We are really looking forward to running in-person again! While guidance may change between when you register and when the training program actually starts, we plan to have administrative controls for group runs in place starting on June 5, 2021. If you are not comfortable attending in person at this time, that is totally fine. We look forward to seeing you again when you are comfortable. Guidance is subject to change.

We encourage you to be fully vaccinated prior to coming to Saturday long runs or other group events and request that you adhere to all Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Be mindful of the community and anyone you pass and try to give others space if possible.

If you have experienced any of the following symptoms in the 48 hours preceding a training program group run, we ask that you DO NOT attend SLR or other group runs for the benefit of other Club members (https://www.cdc.gov/screening/index.html):

• fever or chills,
• cough,
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
• fatigue,
• muscle or body aches,
• headache,
• new loss of taste or smell,
• sore throat,
• congestion or runny nose,
• nausea or vomiting, or
• diarrhea.

The DC Road Runners Club (DCRRC) Fall Marathon Training Program is your opportunity to successfully prepare for the Marine Corps Marathon or another fall marathon of your choice.  The Marine Corps Marathon is currently scheduled for an in-person event on Sunday, October 31st. The training program starts in July and convenes as a group every Saturday morning at North Meade Street Park, which is just northwest of the USMC Memorial / Iwo Jima in Rosslyn, Virginia.

The training plan begins on Sunday, July 4th and the first group long run will be held on Saturday, July 10th at 7:00 AM (a.k.a. “Saturday Long Run” (SLR)). Please note that the Saturday morning runs may move to a 6:00 AM start time due to extreme weather conditions, when the sum of air temperature and dew point exceeds 160.  The training program runs rain or shine with very few exceptions.

The marathon training program holds its long runs in conjunction with the DCRRC SLR group. In order to hear announcements and prepare, runners should arrive at North Meade Street Park around 6:45 AM. On the first Saturday, come prepared to run 10 miles following a short overview of the program.

If you are not up to running 10 miles yet, please join the DCRRC SLR group for a few weeks preceding the training program kickoff. You can use these informal long runs to help jump start your mileage base. All of the SLR routes, which are posted at the link above, can be easily tailored for shorter / longer distances.

The marathon training program is $35 for current DCRRC members in good standing. You must also select and register for a marathon on your own; we do not provide guaranteed or free entries. Training program members are also encouraged to participate in / volunteer at the Club's free races and events, which are included in your membership fee. We are all part of the DMV's running community and it's up to us to keep it inclusive and vibrant!

**Registration is open to those participants 18 years of age and older as of the start of the program.**

What's included in the training program?

• Coaching for your pace and fitness level
• DCRRC training t-shirts and opportunities for other club swag
• Weekly informational updates and training plans
• Weekly training runs:
  • Saturday morning group runs
  • Mid-week speed workouts
• Occasional seminars by professionals in physical therapy, diet and more
• Social opportunities throughout training
• Motivation and camaraderie found only with a training group

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If you have not run a marathon, it is strongly recommended that you consult your physician prior to entering this program.

Weather Policy: Safety is our number one priority. A race, run, or other event may be canceled, delayed, suspended or postponed, or the course may be modified in the event of threatening weather conditions that could make the run unsafe for participants. Such threatening weather conditions may include: lightning, heavy rains, wind/tornadoes, extreme heat, ice/snow, or other major weather conditions. Extreme heat is defined as a heat index that meets or exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of the event or run. Lightning strikes within one mile of the planned course are considered threatening. It is up to the race director or run leader to determine whether the conditions are threatening and communicate any decision to alter the event or run to participants.