Sports Backers Marathon Training Program
 May 31- November 15, 2008

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 15, 2008. 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:

“I could not have done it without the support, encouragement and expertise of the coaches and other team members. It was a great experience!”
- Sandra Cullen

“One of the best investments of time and money in my life. I recommend the Training Team to everyone”
- Leslie Cunningham

“You don't have to be a Marathoner coming into the program---but you will be going out. It turned a couch potato into a MARATHONER!!”
- Jeff Michaels

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

  • 24-week training program (starts on Saturday, May 31 or Sunday, June 1) with a detailed written schedule for you to follow;
  • personal guidance from veteran coach Don Garber and his team of experienced coaches;
  • organized and supported weekly group runs on your choice of Saturday or Sunday mornings from Sports Backers Stadium, located next to The Diamond (time will change based on weather conditions and length of run);
  • a special Sports Backers Marathon Training Team t-shirt and a technical race shirt;
  • entry in the 2008 SunTrust Richmond 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 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 8, 2008.

Informational Meetings (Schedule subject to change)

Location
Date
Time
Anthem Health & Fitness Expo for the
Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k
(U-Turn Sports Performance Academy)

Thursday, April 3
5 p.m.
Anthem Health & Fitness Expo for the
Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k
(U-Turn Sports Performance Academy)
Friday, April 4
12:30 & 6 p.m.
Sports Backers Stadium
Saturday, May 3
9 a.m.
John Rolfe YMCA
Tuesday, May 6
6:30 p.m.
Shady Grove YMCA
Thursday, May 8
7 p.m.
Sports Backers Stadium
Monday, May 12
6 p.m.
Midlothian YMCA
Tuesday, May 13
7 p.m.
Downtown YMCA
Wednesday, May 14
6 p.m.

Training Team Fee
$140 through May 23
$155 from May 24 through June 8

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 8.

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 8, 2008 and will be confirmed by mail.

How to Register
There are three ways to register:

  1. Register online through Sunday, June 8.
  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 8 in order to participate in the program.

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 over a thousand first-time marathoners successfully complete the 26.2 mile distance in races around the country and overseas, including the past five 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 31 and Sunday, June 1. 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 15, 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 31/June 1. 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.