Training programs start for the Purdue Half Marathon

Written by MaryJane Slaby   JCOnline.com

On Oct. 19, the Purdue Boilermaker Half Marathon — along with the 5K — will return for its second year.

And runners can expect fewer hills and more of campus.

Heather Ladd, who oversees race registration, said the course will still include downtown Lafayette near the Tippecanoe County Courthouse, but has more of West Lafayette and the Purdue campus for runners to enjoy.

Ladd said this year’s race will be bigger than in 2012.

“We’re expecting 4,000 runners this year which would be up about 1,200 from last year,” she said.

And at 13.1 miles, a half marathon is a race that many people can do, including people who don’t consider themselves runners, said Mark Acher, a runner and local running coach.

“It’s attainable,” he said.

Although October is still months away, local training programs will start soon, giving runners 12 weeks to prepare.

“It’s a good amount of time to take a beginner and give them a base to compete,” Acher said.

Here’s a look at what to know about local running programs:

Fleet Feet Sports West Lafayette

Participants will receive a weekly schedule. There will be programs about running-related topics on Saturdays.

Coaches also will be available to answer questions and offer advice.

Who it’s for: All levels, but participants are encouraged to be able to run 5 miles

When & where: Starts at 7 p.m. July 30 at Fleet Feet Sports West Lafayette, 500 Sagamore Parkway West. Training sessions are 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. Saturdays at the same location.

Cost: $75 (includes training, technical shirt and refreshments during training)

How to register: Go online to www.fleetfeetsports.com or visit the store in person. Then attend an optional orientation at 7 p.m. Thursday at Fleet Feet Sports.

Tri-N-Run

Participants will receive emails with workout plans, informational sessions about running-related topics and have running coaches to answer questions.

Who it’s for: All levels

When & where: Starts the week of July 28, group runs are Saturday mornings and will be throughout West Lafayette. There also will be track workouts during the week.

Cost: $40 for returning participants and $50 for new ones (includes training, technical shirt and refreshments during training)

How to register: Register at Tri-N-Run, 13 N. Earl Ave., Lafayette, or www.signmeup.com/92512.

West Lafayette Parks and Recreation

A partnership with Acher of Performance Running LLC, the program includes emails for participants with weekly training plans as well as Acher answering questions in a group setting.

Who it’s for: Beginners and people who have done one or two half marathons, but it’s open to all

When & where: Starts July 29. At 7 a.m. on Saturdays, there will be weekly group runs throughout West Lafayette.

Cost: $50 (includes training, technical shirt and refreshments during training)

How to register: Complete a parks and recreation activity registration form. To find the form go to www.westlafayette.in.gov or to the Parks and Recreation office, 1101 Kalberer Road, West Lafayette, or register by calling 765-775-5110.

Then attend an optional informational session at 7 p.m. Wednesday or 8 a.m. Saturday in Room 106 at Morton Community Center, 222 N Chauncey Ave, West Lafayette.