Road Half Marathon and Marathon Prep Program - 2025

We are excited to offer our 2025 Bidwell Classic and Shamrock'n Half Marathon Training Program.  This 8-10 week program will get you ready to run one of Chico's most popular and oldest races and/or one of Sacramento's most fun races of the year this coming spring. The Bidwell Classic will take place on March 1st, and the Shamrock'n will be held on March 16th, 2025. 

New this year, Half marathon to Marathon

We are offering two tracks for the half marathon program:

Standard - You should be able to comfortably run 6 miles and running about 20 miles per week to join this group. This standard track will get you prepared to run a half marathon and may even grab that PR! We will be running weekly speed work or hill work on Wednesday nights and your long runs on Sundays. If this is your first half marathon or your 20th, the standard half program is a great fit!

Marathon Prep- New this year we are offering a marathon prep track. This is a great option for anyone looking to run a marathon this spring! Running very similarly to the standard track you will have speed or hill workouts on Wednesdays and long runs on Sunday. This will create a solid foundation by the end of the program. Where this program differs from standard is you will continue to build and when the standard track tapers in the last few weeks of the program. You will also have an additional day or two of homework to help prepare you for the transition to the marathon program.

If it's your first marathon or you have run several, this is a great way to get the first phase of your training done!!

The Marathon program this year will look a little different. Rather than a 16-week program starting in January, it will be a 9-week program starting in March, the week after the half program finishes. Completing the Marathon prep track will give you the foundation you need to continue to the marathon phase. This year’s marathon will be targeting the Avenue of the Giants in Humbolt, CA.  2025 Avenue of the Giants Marathon If running a marathon is on your list for 2025, this is a great one to run, but DO NOT wait to register as this race will sell out!

Anyone who finishes the half/marathon prep program will receive $30 off the Marathon program!

Anyone on this team will get $5.00 off the race entry fee to the Bidwell Classic (https://runsignup.com/bidwellclassic). There are no discounts for Shamrock’n. I highly recommend that if you are planning on running Shamrock'n that you get your lodging early. 

Program Kick-off and First Run: Program kick off date is Sunday, January 5th at the Fleet Feet Chico store at 7:30am. Attendance for the program kick off is HIGHLY recommended as we will be heading out for our first run.

Meeting Times: Weekly coached runs will be on Wednesdays at 6:15 PM and Sundays at 7:30 am, at various locations around Chico. The first workout location is to be announced by your coaches via email and each workout afterwards will be announced via email as well!

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Join our training program and receive:

• detailed daily training plan for the 8-10 weeks of the program
• opportunity to prepare for a late spring marathon
• twice-weekly coached group runs
• workshops on topics such as nutrition and hydration, pacing, running form, injury prevention and motivation
• email support from your coaching staff
• A fun and motivating environment focused on reaching your goals
• Friendship of and camaraderie with fellow teammates
• Fleet Feet team tent and $5.00 off the race entry fee (Bidwell Classic)

Our supportive coaching team will provide you with the tools and training to be successful and to meet your personal objectives.  The team atmosphere is always positive, and you will meet others with the same aspirations as you.  You may even meet a new best friend and running buddy...it happens all the time in our training programs!

Get ready to work with some wonderful coaches, amazing mentors, and lots of other people who want to lead a life of fitness.

Requirements: Standard - Runners must be able to run at least 6 miles, consistently running 20 miles a week entering the program.  All participants must be injury free and be at least 18 years of age.

Registration Fee: $115.00 Online processing fees apply.  The program registration fee does not include race entry. Please note that this program is limited to 40 participants, so register early. Last day for a refund is January 8th at 11:59pm.

Minimum Activity Level

• Ability to run 6 miles and currently exercising 3-5 times per week. 
• Ability to run or run at a 13:00 min/mile pace 

If you have any questions about this program, please email shawna@fleetfeetchico.com