Half Marathon (13.1) Training | Summer 2026 Presented by Brooks

Half Marathon (13.1) Training | Summer 2026 
Presented by Brooks

Join the thousands of runners who challenge themselves each year to take on the half marathon—one of the most popular and rewarding race distances. Whether you’re training for a summer race, chasing a new goal, or building toward a fall marathon, this program is designed to support you every step of the way. 

PROGRAM GENERALS | Online Registration Closed

• Goal Race: Madison Mini-Marathon on August 8, 2026 

• Program Duration: May 30, 2026 – August 8, 2026 (10 weeks) 

• Registration Deadline: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 

• Meet and Greet Program Kick-Off: May 30, 2026 (Saturday) @ 8:30 a.m. | Fleet Feet Madison (8440 Old Sauk Rd). 

GOAL EVENT 

Madison Mini-Marathon on August 8, 2026 
*Registration into the goal race is not included in your training program registration. 

RATES 

• $139 (until May 13, 2026) 

• $149 (May 14 – May 27, 2026) 

• $159 (May 28, 2026 and after)  

MEET AND GREET PROGRAM KICK-OFF 
Saturday, May 30, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m.  
Fleet Feet Madison (8440 Old Sauk Rd.)  

30-minute fun run option at 7:45 a.m. before kick-off. 
 
Join us to celebrate the start of summer training! Enjoy light snacks/refreshments, 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 and train during the summer months  

We encourage all new and returning athletes to attend. 

GROUP RUNS (2X/WEEK) 

• Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m.  

• Saturdays @ 7:00 a.m.  

Meeting locations: Wednesday group runs will typically alternate between the Fleet Feet stores (8440 Old Sauk Rd & 2816 Prairie Lakes Dr.) and Vilas Park Shelter (1602 Vilas Park Dr, Madison, WI 53715). Weekend meeting locations will rotate between west, central, and east areas of Madison utilizing several popular Madison area parks and trails (e.g. Olin Park, Orchid Heights Park, McKee Farms Park, McDaniel Park, Glacial Drumlin, Hometown Junction Park, etc.). 

Athletes will cover the majority of the Mini-Marathon course throughout training.   

PACE GROUPS  

To help you stay consistent, supported, and confident throughout your long runs, pace leaders are staffed 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 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  

• 10:15-10:30 min/mile  

• 11:15–11:30 min/mile  

• 12:00–12:30+ min/mile (floater)*  

FLEET FEET FUN RUNS 
Athletes 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. 

BASE MILEAGE RECOMMENDATIONS 

We recommend being able to comfortably run or run/walk 3–4 times per week, totaling ~15 miles per week, with a long effort of 4–6 miles before starting the program. If you’re not quite there yet, you’re still welcome - just plan to build gradually and listen to your body early on.  

Our programs are inclusive of a variety of paces and ability levels. We welcome both first-time half marathoners and veterans and accommodate both runners and run/walkers looking for a structured program that will prepare them for the 13.1-mile distance. Program participants generally range anywhere from 8:30 min/mile to 15 min/mile.  

Note: both the 5K and half marathon at the Madison Mini-Marathon will have a cut off time of 11:00 a.m.  

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 

• A complete and detailed 10-week training plan leading up to the Madison Mini-Marathon (adaptable to various levels). 

• Warmup and cool down exercises to make every run smoother 

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

• Educational and interactive seminar series to supplement your training   

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

• 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 – routes include portions of the race course  

• Sampling of various nutrition and hydration products  

• Shoe and gear wear tests, promotions, and giveaways  

• Staffed pace group leaders on weekend runs to help you stay on track  

• Exclusive Fleet Feet branded gear item   

• Fleet Feet coupon book 

• Discounted race entry into the Madison Mini-Marathon 

• A fun, inclusive community for runners of all levels  

CONTACT & QUESTIONS:  
Coach Megan, sweetm@fleetfeetmadison.com  
 
Fleet Feet Madison: 608-833-9999  
Fleet Feet Sun Prairie: 608-834-9999