Run Thru Reston - Reston Runners

HomeRun Thru Reston Training Program

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RTR Half Marathon and 5K

Sunday, April 25, 2027, 7:30AM

South Lakes High School

Reston, VA 20191

RACE REGISTRATION OPEN:

RTR Race Registration

RUN THRU RESTON (RTR) TRAINING PROGRAM!

The RTR Training Program will start on Saturday, January 23, 2027!

The 13-week program is accessible to runners of all athletic abilities. It is tailored to prepare runners starting out at a beginning level, then gradually increasing the weekly long-distance mileage right up to race day on April 26th. There will be one coached group run held on Saturdays with options to participate in uncoached events throughout the week. Runners will be divided into individually coached groups depending on their running experience and ability level. Some great reasons to join our RTR Training Program:

Group Runs and Motivation: The RTR Training Program has helped runners prepare for half marathons for many years. Our Group structure and progressive training schedule has provided motivation that is not possible when training alone. The group runs will be scheduled along with our normally scheduled Saturday recreational runs.

Friendship, Running Partners, and Sharing Goals: Participants will be able to enjoy having running companions, friendly conversation, and sharing mutual progress toward a goal. Everyone is most welcome, and having friends along during long runs helps the time fly by.

Social Events and Progress Checks: There will be several organized meet ups to socialize, enjoy each other's company, and share questions/progress with experienced runners and coaches.

Benefits and Advantages: Fitness goals are challenging. Yes, the program includes sound coaching and shared experiences from runners of all abilities. More importantly, the RTR Training Program includes the prize of accomplishment, the success in achieving a goal, and the motivation to reach a bit outside of your comfort zone. Join the fun and register

Our goal is to provide rewarding training experiences, foster long-lasting relationships within the Reston running community, and meet registrants' personal goals. Participants should feel comfortable running 4 miles before the beginning of the program. Reston Runners membership is welcomed but not required. Participation in the April 26th Run Thru Reston Half Marathon Race requires separate registration and payment of race fees.

THE 2027 RESTON RUNNERS "RTR TRAINING PROGRAM" REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.
If you have questions about the 2027 RTR Race, please send email to: rtrinfo@restonrunners.org
2027 RTR Half Marathon Training Program Registration

Ready to take on 13.1 miles? Our Half Marathon Training Program is designed to guide runners of all levels from comfortable shorter distances to a confident, race‑ready finish. The program builds gradually — starting with easy runs up to five miles and progressing week by week until you complete a 13.1‑mile training run two weeks before race day.

By the end of the program, most participants can comfortably run ten miles and maintain weekly mileage of around twenty. You’ll also benefit from integrated stretching, strength work, and — once the program is underway — optional higher‑intensity pace or track sessions to help you build speed and endurance.

Each runner receives a 13‑week training schedule outlining Saturday group run locations and suggested workouts for Sunday through Friday. The plan is flexible, offering multiple options so you can train around work, family, and life. And if you miss a workout or fall short of a weekly goal, don’t worry — the most important part is enjoying the journey and giving your best effort.

Winter training can be challenging, but we’ve got you covered. If conditions are icy, we adjust routes to keep everyone safe. Even on cold days, you can run comfortably with proper layering — warm, breathable clothing is key. Your coaches and fellow runners are always happy to offer advice. And of course, there’s a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate waiting after every Saturday run.

The program fee is $50, with a $10 discount for current Reston Runners members. Your registration includes:

Weekly coached group runs
Guidance from Reston Runners coaches and local running experts
Water and Gatorade support
Clearly marked courses on Reston’s beautiful trails
A complete workout schedule
Encouragement every step of the way
A custom training program t‑shirt

For more information — or to ask about volunteer coaching — contact the Program Director at rtrinfo@restonrunners.org.

Lace up, layer up, and let’s get ready for race day.

RTR TRAINING PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Saturday run sessions will be preceded with a short ten-to-fifteen-minute warmup of strength and flexibility exercises.
Saturday post-run meetups: All participants are invited to Saturday post-run camaraderie team building coffee at a local restaurant.
Fartlek running involves changing your pace for random distance throughout the run (faster bursts of speed and slower jogging).
LSD is Long Slow Distance. It is important to run the distance at a comfortable pace: 30-90 seconds slower than your planned race pace.
Thursdays Organized Group Runs: Evening run from PRR Store at Reston Town Center. The run starts at 6:00PM and run on W&OD Trail 25mins, turn around, run back 25mins for total 50-minute run. Because of darkness, headlamps or illuminated vests are required until early March.

Week

Sat

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Recommended Weekly Miles

Jan 23

5 miles, Long Slow Distance (LSD)

Reston Town Center Fountain

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

3 miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Jan 30

5 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend5 miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Feb 6

6 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 5 miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Feb 13

Swedish Fartlek Training Run: 4 miles and 1-mile warm down

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend6 miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Feb 20

7 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 6 Miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Feb 27

8 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend6 Miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Mar 6

3.1 Mile Temp Run (Race Pace) 2 Mile warm down

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 6 miles LSD

Optional Run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run 25 Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Mar 13

8 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 4 miles LSD

Recommend 5 miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Mar 20

Interval Workout: 2 loops warmup; 4x600M paced runs; walk recovery; 1 loop warmdown (~6 .5 miles total)

Location: Lake Newport Tennis Courts

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 6 miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Mar 27

10 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 3 miles LSD

Recommend 5 miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Apr 3

7 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 5 miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Apr 10

13.1 Mile LSD on race course

Location: South Lakes High School

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 5 miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Apr 17

5 miles LSD

Taper Down Week

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 4 Miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Apr 24

Rest Day

RTR

HALF MARTHON

RACE DAY

Sunday,April 25