it in with a check.

PLEASE NOTE:  All Training Team fees must be received by June 14 in order to participate in the program.

Entry Confirmation
Already registered? You can confirm your entry here.

New Half Marathon Training Team to be Offered in 2009
Is a full marathon too much for you? The Sports Backers will be offering a Half Marathon Training Team to train 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 and registration will open in late June. If you register for the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team and then decide to switch to the Half Marathon Training Program, you will be allowed to do so for a $10 fee.

Please Note:

• Once you have registered for the Sports Backers 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 McDonald’s Half Marathon or NTELOS 8k, rather than the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, on November 14, you will be charged the event’s standard $10 fee to switch races.

Head Coach
Veteran marathon training team coach, Don Garber, will again lead the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team. Don will be sharing his knowledge and expertise with the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team. He has helped thousands of first-time marathoners successfully complete the 26.2 mile distance in the past seven SunTrust Richmond Marathons. Most of the coaches who have assisted Don in prior years will also be returning.

Saturday and Sunday Group Runs Offered
You have the option to do your Group Runs on Saturday or Sunday mornings from the Sports Backers Stadium located next to The Diamond. Please indicate your preference on the entry form. There is a limit of 700 participants in the Saturday group run sessions and a limit of 300 participants in the Sunday group run sessions.

The first group runs will be Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31. There will be a short introductory meeting beginning at 7:30 a.m. followed by our first group run. Beginning the following week, the Sunday run will start at 7 a.m. On Saturdays, the larger group will be divided into multiple groups starting between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. To beat the summer heat, from early July until Labor Day, all start times will be 30 minutes earlier.

Fitness Requirements to be on the Training Team
There is a 7-hour time limit to complete the SunTrust Richmond Marathon on November 14, so that requires running a good portion of the 26.2 miles. We do not have a "walking" group for the Training Team. Each participant should be able to comfortably finish three to four miles at a time a few times per week while primarily running prior to starting the Training Team on May 30/31. You must be 18 years or older to join the Team.

Other Races
Throughout the 24-week program, some local races may be used as training runs.  These races may require additional entry fees and will be optional.