Half/Full Marathon Next Step Training Program
Are you ready to take your Half or Full marathon endurance training to the “Next Step”? If so, you’re in for a fun ride this Summer and Fall!
Please be advised this program is NOT intended for brand new runners, nor for anyone 18 years of age or younger. Rather, the Next Step is to take your running to the Next Level.
Program will be limited to 110 total participants
General Information
Start date: Tuesday, June 30th 2026 at 6:15pm
Location: Oakland Mills High School
Duration: Every Tuesday for 16 weeks, ending with celebration on October 27th
Please be advised this program is NOT intended for brand new runners, nor for anyone 18 years of age or younger. Rather, the Next Step is to take your running to the Next Level. As such, there are certain minimum essentials required to be successful:
Minimum Base Mileage
Minimum Pace
Time Trial
- If targeting a FULL marathon:
- Able to run at least 20-25 miles per/week (base mileage).
- Able to perform a long run of AT LEAST 10 miles at start of program
- If targeting a HALF marathon:
- Able to run AT LEAST 10-15 miles per/week
- Able to run AT LEAST 10-15 miles per/week
- You need to be able to maintain a pace of 13 minutes or faster pace of constant running. Runners who are unable to maintain this pace on the time trial, may be asked to switch programs to one of a shorter distance. We will not be including a walk/run or Galloway style training option for this program.
- We will conduct a 5 mile time trial for all participants on the first day of the program to assess current fitness level and to group participants appropriately for optimal training and success
Program Structure
- The Next Step Half Full Program is for runners with a solid running background. Participants will do a 5-mile time trial at Burleigh High School on June 30th so coordinators can group participants with those of similar abilities.
- Weekly training runs will involve a variety of running techniques including speed work and hill work to improve running performance.
- Please be advised this program is NOT intended for brand new runners, nor for anyone 18 years of age or younger. Rather, the Next Step is to take your running to the Next Level.
Based on your fitness level and goals and objectives, you can follow one of the Training Plans that will best suit you:
The BUILDER Training Plan
The PR Plan
The HIGH MILEAGE Plan
- For runners who:
- Currently run 10-15 miles (half) or 20-25 (full) a week
- Ready to attempt first half or full marathon in the Fall
- For runners who:
- Completed the distance once or twice before and are ready to improve!
- For runners who:
- Completed the distance multiple times and ready to improve!
If you fall into any of the above categories and are determined to put the time into working hard, we want to help you reach your goals!
Program Location
The time trial is on June 30th at Burleigh Manor Middle School at 6:15 PM. The program will meet weekly at the Oakland Mills High School: 9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia, MD at 6:15 PM. Nearby running routes include:
- Lake Kittamaqundi
- Oakland Mills HS Track
- Merriweather
- Blandair Park
- Lake Elkhorn
Program Dates/Schedule
The program meets on Tuesdays at 6:15PM starting on June 30th and ending on October 27th with a graduation party. We run when it rains, but not when there is lightning or thunder!
You must arrive to be ready and start training promptly at 6:15 PM each session!
Registration & Fees
Registrants must be a HCS member!
The cost covers:
- 16 weekly training sessions with experienced coaches
- Weekly communication with coaches
- Expert speakers on running form, shoe types, injury prevention, nutrition, race preparation and other important running and race related topics
- Premium with Striders / Next Step logo
- End of season celebration
- Lots of Fun and Support!
| Dates | Price |
| 5/19 to 6/1 | $80 early bird |
| 6/2 to 6/15 | $85 |
| 6/16 to 7/7 | $90 |
Questions?
For more information, please email coordinators:
- Kevin Ford kevin.ford@striders.net
- Jaclyn Harmon jaclynmharman@gmail.com
- Rene Alonso renealonso240@gmail.com
- Doug Kornreich doug.kornreich@striders.net