***Check back in May for updated info about the 2012 program***

August 6 - November 12, 2011 

Step up to the challenge of the McDonald’s Half Marathon by joining the 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 12.

The 14-week program will begin on August 6 at 8 a.m. 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!

The training team meets for Group Runs on Saturday mornings at City Stadium. Address and directions are below.

Here is what some of last year’s participants had to say about the program:

“It was so great! I felt motivated every day to get out, run, and improve!”
– Kate Moore

“I loved everything about it—meeting the new people, getting great tips, and an overall awesome time!”
– Virginia Moncure

“This was the first time I was involved with the program and I enjoyed every single minute of it!”
– Maria-Jose Bordera-Mowry

Your registration for the Half Marathon Training Team includes:

• 14-week training program starting on Saturday, August 6 at 8 a.m. at City Stadium (directions below) 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
• a special Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team shirt and technical race shirt, entry in the 2011 McDonald’s Half Marathon and all associated race benefits
• special clinics on subjects like nutrition, running attire and other related topics.

Informational Meetings

Need some more information? Attend one of the informational meetings listed below or call Sports Backers at (804) 285-9495. You do not need to attend a meeting in order to join the program. (Schedule subject to change)

Training Team Fees

$125 through July 30

$140 from July 31 through August 20

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 Training Team shirt and technical runner’s singlet.

To register, sign up online. You can also choose to complete the print 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 August 20 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 entry fees must be received by August 20 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. 

How to Register

There are three ways to register:

1. Register online through August 20.

   

2. Sign up in person at one of the informational 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 August 20 in order to participate in the program.

Entry Confirmation

Already registered? You can confirm your entry here.

Training Team Details

Head Coach

Veteran coach Ro Gammon will again lead the Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team. Ro has been the popular head coach of the Half Marathon Training Team since its inception and for the Midlothian YMCA 10k Training Team since 2001. She also served as a Marathon Training Team coach for eight years. She is a certified personal trainer and running coach and has served as an Educator and Coach in the Powhatan School System for 35 years. 

Fitness Requirements to be on the Training Team

There is a 4-hour time limit to complete the McDonald’s Half Marathon on November 12, 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 6. You must be 18 years or older to join the Team.

Please Note:

• The training team will meet on Saturday mornings at City Stadium. See below for detailed directions.
• 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 12, you will be charged the event’s standard $10 fee to switch races.

Directions to City Stadium

Richmond City Stadium
3201 Maplewood Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221

• From the North: Interstate 95 South (exit 79) to 195 South (Downtown Expressway). Follow for 3 miles and take Rosewood Avenue Exit. Turn left on McCloy Street. Stadium is on the right.
• From the South: Interstate 95 North (exit 74) to 195 North (Downtown Expressway, TOLL road, 50 cents). Take Rosewood Avenue Exit. Turn left on McCloy Street. Stadium is on the right.
• From the West: Interstate 64 East to Interstate 195 South (Downtown Expressway). Follow for 3 miles and take Rosewood Avenue Exit. Turn left on McCloy Street. Stadium is on the right.
• From the East: 64 West to 95 South. Take 195 North (Downtown Expressway). Follow for 3 miles and take Rosewood Avenue Exit. Turn left on McCloy Street. Stadium is on the right.