Road Half Marathon Training Program – 2026

Bidwell Classic Half Marathon

We are excited to offer our 2026 Bidwell Classic Half Marathon Training Program, a 9-week coached program designed to prepare you for one of Chico’s most iconic and longest-running races. Whether you’re chasing a personal record or simply looking to arrive at the start line confident and prepared, this program will guide you every step of the way.

The Bidwell Classic Half Marathon takes place on March 7, 2026, and this training cycle is built specifically to help you succeed on race day.

Who This Program Is For

This standard half marathon track is ideal for runners who:

• Can comfortably run 7 miles

• Are currently running about 20 miles per week

• Want structured training, accountability, and a supportive team environment

Whether this is your first half marathon or your twentieth, this program offers the consistency, coaching, and motivation to help you perform your best—and maybe even snag a PR.

Training Schedule

• Program Kick-Off & First Run:
  Saturday, January 3, 2026 | 7:30 AM
  Fleet Feet Chico
  Attendance is highly recommended, as we’ll cover program details and head out for our first run together.

• Weekly Coached Runs:
  Tuesdays at 6:00 PM – Speed work or hill workouts
  Saturdays at 7:30 AM – Long runs

Meeting locations will vary around Chico and will be communicated by your coaches via email each week.

What’s Included

When you join the Bidwell Classic Half Marathon Training Program, you’ll receive:

• A detailed 9-week daily training plan

• Twice-weekly coached group runs

• Educational workshops covering:

  • Nutrition & hydration

  • Pacing strategies

  • Running form

  • Injury prevention

  • Motivation & mindset

• Ongoing email support from your coaching staff

• A fun, motivating, and inclusive team environment

• Camaraderie, encouragement, and accountability from fellow runners

• Fleet Feet team tent on race day

• $5 off Bidwell Classic race entry
  (Race registration link: https://runsignup.com/bidwellclassic)

Our supportive coaching team is committed to helping you reach your personal goals. The team atmosphere is always positive—and it’s not uncommon to leave with a new running partner or lifelong friend.

Program Requirements

• Ability to run at least 7 miles

• Currently running 20 miles per week

• Able to maintain up to a 12:00 min/mile pace

• Exercising 3–5 times per week

• Injury-free

• 18 years of age or older

Registration Details

• Registration Fee: $50
  (Online processing fees apply; race entry not included)

• Participant Limit: 40 runners — register early!

• Refund Deadline: January 10th, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Get ready to train with wonderful coaches, experienced mentors, and a community of runners who are all working toward the same goal—crossing the Bidwell Classic finish line strong and proud.