Training Builds Community.
Completing your first half marathon, or trying for a full-marathon personal best, takes work! The Classic City Marathon Association and the Athens Road Runners club are here to help.
Saturday Training Runs in Athens
The Athens Road Runners club is providing free organized long runs every Saturday between now and race day, for all registered runners preparing for the half marathon or the full marathon. Join us each Saturday at 7:00 a.m. in the Bottleworks parking lot.
All registered runners will receive an email from our Training Team every week with details about the Saturday runs. If you have not yet registered for your race, register now to start getting the training details emails. (Or email Esther to be added to the Training Team’s email list.)
Training Plan Options
No matter where you are training, prepare for race day by following a schedule designed for the lululemon Classic City Marathon or Half Marathon by the Athens Road Runners’ very own Coach Al Jeffers. The long run is scheduled for Saturday in all four plans, to coincide with the Athens Road Runners Saturday runs.
Novice Half Marathon Training Plan. Perfect for a first-time half marathoner aiming to finish the distance. Two rest days every week.
Intermediate Half Marathon Training Plan. Includes some race-pace tempo workouts and a bit more distance. Try the intermediate plan if you have finished a half marathon before and want to be improving your time.
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 lululemon 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 three 20-mile runs.
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. He was proud to design the first lululemon Classic City Marathon training plans in 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.
There’s Always a Waiver!
Saturday long runs are organized by the Athens Road Runners. If you are not a member, you will be asked to sign a liability waiver at your first Saturday long run. The training plans presented above 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, and other hazards of running alone or with a group; and must accept the responsibility for all consequences of their decision to run.