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

June 4 - November 12, 2011

Celebrating 10 Years of Training!

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 12, 2011. The Training Team has successfully provided runners with a day-by-day approach to achieving an incredible personal goal for the last 10 years. 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 some of last year’s participants had to say about the program:

“Tremendous! The Training Team provides a great structure for building the skills, endurance, and ability to do the distance.”
– Liz Lockerman

“I cannot imagine a better training program anywhere for a marathon.”
– Sam Adams

“I never expected the support, fun, and lifelong friendships I gained from the Marathon Training Team!”
– Lauren Caldas

 Your registration for the Marathon Training Team includes:

• 23-week training program (starts on Saturday, June 4 or Sunday, June 5) 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 season)
• a special Sports Backers Marathon Training Team commemorative 10th anniversary shirt and a technical race shirt
• entry in the 2011 SunTrust Richmond Marathon and all associated race benefits
• special clinics on subjects like nutrition, running attire and other related topics.

Informational Meetings

Need some more information? Come to one of our informational meetings below or call the 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

$145 through May 27

$160 from May 28 through June 19

What the Entry Fee Includes

 The Training Team fee includes your entry in the SunTrust Richmond Marathon and the 23-week training program. 

As part of your participation in the program, you will receive a special Sports Backers Marathon Training Team commemorative 10th anniversary shirt and a technical race shirt. In addition, there are some local running races that will serve as (optional) training runs and may require additional entry fees.

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. 

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 19, 2011.

** Online registration is now closed. If your training level is commiserate with the current training team mileage and you would still like to join the MTT, please call (804) 285-9495.
 

How to Register

There are three ways to register:

1. Register online through Sunday, June 19. 

   

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 June 19 in order to participate in the program.

Entry Confirmation

Already registered? You can confirm your entry here.

Sports Backers HALF Marathon Training Team

 Is a full marathon too much for you? The Sports Backers offer a Half Marathon Training Team to train 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. 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.

Training Team Details

Head Coach

Veteran marathon training team coach, Don Garber, will again lead the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team. He has helped thousands of first-time marathoners successfully complete the 26.2-mile distance in races around the country and overseas, including the past ten 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, June 4 and Sunday, June 5. 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 12, 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 four miles (in no more than 52 minutes) several times per week while primarily running prior to starting the Training Team on June 4/5. You must be 18 years or older to join the Team.

Other Races

Throughout the 23-week program, some local races may be used as training runs.  These races may require additional entry fees and will be optional.

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 HCA Virginia 8k, rather than the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, on November 12, you will be charged the event’s standard $10 fee to switch races.