Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team Kicks Off August 5th & 6th

Registration remains open for the Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team, which will have its first group run starting at City Stadium on Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6 at 7:30 a.m. This marks the ninth year of the Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team under the direction of head coach Ro Gammon.

This 14-week program is designed to prepare runners for the Markel Richmond Half Marathon on Saturday, November 11^th, during the 40^th anniversary of the Anthem Richmond Marathon weekend. The program emphasizes the group approach to training.

“Participating in the Half Marathon Training Team has been a life changing experience,” said Jane Lissenden, a member of the 2016 training team. “It has built my confidence as a runner and introduced me to a network of coaches and friends who have pushed me to accomplish far more than I ever could have on my own.”

Participants will meet at City Stadium every Saturday or Sunday morning for a group run with experienced and knowledgeable coaches that offer training advice and feedback. During the week, runners follow a written training schedule on their own that will gradually prepare them to safely complete 13.1 miles on November 11. Half Marathon Training Team participants will receive:

• 14-week training program starting on August 5^th and 6^th (participants choose their preferred day) with a detailed written schedule for participants to follow
• Personal guidance from veteran coach Ro Gammon and her team of experienced coaches
• Organized and supported weekly group Saturday or Sunday morning runs from City Stadium
• A special Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team shirt and technical race shirt to wear during the race
• FREE entry in the 2017 Markel Richmond Half Marathon and all associated race benefits
• Special race day support from coaches along the course
• Exclusive clothing drop on race day
• Special clinics on subjects like nutrition, running attire, and other related topics

Also available is a virtual training team option, in which out-of-town participants will be equipped with a detailed weekly program and have access to experienced coaches to correspond with throughout the training process. Virtual team members are invited to take part in the final HMTT 12-mile supported training run in Richmond, and on race day, they will be provided with a meet-up tent (shared with the Marathon Training Team).

The cost of the Half Marathon Training Team is currently $155, which includes free entry into the Markel Richmond Half Marathon. The virtual program may be added to your Markel Richmond Half Marathon registration for $55. Online registration is available through August 20. Visit www.richmondmarathon.org for more information.

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