Fall 2026 Half Marathon Training Class
12 Weeks • Supportive Community • All Paces Welcome
TRAINING CLASS DESCRIPTION
The Fall 2026 Half Marathon Class is a 12‑week training program designed to help runners of all ability levels prepare for a fall half marathon. We meet Tuesdays at 6:15 PM at the Winston Family YMCA and Saturdays at 7:00 AM at rotating locations throughout Jacksonville.
Our kickoff class will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, outside 1st Place Sports – Baymeadows at 6:15 PM. After a brief introduction, we’ll head out for a short run, so come dressed and ready to move.
If you’re unsure whether the class is right for you, you’re invited to attend the first session on September 8th. You’ll meet the coach and pace leaders, hear how the program works, and join the short run before deciding whether to register.
For a short video about the class, click HERE!
This program can also serve as a stepping stone for runners planning to complete a marathon in December or January. Our target half marathon is the Community First Thanksgiving Half Marathon on November 26, 2026.
YOUR RUNNING LEVEL
This is a welcoming, inclusive program, but it is not a couch‑to‑half‑marathon class. Prior running experience is not required, but building a small base beforehand will help you feel more comfortable and confident as training begins.
If you’re newer to running, the class can still work well for you as long as you begin adding some easy miles before kickoff. As a general guide:
- Novice Plus: Aim for 6–10 miles per week
- Intermediate: Aim for 10–15 miles per week
- Advanced: Aim for 18+ miles per week
All paces and experience levels are welcome. Many runners will use run/walk intervals, and you do not need to run continuously to participate. If you’re returning after time off, start gradually and listen to your body as you build toward the suggested weekly mileage.
Pace groups will be formed based on participant needs and leader availability, and may shift throughout the season.
TRAINING PLANS
Participants may choose from three training plans—Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each plan offers a structured, supportive path toward a successful half marathon.
Plans are flexible and can be adjusted as needed. Sharon is available to help tailor any plan to your fitness level, schedule, and personal goals.
GROUP RUNS
The class meets twice weekly for group training:
Tuesdays – 6:15 PM
We gather for a brief group discussion or guest speaker, then head out for a training run at 6:30 PM. Tuesday sessions meet on the River Walk near the Winston Family YMCA in Riverside, except for the kickoff class on September 8th at 1st Place Sports, Baymeadows.
Saturdays – 7:00 AM
Saturday long runs begin September 12th and meet at different locations across Jacksonville, including Riverside, Ortega, Nocatee, San Marco, Orange Park, eTown, the Beaches, and additional routes throughout the season.
Attendance at any specific training day is not required to benefit from the class. Consistency is encouraged, but flexibility is built in.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED
Group discussions or guest speaker presentations, held before Tuesday group runs, may include topics such as:
» Running Safety
» Training Plan Development
» Running Shoe Selection
» Nutrition
» Strength Training
» Injury Prevention
» Night before and Race Day Preparation
TRAINING CLASS COACH BIO
Sharon Langieri is a certified RRCA running coach with a passion for helping runners achieve their goals. An avid runner since 2001, she has directed and managed numerous running events nationwide over the past decade. Sharon has competed in races ranging from the mile to the marathon, including several distance relays, and spent several years as a pace leader for this class before becoming the coach.
Sharon is committed to helping you become a stronger, more confident runner while building a fun, welcoming, and motivating training community.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
There is no fee for credit/debit card payment online.
ONLINE REGISTRATION:
JTC Member Non Member
Through Sept. 15: $50 $65 (includes one year membership)
Starting Sept. 16: $60 $75 (includes one year membership)
Members of previous classes will be emailed a discount code for the special $45 previous class rate. Class shirts are a $12 option for all entrants. Design is TBD.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information continue checking online at www.jtcrunning.com, or e-mail Sharon at sharonlangieri@gmail.com (with a subject line “Half Marathon 2026”). If you need to talk to Sharon, you may call her at (386) 503-1341. Text or e-mail is the preferred as primary contact method for the class.
Value of JTC Running Membership
Founded in October 1975, JTC Running is Northeast Florida’s preeminent promoter of healthy lifestyles through running, fitness, and fellowship. It is both a social club with several varying events per year and a philanthropic organization that seeks to benefit runners of all types.
Benefits:
- A subscription to “The Starting Line” - our bimonthly newsletter about the club, events, and running information.
- Discounted entry fees at most JTC Running events (Gate River Run, Summer & Winter Beaches, Guana, Last Gasp)
- Access to the JTC Running hospitality tent at the Gate River Run where members enjoy refreshments, bag check, and exclusive port-a-lets.
- Coached members-only track workouts Wednesday 5:30 am and 5:30 pm.
- Social events - Several times a year we have non-running casual get togethers.
Local training runs - many of which have running mentors.
- Discounts on merchandise at many sports stores and other stores in Jacksonville area - see website for complete list: www.jtcrunning.com