Sports Backers Marathon
Training Team
June 2- November 10, 2012

Running a marathon is tough enough. Throw in the training, and you’ve got yourself quite a challenge. Good thing we’re ready to take it on with you! With the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team, you’ll find yourself not just equipped with a detailed 23-week program, but a great crew of experienced coaches and inspirational teammates as well. One of our favorite perks? A dedicated SAG team that supports the longer group runs. That’s right… water stops, PowerAde and gummy bears while you TRAIN. So let Richmond’s running community carry you to 26.2… when you hit that final stretch at the Nov. 10 SunTrust Richmond Marathon, you’ll be glad you didn’t go it alone!

Cost

Through May 25 $145
May 26 – June 17 $160
Cost Includes:
  • 23-week training program (beginning Sat., 6/2 or Sun., 6/3) with a detailed written schedule.
  • Personal guidance from a team of experienced coaches.
  • Organized and supported weekly group runs on your choice of Saturday or Sunday mornings.
  • Teams determined by experience and ability so you’re training with others of similar pace.
  • Sports Backers Marathon Training t- shirt and a technical race shirt.
  • 2012 SunTrust Richmond Marathon entry and all associated race benefits (including participant shirt).
  • Access to clinics on nutrition, running attire and other related topics.

Registration

  • Online through Sunday, June 17.
  • Sign up in person at one of the informational meetings listed below
  • Print out and mail it in with a check.

Please Note:

  • Entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable, no exceptions.
  • Once you have registered for the 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, you will be charged the standard $10 fee to switch races.
  • All Training Team fees must be received by June 19 in order to participate in the program.

Schedule

Informational Meetings

You do not need to attend a meeting in order to join the program.

Location Date Time
Anthem Health & Fitness Expo for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k (Arthur Ashe Athletic Center) Thursday, March 29 12 & 6 p.m.
Anthem Health & Fitness Expo for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k (Arthur Ashe Athletic Center) Friday, March 30 12 & 6 p.m.
Stay tuned for more locations, dates and times!

GROUP RUNS – What to Expect

  • Location: Sports Backers Stadium (behind the Diamond)
  • Days: Saturday or Sunday morning*
  • Time: varies by day and team.

* During registration, you may select Saturday or Sunday for your group runs. There is a limit of 700 participants for the Saturday sessions and 300 participants for the Sunday sessions.

The first day (Saturday, June 2 or Sunday, June 3), there will be a brief introductory meeting at 7:30 a.m. followed by a group run. The following week, Saturday groups will head out between 7-7:30 a.m. (depending on your team) and all Sunday groups will go off at 7 a.m. From early July until Labor Day, start times will be 30 minutes earlier to beat the summer heat.

Requirements

  • You should be able to comfortably finish four miles while primarily running (in no more than 52 minutes) several times per week prior to the start of training.
  • The SunTrust Richmond Marathon has a 7-hour time limit, which would require running a good portion of the 26.2 miles.
  • There is no "walking" group for the training team.
  • You must be 18 years or older to join the training team.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Sports Backers HALF Marathon Training Team

Is 26.2 a little much? We also offer a Half Marathon Training Team to train for the McDonald’s Half Marathon, a companion race of the Nov. 10 SunTrust Richmond Marathon. The 14-week program will begin August 4 and has the same great support system as the full training team.
(If you register for the Marathon Training Team and then decide to switch to the Half Marathon Training Team, you may do so for a $10 fee.)

Entry Confirmation click here

When

Sat, June 02, 2012

Where

Sports Backers Stadium
100 Avenue of Champions
Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23230