TRAINING CLASS DESCRIPTION
The Fall 2025 Half Marathon Class is a 12-week program preparing individuals to participate in a half marathon this fall. The class meets at 6:15pm on Tuesdays at the Winston Family YMCA and on Saturdays at 7:00 am at various locations. The kickoff class will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 outside 1st Place Sports, Baymeadows Store at 6:15 PM (come prepared for a short run that evening after a brief introduction).
For a short video about the class, click HERE!
The class can serve as a stepping stone for those planning to complete a marathon in December or January. The target half marathon is the Community First Thanksgiving Half Marathon on November 27, 2025.
YOUR RUNNING LEVEL
Most participants will progress towards completing the entire half marathon running, but others may prefer a walk/run combination to complete the race.
It is recommended that you be running or walk/running at least 2 - 3 miles a few times per week. Please take it slow and easy if you are not currently training.
The program will accommodate all levels of runners, so everyone is encouraged to participate in the training class. Pace groups will be formed to complete training runs at 14 minutes per mile and faster. You will be encouraged and assisted to tailor your training program to fit your specific fitness level, time constraints, and running goals. Pace Groups are subject to change based on the availability of leaders.
GROUP RUNS
The class will meet every Tuesday for group runs and Saturdays for long runs throughout the training schedule. Be prepared to train 4-5 times per week for a significant benefit. Tuesdays we will meet at 6:15 PM for a group discussion/guest speaker and depart for a training run at 6:30 PM. The Tuesday meeting location is on the River Walk near the Winston Family YMCA in Riverside, except for the first class on Tuesday, September 9th at 1st Place Sports, Baymeadows.
We will meet Saturdays at 7 AM starting September 13th for a long group run in varying locations throughout the Jacksonville area: Downtown, Ortega, Nocatee, San Marco, Riverside, Orange Park, eTown, and the Beaches area. Being present at any particular training event or day is not a requirement to benefit from the class.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED
Group discussions conducted most Tuesdays prior
to Group Runs will cover:
» Running Safety
» Training Plan Development
» Running Shoe Selection
» Nutrition
» Strength Training
» Injury Prevention
» Night before and Race Day Preparation
TRAINING CLASS COACHES 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.
While Sharon is excited to return this season, she’s also expecting a baby at the end of August and will be stepping away for the first several weeks of the program. During that time, the class will be in great hands with Jennifer DeSantis, an experienced and enthusiastic coach who previously led this training group before Sharon. The two have collaborated closely to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for all participants.
Jennifer has been coaching with JTC since 2016 and brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to the program. She is an RRCA Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Nutrition Coach who has supported runners of all levels in reaching their goals, from 5Ks to marathons. Jennifer is passionate about smart, consistent training and leads with encouragement and positivity.
Together with our amazing team of pace leaders, Jennifer and Sharon are 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. 16: $50 $65 (includes one year membership)
Starting Sept. 17: $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 2025”). If you need to talk to Sharon, you may phone 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 at The Bolles School.
- 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