Training Builds Community.
Free Training Plans for Everyone — and Free Weekly Long Runs in Athens!
Marathon Training plans start on Monday, November 23, 2026.
Weekly Group Long Runs for Marathoners start at Fleet Feet Athens on Saturday, January 2, 2027.
Half Marathon Training plans start on Monday, December 28, 2026.
Weekly Group Long Runs for Half Marathoners start at Fleet Feet Athens on Saturday, January 2, 2027.
Relay Teams who would like help with preparing for the 6-mile distance, email us!
Marathon Training 2027
Use these links to access training plans for the 2027 Classic City Marathon. Email us if you need help!
Novice Marathon Training Plan. Ideally suited to the first-time marathoner. You can do this! Steady increases in mileage, with plenty of rest and recovery, will prepare you to finish the Classic City Marathon with a smile.
Intermediate Marathon Training Plan. For the experienced distance runner who is targeting a specific finish time or trying to improve on a previous marathon. Includes race-pace tempo workouts, more mileage overall, and two 20-mile runs with one 22-mile run.
Weekly Group Long Runs for Marathoners will meet at Fleet Feet Athens starting on Saturday, January 2, 2027. Watch for more info soon!
Half Marathon Training 2027
Use these links to access training plans for the 2027 Classic City Half Marathon. Email us if you need help!
Novice Half Marathon Training Plan (coming soon!). Perfect for a first-time half marathoner aiming to finish the 13.1 distance. Run four days each week, increasing steadily toward your amazing race day!
Intermediate Half Marathon Training Plan (coming soon!). Includes some race-pace tempo workouts and a bit more distance each week. Try the intermediate plan if you have finished a half marathon before and want to be improving your time.
Weekly Group Long Runs for Half Marathoners will meet at Fleet Feet Athens starting on Saturday, January 2, 2027. Watch for more info soon!
Speaking of training: A marathon or half marathon is a serious goal.
Try reading this super informative post about training by our founding Medical Director, Dr. Joe Colasurdo.
Smart, steady training can get you to your finish line!
Meet Coach Al
Al Jeffers is a USATF-certified and RRCA-certified running coach. He has worked with the Athens Road Runners racing teams and other Athens Road Runners members since 2013, and he has designed our Classic City Marathon training plans since 2023.
“I have coached endurance athletes of all abilities and experience levels, from beginners to Olympics participants, for over 40 years. I strongly encourage runners to choose a training plan and to join a group for the long runs. Running long miles with others gives you a chance to make new friends, help someone else with their running journey, and take in some encouragement from the group when you are in need of support. Never doubt your potential.” – Coach Al
Coach Al is also available for private coaching or consultation with individual runners.
Waivers and Disclaimers
The training plans and other ideas shared by the Classic City Marathon Association and through this website are intended solely as suggestions that individuals might choose to consider. All runners must make their own decisions about their abilities and limitations; must understand the known dangers of running, including weather, traffic, terrain, health emergencies, animals, and the other hazards of running alone or with a group; and must accept the responsibility for all consequences of their decision to run. Please consult with your own medical or other advisors before you run.
Saturday long runs are organized as optional activities by the Athens Road Runners and its associated Classic City Marathon Association. All runners must accept all responsibility for their decision to run and will be asked to agree to liability waivers before participating in group training runs.