Winter Half Marathon Program

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Join the Winter Half Marathon Program with MCRRC! Whether you are trying to run your first half marathon or you are aiming to score a PR, the Winter Half Marathon program will help you get through the cold, winter months and have a great spring race. All paces are welcome. Being fast is not a requirement – commitment is the key! We will group participants of similar ability together in pace groups, based on race times and other criteria. The program gradually builds up in average weekly miles.

Prerequisites:  Participants should have a weekly mileage base of 10-15 miles per week and should be able to comfortably run 5-6 miles without stopping prior to starting the program.   MCRRC Membership is required for participation in this program.  If you are not a member, you will have the opportunity to join MCRRC during registration.  Participants must be 18 or older to register.

Structure:

The program meets twice per week on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM at Montgomery College (Rockville campus) or a local high school track, and on Sunday mornings at 7:30 AM for long runs, which will take place in various locations. Please note the track location is always subject to change at any time during the program, due to availability.

The formal program runs for 15 weeks and welcomes runners both new to the distance and those with experience.  The first workout is on Sunday, December 7^th, 2025.  This long run will start with 6 miles and gradually build in distance through the program, to prepare for a half marathon. Prior to the first workout, participants will be placed in pace groups with others of similar ability. During registration you will be asked to provide a current race time. We use this information to place you in the appropriate pace group.  Note: A current race time should represent a “hard effort” race time.  If you don’t have a hard effort race time, please consider one of the upcoming races on our schedule.

Participants should come to each workout properly dressed for the weather conditions and with proper hydration.  A fuel belt or similar is recommended to allow runners to easily carry water on Sunday long runs. Reflective gear and headlamps are recommended on Wednesday evenings if the track is closed due to snow or ice and we are able to do an alternate workout on the roads.

Cost: Online registration is $94.32. This price includes the registration + processing fee. You may pay less in processing fees per participant if you add more items to your cart. The cost does not include entry into a goal race, but does include a premium.

Program Dates: Sunday, December 7, 2025 – Wednesday, March 18, 2025

Target Race: The Rock n’ Roll DC Half Marathon on Saturday, March 21, 2026 or the Shamrock Half Marathon on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The program is suitable for many other spring half marathons as well. Additionally, running a goal race is not required to participate in this program.

Orientation: Orientation, which will take place on Zoom, will provide information on program’s structure and training schedule. You do not have to be registered to attend orientation. If you are unsure if the program is right for you, please plan to bring your questions to orientation!

Date/Time: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Location: Join Zoom Meeting here or enter Meeting ID: 822 8624 2882; Passcode: 015166

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Program Director:  Pedram Fard

Pedram is an RRCA-certified coach. He started running in 2013 and has since run more than 20 marathons.