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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 sun@tortoiseharefootwear.com 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 sun@tortoiseharefootwear.com.

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