Half & Full Marathon Training Program | Spring 2026

Half & Full Marathon Training Program | Spring 2026

Spring is the season of fresh starts—and the perfect time to build toward your next big running goal. Our Spring Half Marathon and Full Marathon Training Program brings together runners of all experience levels in a supportive, coached environment designed to elevate your fitness, confidence, and consistency. 

Whether you’re training for the Lake Monona 20K, Run Madtown Half Marathon, the EPIC Marathon, or another spring race of your choosing, this program provides the structure, accountability, and community you need to thrive. 

Over 13 weeks, you'll follow a thoughtfully crafted training plan, meet twice per week for coached group runs, and receive expert guidance, in-person support, and educational resources tailored to half and full marathon success. From your first steps in February to your finish line in May, you’ll progress through a balanced blend of mileage, speedwork, hills, strength, and recovery—while enjoying some of Madison’s best parks, trails, and running routes. 

Our mission is simple: help you arrive at race day feeling strong, confident, informed, and prepared. Whether you’re chasing a PR, running your first long-distance event, or simply looking for accountability this spring, we’ll support you every step of the way. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:   

• Timeline: February 22 – May 24, 2026  

• Meet & Greet/Kick-Off Event: Saturday, February 21 @ 8:30 a.m. | Fleet Feet Madison (8440 Old Sauk Rd.)   

• First Group Run: Sunday, February 22 @ 7:30 a.m.   

• Online Registration Opens: January 1, 2026 

• Registration Deadline: Monday, February 16, 2026  

GOAL RACES:   

• Lake Monona 20K (May 2, 2026)  

• Run Madtown Half Marathon (May 24, 2026) 

• EPIC Marathon & Running Festival (May 17, 2026) 

We can also help you customize your plan for other popular spring races, including: La Crosse Marathon (May 2), Eau Claire Marathon (May 3), Syttende Mai Classic (May 16), and Madeline Island Marathon (May 16).  

TRAINING PROGRAM RATES*:   

• New Year Special: $20 OFF (Jan. 1–8) 

• Early Bird: $149 (through Jan. 18) 

• Regular Rate: $159 (Jan. 19–Feb. 16) 

• Late: $169 (Feb. 17 and after) 

***Program fee does not include registration into goal races or races built into the training plans.* 

Races woven into the 2026 training plans include:   

• Madison Shamrock Shuffle 5K/10K (March 14, 2026)

• Lake Monona 20K/5K (May 2, 2026)

MEET AND GREET / PROGRAM KICK-OFF:  

Saturday, February 21 @ 8:30 a.m. | Fleet Feet Madison (8440 Old Sauk Rd.)  

Join us to celebrate the start of spring training! Enjoy coffee, light snacks, promotions, and raffle prizes. This informational meeting introduces you to the coaching staff and covers: 

• Program structure and training plans 

• Safety guidelines and group run protocol 

• Gear recommendations 

• How to make the most of your season 

We encourage all new and returning athletes to attend. 

Optional Pre-Kickoff Fun Run: 7:45 a.m. (30-minute out-and-back) 

GROUP RUNS:   

• Wednesdays – 6:00 p.m.    

• Sundays – 7:30 a.m.   
   

Meeting locations rotate between Madison’s west, central, and east sides to highlight a variety of local parks and trails, including (but not limited to): Olin Park, Vilas Park, McKee Farms, McDaniel Park, Olbrich Park, Winnequah Park, Glacial Drumlin Trail, Orchid Heights Park, Lakeshore Path, Capital City Trail, Lower Yahara River Trail, and the SW Commuter Path. 

Wednesday runs will typically meet more centrally unless paired with an in-store seminar or partner event. 

Athletes will run the majority of the Lake Monona 20K and Run Madtown Half Marathon courses throughout training. 

*No group run on Easter weekend (Sunday, April 5). 
 
PACE GROUPS: 
To help you stay consistent, supported, and confident throughout your long runs, we staff pace leaders for a variety of pace ranges each season. These leaders help maintain steady pacing, offer encouragement, and keep groups organized from start to finish. 

The following are the typical pace groups offered during our half and full marathon programs. The 12:00–12:30 pacer generally floats and checks-in with participants between 12:00–15:00 min/mile. 
 
Final pace groups are determined from registered participants and program size. 

• 8:30–8:45 min/mile 

• 9:15–9:30 min/mile 

• 10:00-10:15 min/mile 

• 10:30-10:45 min/mile 

• 11:15–11:30 min/mile 

• 12:00–12:30+ min/mile (floater)* 

FLEET FEET FUN RUNS: 
Participants are encouraged to join our free mid-week community runs to add mileage, meet fellow runners, and build consistency. 

• Fleet Feet 5K – Mondays @ 6:00 p.m. (3 miles) 

• Pub Runs – Thursdays @ 6:15 p.m. (3–5 miles) 

Fun run registration link here. 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: 

• A complete, adaptable training plan for half and full marathoners 

• Warmup and cool down exercises to make every run smoother   

• Recommended strength, mobility, and core workouts to balance your training  

• Hill and performance focused workouts to increase efficiency and running economy  

• Prescribed training on non-meeting days  

• Expert coaching and guidance   

• Weekly program emails packed with training tips, educational insights, route information, and motivational support 

• Coaching support in-person and via email to answer your questions along the way   

• Organized and supported group workouts 2x/week for accountability, camaraderie, and fun 

• Educational and interactive seminar series to supplement your training (nutrition, injury prevention, etc.) 

• Sampling of various nutrition and hydration products   

• Fleet Feet coupon book  

• Shoe wear tests, promotions, and giveaways  

• Pace group leaders on weekend long runs to help you stay on track    

• Exclusive Fleet Feet branded gear item  

• Attendance incentives 

• Discounted race entry into Shamrock Shuffle, Lake Monona 20K, EPIC Marathon, and Run Madtown Events  

• A fun, inclusive community for runners of all levels 

BASE MILEAGE RECOMMENDATIONS:  

These recommendations help ensure athletes stay healthy, confident, and injury-free while building on an existing fitness foundation. If you have any questions or concerns about these recommendations, please contact Megan: Director of Training Programs (sweetm@fleetfeetmadison.com).   

Half Marathon: 

• Long Run: 3–4 miles 

• Weekly Mileage: 8–10 miles 

Full Marathon: 

• Long Run: 8 miles 

• Weekly Mileage: 18–20 miles 

Our programs welcome a wide range of abilities. There are no required paces to participate; however, most race organizers request participants maintain an approximate 15–16 min/mile average to meet course time limits.    

CONTACT & QUESTIONS:  

Megan Sweet, Director of Training Programs 
sweetm@fleetfeetmadison.com  

Fleet Feet Madison: 608-833-9999  
Fleet Feet Sun Prairie: 608-834-9999