Training Builds Community.

Free Group Long Training Runs in Athens

Saturdays, 8:00 a.m., beginning September 27

Join the Athens Road Runners and the Classic City Marathon Association’s Training Team for free long training runs in Athens, starting on Saturday, September 27, for marathoners and starting on Saturday, November 8, for half marathoners!

Saturday group runs meet at 8:00 a.m. in the Bottleworks parking lot near the corner of Meigs St. and North Newton St. in Athens, behind Hendershot’s. You will probably need to park on the surrounding streets and walk/run to the meeting place.

We will provide suggested routes for the mileages shown on the training plans linked below, starting with 6 miles for beginner marathoners and 8 miles for intermediate marathoners. The routes are designed to let you practice parts of the race course. We will also provide water stops as the miles get longer, but we suggest you plan to carry water/fuel (or have a plan for which mini-market you will pop into).

All you need to do to attend the group runs is show up, you are more than welcome! (There will be a waiver to sign, if you are not a member of the Athens Road Runners; see the bottom of this page.)

All registered runners will also receive an email with specific training information every week, starting with marathoners in September, so definitely go ahead and register for your race if you have not registered yet. (Half marathoners and relay runners, your training information will start later, don’t worry!)

Free Training Plans for Everyone!

We know how important good training is — so we are giving it away, for free, to everyone!

The Athens Road Runners’ very own Coach Al designed these beginner-friendly and intermediate/advanced training schedules especially for the Classic City Marathon and for the Classic City Half Marathon. Download your plan, consider investing in some new shoes, and head on out, no matter where you are! Marathon training starts the week of September 22. Half Marathon training starts the week of November 3.

  • Novice Marathon Training Plan. Ideally suited to the first-time marathoner. You can do this! Steady increases in mileage, with plenty of rest and recovery, will prepare you to finish the Classic City Marathon with a smile!

  • Intermediate Marathon Training Plan. For the experienced distance runner who is targeting a specific finish time or trying to improve on a previous marathon. Includes race-pace tempo workouts, more mileage overall, and three 20-mile runs.

  • Novice Half Marathon Training Plan. Perfect for a first-time half marathoner aiming to finish the 13.1 distance. Two rest days every week.

  • Intermediate Half Marathon Training Plan. Includes some race-pace tempo workouts and a bit more distance. Try the intermediate plan if you have finished a half marathon before and want to be improving your time.

  • “Couch to 10K” Relay-Leg Training Plan. Six or seven miles is a long way, if you are new to distance running! Our Relay-Leg training will help.

ALSO: Read this super informative post by our very own Medical Co-Director, Dr. Joe Colasurdo, about the importance of smart, steady training! He tells it like it is, people…. A marathon or a half marathon is a serious goal. You will be sooooo proud of yourself when you finish strong!

Yes, we are running already!

This BASE-TRAINING PRE-TRAINING TRAINING PLAN was for July, but change the dates and try it as a 4-week base-building plan, to help you be ready for your Classic City Half Marathon training. (Thanks to Katie, from our Training Team!)

Or use our sister half-marathon’s fall training as your early marathon training! Fleet Feet Athens-Oconee invites all Classic City Marathoners to join their free August-to-October “AthHalf” half-marathon training program!

  • It works perfectly, if your ultimate goal is the January 2026 Classic City Marathon. Join the Fleet Feet AthHalf training plan now. Your mileage will increase steadily toward the half-marathon distance in October. From there, you slide gracefully into your longer marathon training (make the shift in mid-September when our formal marathon training plan starts, or make the shift after the AthHalf in October).

    The free AthHalf training plan started on Saturday, August 2, but you can still jump on in. Register here if you will attend their free Saturday group runs starting at Fleet Feet Athens (1694 South Lumpkin St.). Or download their free training plan to run anywhere.

Meet Coach Al

Al Jeffers is a USATF-certified and RRCA-certified running coach. He has worked with the Athens Road Runners racing teams and other Athens Road Runners members since 2013. He was proud to design the first Classic City Marathon training plans in 2023, and he has continued to support all Classic City runners every year!

“I have coached endurance athletes of all abilities and experience levels, from beginners to Olympics participants, for over 40 years. I strongly encourage runners to choose a training plan and to join a group for the long runs. Running long miles with others gives you a chance to make new friends, help someone else with their running journey, and take in some encouragement from the group when you are in need of support. Never doubt your potential.”   – Coach Al

Coach Al is also available for private coaching or consultation with individual runners.

Waivers and Disclaimers

Saturday long runs are organized by the Athens Road Runners. If you are not a member, you will be asked to sign a liability waiver at your first Saturday long run. The training plans and other ideas presented above are intended solely as suggestions that individuals might choose to consider. All runners must make their own decisions about their abilities and limitations; must understand the known dangers of running, including weather, traffic, terrain, health emergencies, and other hazards of running alone or with a group; and must accept the responsibility for all consequences of their decision to run. Please consult with your own medical or other advisors before you run.