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T&H Beginner's 1/2 Marathon Training Program

Date:
Sun, Mar 08, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Location:
4002 Grand Avenue
Duluth, Minnesota
55807
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:
runsignup.com
Tags:
Half Marathon Run

Are you signed up for your first 1/2 marathon and don't know where to start? Or are you just getting back into running and need some additional guidance? Or just looking for a group and coach to help keep you accountable? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this training program is for you!

Tortoise & Hare Footwear's RRCA Level 1 Certified Coach Sarah Koehn will lead a 16-week training program starting March 1st with an end date of the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon on June 20th. Note: while the Gary Bjorklund race is the end goal for this training group, Coach Sarah can help scale your plan for different spring races.

Here is what to expect:

Runs:

  • 4 runs per week: shorter runs Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; long run on Saturdays.

  • Saturday long runs are encouraged in-person. The location of the run is TBD. We will decide a meet-up spot on during our first informational meeting on Sunday, March 1st. Runs will be led by Coach Sarah.

Communications:

  • You'll have access to an exclusive training program group chat on the messaging platform Heylo. You will have direct access to Coach Sarah via this messaging platform.

  • You will receive a minimum of two-to-three weekly messages from Coach Sarah.

Initial Kick-Off Party:

  • The March 1st kick-off will be a meeting with an optional run. We will meet at Tortoise & Hare Footwear at 9 am.

  • Coffee, tea, snacks, and giveaways on hand!

Foot Analysis & Discount:

  • Take advantage of Tortoise & Hare's advanced foot measuring technology to learn about the best footwear for your feet.

  • Receive 20% off one pair of retail priced shoes.

  • Receive 10% off on apparel, nutrition, and other running supplies.

Optional Training Shirt:

  • Add an exclusive Storm Creek training shirt for this program for just $25 (Retail normally $45-$50).

  • Note: This training shirt is pre-order only and not available once the training program begins on March 1st.

  • Training shirts will be available for pick-up near the end of March.

Cost:

  • $95 (no-shirt option)

  • $120 (with training shirt)

Financial Hardship:

  • We would like to acknowledge that, while $95/$120 is a slightly lower cost than other training programs, it is still a lot of money. We believe anyone that wants to run should be able to and cost should not be a barrier.

  • We are offering scholarship for reduced cost for those who need it. If you would like to participate in this program and do not have the funds to pay, please email [email protected] and we will assess your situation and see if and how we can help you participate! Note: Coach Sarah and the team will carefully assess your situation and may ask additional questions to make sure scholarship funds are being properly allocated.

Registration Deadline and More:

  • Registration for this program ends on February 28th at 11:59 pm.

  • All questions can be directed to the Events Coordinator Sun Chouanard-Nguyen at [email protected].

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