There's nothing "HALF" about a Half Marathon - it's still 13.1 miles! Our Half Marathon training program has something for everyone. Aim for finishing your first race, capture that elusive PR or simply have a great time training and hanging out with some fantastic people! Our team of Chicago Endurance Sports coaches have created a custom, 19-week training program that will prepare you for the race, no matter what your experience level is. Looking for a PR? Our coaches will challenge you with a challenging, effective, smart training program to help you record a personal best. Get motivated, meet some great people, have fun and get in shape all at the same time.
Ideal Target Race
You don't need to do a race to benefit from this training program, but we are targeting the Chicago Half Marathon (September 27), part of the Chicagoland Half Marathon Series!
CES HALF MARATHON TRAINING UPDATES: COVID-19
While the city of Chicago & State of Illinois are gradually moving forward through the phased opening plan, we know that staying physically active helps to maintain both physical and mental health. The benefits of getting outside and moving your body are numerous and will help us get through these trying times. In order to ensure the safety of our athletes, staff, volunteers & supporters, as well as to ensure that we can provide the best experience & value to ALL of our athletes under these challenging circumstances, we are making the following updates to the CES Summer Marathon program & related events:
VIRTUAL TRAINING ONLY - REFUNDS/CREDITS
Given all of the unknowns with regards to the ability for us to safely provide a quality, group training experience, we want to make everything as clear and upfront as possible, and ensure that we can live up to and exceed the expectations of ALL of our athletes. All CES athletes that have registered for Group Training will be transferred to the Virtual Training. This will be done automatically - there is no need to request this change. The difference in price between Group Training and Virtual Training will automatically be credited to your account for future use towards the ADD-ON group training options which we are hopeful will occur. ADD-ON options further defined below.
Virtual Training added amenities for this season:
Web based virtual coach chats
Web based educational clinics
Virtual Challenges and so much more!
GROUP TRAINING ADD-ON OPTION
A prorated fee option will be available when/if it becomes safe and practical to resume group training. We will follow all guidelines and procedures for gathering per CDC and local health authorities. We understand that not everyone will feel comfortable with gathering in groups, so there is no obligation to re-join the group sessions, and you will continue to receive virtual training as before. The prorated fees will be determined based on the amount of sessions we will be able to provide.
GOAL RACES
At this moment, the Chicago Half Marathon is moving forward with plans to host the race, as are many other races. We intend to support you as an athlete (and person) no matter what happens. If your goal race is unable to occur due to COVID-19, we will be there to help you continue with training, offering the option of modified training, and helping you set new goals. In the event of a cancellation of the Chicago Half Marathon, we are planning a Virtual 13.1 & 26.2 event, so everyone has the opportunity to set new goals, and to help give you that sense of accomplishment and closure to a season that will be like no other.
REFUND / CANCELLATION POLICY
Should you decide to cancel your participation in the CES Half Marathon training program, registered participants have until 5pm (CDT) June 3, 2020, to be eligible for a full refund.
Group Training Details
When/if it becomes safe and practical to resume group training, CES Half Marathon Training will be available at FOUR Chicago-area Fleet Feet stores. Enjoy the expert knowledge, support and community atmosphere that Fleet Feet is famous for. This also provides you with a warm and dry place to start, store personal gear in a secure location, indoor restrooms, Gatorade Endurance, water, and a place to meet, talk or go out for brunch or coffee with your running buddies after long runs.
Group training sessions are held twice per week at each location:
Old Town (Fleet Feet, 1706 North Wells Street, Chicago)
Wednesdays, 6:30PM
Saturdays, 6:00AM (run/walk pace groups) & 6:30AM (run only pace groups)
Lincoln Square (Fleet Feet, 4762 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago)
Thursdays, 6:30PM
Sundays, 6:30AM (ALL groups)
South Loop (Fleet Feet, 150 W. Roosevelt, in the Roosevelt Collection)
Tuesdays, 6:30PM
Saturdays, 6:30AM (ALL groups)
Elmhurst (Fleet Feet, 124 West Schiller Street)
Tuesdays, 6:30PM
Saturdays, 6:30AM (ALL groups)
Pick the location that works the best for you. If you can't make it to your regular location, you can still join another group at another location.
Virtual Training Option
Live too far away and can't make it to the group workouts? With our Virtual Training option, you'll receive your daily training schedule and coaching support online (via Training Peaks), access to race day amenities, as well as the weekly email newsletter with coaching tips, race updates and more. The virtual program is a unique way to train on your own with virtual support from a helpful team of coaches.
What’s Included?
Not only do you get to have a lot of fun, but you also get a ton of great stuff too. Check it out:
Professional, experienced (and nice) coaches
Group & Virtual Training Options available
Group Training sessions twice per week
FOUR Fleet Feet group training locations available
Team race day hospitality experience, with private gear check, Gatorade Endurance, Coach support & more
Exclusive, performance training/racing singlet (*shipping not included)
Detailed, daily online training plan for all levels, including Run/Walk
Motivation, leadership & support from the experienced CES Pace Team
Pace leaders and group mentors for various paces, including run/walk
Weekly newsletter with tips on training and program updates
Discounts/promotions from our Sponsors/Partners
Educational seminars & clinics.
