Coaches lead 11-week training programย in advance of Salinas Valley Half Marathon

Thinking about getting off the couch and trying running? Looking to gain a little speed on the road? Wanting to set a personal record for your next race?

The organizers of the Salinas Valley Half Marathon are launching an 11-week training program beginning May 16, designed to teach runners of all abilities and experience to reach their goals. From beginning runners to more advanced athletes, the training program provides a fun, social environment to learn and improve your running skills.

The program kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16. Workouts will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening at the Hartnell College track, and Saturday runs will be held at 8 a.m. at various locales throughout the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas area.

Coaches Chris Zepeda and Rudy Tovar of the Elite Running Club will lead the program. Track workouts and long weekend group runs will help prepare runners to go the distance.

Belinda Bailey, organizer of the training program, says, โ€œThis is a great way to not only learn and improve running skills, but itโ€™s a fun way to meet other runners.ย  Itโ€™s always been one of the highlights of participating in the Salinas Valley Half Marathon.โ€

Registration for the training program is available at the kick-off or in advance at salinasvalleyhalfmarathon.org/training-2017. The cost is $50 for the full 11 weeks.

The Salinas Valley Half Marathon, one of four major events organized by the Big Sur Marathon organization, takes place on August 5, 2017. Race registration is also available atย salinasvalleyhalfmarathon.org.