OUR MISSION:

We Motivate, Inspire, and Train runners and walkers to reach their half or full marathon goals while creating a safe, uplifting and inclusive community where people thrive.

Summer/Fall Marathon Training for Nationwide Children's Columbus Half & Full Marathon begins on June 8th!

Dates:
June 8 - October 20, 2024

• Saturday - LONG RUNS

• Wednesday - GRIT WORKOUTS (Track, Hills, & Speed)

Description:
Group training program for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Half & Full Marathon and other fall half and full marathons

Run Locations:
Varying workout locations centrally located in Columbus, OH (Downtown, Clintonville, Upper Arlington) and surrounding suburbs (Worthington, Lewis Center, Westerville, Gahanna, etc.)

Overview:

Half & Full Marathon training is challenging, but Fleet Feet Columbus’s MIT (Marathoner-in-Training) will provide you the support, community, and accountability you need to reach the finish line.

In 2023, MIT trained over 500 runners and walkers for the Columbus Half & Full Marathon, and we are so excited to support our next cohort of athletes in 2024.

As Columbus’s premier group training program, MIT has helped tens of thousands of runners and walkers successfully complete their goals. Whether you’re new to this whole running thing or an experienced marathoner, our program provides training programs to meet you where you’re at.

At MIT, you’ll never have to go it alone. Your pace group coaches and fellow participants will motivate, inspire, and empower you to become a version of yourself that can accomplish anything you set your mind to. 

Your MIT training program is led by experienced coaches and mentors who have years of proven racing and coaching success. 

Program Benefits:

• 6-week, Pre-Season Guide to help prepare you for the training season.

• 18-week training plan with 4 different experience level options (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced II - MIT EDGE (COMING SOON!!)

• Weekly educational & motivational newsletters with content curated by our team of coaches and top-tier medical professionals

• 2 in-person group training runs per week

  • Saturday Long Runs - Saturday morning at 7:30am led by pace groups for sub 8:00 to 12:30 pace/per mile run, 11:30-14:00 pace/per mile run/walk, or 15:00-17:00 pace/per mile WALK.

  • GRIT Workouts (Wednesdays). These in-person, coach-led workouts focus on building grit, speed, and strength. Workout types include track workouts, hill repeats, interval runs, etc.

• Hydration support at group workouts (Water & Gatorade Endurance)

• Exclusive discounts on Fleet Feet Races & M3S Races

• Race Day Perks

  • Private, indoor-gathering at Hyatt Hotel with nice restrooms & brand-sponsored pre-race festivities

  • Private MIT gear check

  • Post-Race Celebration Hub with Fleet Feet

• Fit For Life Physical Therapy Injury Hotline, 48-Hour Care Guarantee

• Mid-season social events and volunteer opportunities

• 10% off at all Fleet Feet Columbus Retail Store Locations

• MIT Training Tank & Amphipod Flexible Hydration Cup
  
  

Important Program Dates

June 1: MIT Packet Pickup Begins

June 8th: MIT Summer Training Kickoff Run & Celebration

June 12th: First Group GRIT Track Workout

June 30th: MIT Packet Pickup Ends

August 18th: Grandview Yard Half & Quarter Marathon

September 7th: Run Columbus Run 20 Miler

October 20th: Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Half & Full Marathon

November 1: MIT Year End Celebration

 

Training plan adjustments for other Fall Marathons are available by request. Email hannah@fleetfeetcolumbus.com. Do you have very specific goals for Columbus? Interested in a more hands-on coaching approach? Email Coach Hannah to inquire about Friday private coaching sessions!

 

FAQ

How much running/walking experience do I need to be able to run before getting started? 
None! MIT has a proven record of serving beginning runners, and long-time runners alike. A 6-week pre-season training guide will be provided to assist in your preparations for the beginning of the training program.

What are your pace group options?
8:00
9:00
9:30
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
11:30 Run/Walk
12:30 Run/Walk
13:00 Run/Walk
14:00 Run/Walk
WALK

What do I need to get started?
Nothing except a desire to get moving! Getting properly fit for running shoes will certainly help, but that can always wait until after the first workout.

Can I run with a stroller?
No, participants may not run with strollers at training runs.

Can I run with my dog?
No, participants may not run with pets at training runs.

How old do I need to be to participate?
 Runners must be 18 years or older to participate in group training.

When and wear is packet pickup?
Packet Pickup starts June 1 and will run through June 30. Packet pickup is available during all normal business hours at FLEET FEET LEWIS CENTER ONLY. 

Can I have my packet mailed to me?
Yes, you may select packet mailing for a fee during registration. Packets will be mailed closer to the start of the program.

What is the program's weather policy?
 We will run/walk rain or shine. However, if there is lightning or other hazardous weather, we will cancel or postpone. Weather alerts, cancellations, and reminders are sent via TEXT.

Is there a discount for returning members?
Yes. Members who participated in the most recent MIT season can email hannah@fleetfeetcolumbus.com for a returning member discount code. 

Can I cancel my membership?
Participants may choose to voluntarily exit the program by the date two weeks prior to the start date of the program. Those who exit may receive a full credit of fees paid towards any single future MIT program or event of any kind of equal or lesser value. Credit valid through the end of the following calendar year. To exit the program, e-mail hannah@fleetfeetcolumbus.com

No refunds will be issued for any reason, including injury, illness, change in availability, or changes to target race.

Can I enter the program after the start date?
Yes, participants are welcomed to enter the program late. The deadline for registration is 8 weeks prior to the program's end date. Fees are not prorated for late entry.

KICK OFF IS ON JUNE 8TH FLEET FEET LEWIS CENTER! DETAILS TO COME.