The DC Road Runners Club (DCRRC) Spring Marathon Training Program is your opportunity to successfully prepare for the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon ("Shamrock") or another spring marathon of your choice. Shamrock will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024.

Our training program begins the last week of November and convenes as a group every Saturday morning (a.k.a. “Saturday Long Run” or SLR) at North Meade Street Park, which is across the street from the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn, Virginia. The training plan begins on Sunday, December 3, 2023 and the first group long run will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023. The training program operates rain, snow, or shine with few exceptions. Group long runs will operate through Saturday, March 9, 2024.

The program is open to any healthy adult at virtually any level of athletic ability. There is no speed requirement and all paces are welcome. We strongly recommend that all trainees, regardless of ability level, start the training program able to run at least 20 miles per week and complete a 10 mile run without stopping (other than for fuel, restroom breaks, etc.). This recommendation is for your health and safety so that you have the best chance possible to complete the training program. If you are not currently at this fitness level, we recommend considering our half marathon training program. If you have not run a marathon before, we strongly recommend that you consult your physician prior to entering this program.

You must be a member of DCRRC to participate in the marathon training program. If you are not currently a member, or need to renew an expired membership, you can complete the necessary steps here: DCRRC Membership Information. The training program cost is $35 for current DCRRC members in good standing. You must also select and register for a race on your own; we do not provide guaranteed or free entries. Training program members are encouraged to participate in / volunteer at the Club's many free races and events, which are included in your annual 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 season
• Motivation and camaraderie found only with a training group

Weather Policy: Safety is our number one priority. A race, training 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 °F 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.