MarathonFest
Current Session: Winter/Spring Advanced
January 24, 2026 – May 16, 2026
The Winter/Spring Advanced Session is designed for experienced runners preparing for more demanding spring races or pursuing time-based goals such as Boston qualification. This session begins at higher mileage and incorporates hill work and advanced workouts to meet the demands of challenging courses. This session is not recommended for first-time half or full marathoners and is best suited for athletes with a strong training base.
Please check our pace group leader page BEFORE registering to be sure we have a pace group that fits your training needs.
Run/walk pace groups are available within MarathonFest for participants who prefer that training method.
Register NowProgram Details
Sessions Dates:
Session I: January 24, 2026 – May 16, 2026 (Winter/Spring)
Session II: June 13, 2026 – January 10, 2027 (Summer/Fall) - Registration opens in March!
Annual Membership is available for January enrollment only.
Schedule:
- Tuesdays: 5:00 AM – Track workouts for distance runners (Glenridge Middle School track)
- Thursdays: 5:00 AM – Hill and tempo runs (Glenridge Middle School bus lane)
- Saturdays: Long runs at Cady Way (starts 4:00 – 5:30 AM)
Arrive 15–30 minutes early to warm up before weekday workouts.
Coach:
Dan Kline
Fee:
$175 New Members (One Session)
$150 Alumni* (One Session)
$250 Annual Membership (Two Sessions: Jan + June, offered in Session I only)
*An alumnus is one who has participated in MarathonFest within the last two years.
There will be a $25 late fee for registrations after the start date.
Register NowContact:
Dan Kline, Training Program Co-Director
dkline2703@gmail.com | 407-766-8029
Program Benefits
- Comprehensive training schedule
- Coached workouts with expert guidance
- Weekly training e-mails
- 15% off discount card for merchandise at Track Shack
- Discount to Track Shack races
Session I: Winter/Spring Advanced
The Winter/Spring Advanced Session is designed for experienced runners preparing for more demanding spring races or pursuing time-based goals such as Boston qualification. This session begins at higher mileage and incorporates hill work and advanced workouts to meet the demands of challenging courses. This session is not recommended for first-time half or full marathoners and is best suited for athletes with a strong training base.
Prerequisite: Participants must have recently completed a half or full marathon. Training begins at a higher base mileage, with full marathon schedules starting at approximately 10–14 miles and spring half marathon schedules beginning at 8 miles.
Registration opens in October.
Session II: Summer/Fall
The Summer/Fall Session is ideal for runners training for fall and early winter half or full marathons, including popular destination and local races. This session builds mileage progressively and is appropriate for both first-time distance runners and experienced marathoners. Target races for this session include Chicago, Marine Corps, New York, Space Coast, Jacksonville, Disney and OUC Half!
Prerequisite: Participants should currently be running 10–15 miles per week and able to maintain a 13:00 min/mile pace for at least 4 miles. All participants must be able to train with one of our established pace groups.
Registration opens in March.
Pace Groups
Runners are divided into pace groups for weekend runs. Each group is led by a pace group leader who sets the route and pace. All participants must meet the pace requirements of their group. Please review the pace group information before registering. Run/walk pace groups are available within MarathonFest for participants who prefer that training method.
Runners unable to meet MarathonFest’s prerequisites are encouraged to join another Track Shack training program.
Training Locations
- Tuesdays: 5:00 AM – Track Workout at Glenridge Middle School track (arrive 15–30 minutes early to warm up).
- Thursdays: 5:00 AM – Tempo or Hill Run at Glenridge Middle School bus lane (arrive 15–30 minutes early).
- Saturdays: Long runs at Cady Way Trail. Start times 4:00 – 5:30 AM.
Summer/Fall sessions may include weekend field trips to Apopka or Clermont for hill training. Details will be provided in weekly emails.
Program Policies
Training programs run in the rain! Coaches are present for every workout and workouts are only cancelled if lightning is present in the area at that time.
The training fee is non-refundable.
For safety reasons, baby carries, joggers/strollers, bicycles, rollers skates, in-line skates, and dogs will be prohibited from the training sessions.
Practices are not open to children or strollers to ensure the safety of all runners.
This program is designed for participants over 18, however, our Cheetahs Running Club is for children aged 8-14.