We’re excited that you’ve chosen to run the Horsetooth Half Marathon. If you’re new to the distance or if you’re looking for company and motivation with your training, then consider joining the Fort Collins Running Club (FCRC) for some or all of your training.
Outlined below are two training plans designed specifically for newer runners with Fort Collins, on-course training runs built into the programs. These free training plans are offered through the FCRC’s RunningU training program. Programs have been updated for the 2025 training season.
The RunningU program is built around the Fort Collins Running Club’s Tortoise and Hare series, and a series of Sunday long runs that alternate between hills and flat various race sponsor locations:
- The race start by Maxwell Natural Area (Hills): 7:45am-8:00am rolling start
- Enjoy Realty (Flat): 7:45am start
- New Belgium Brewery (Flat): 10:45am start
- Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant (Flat): 9:45am start
- Altitude Running (Flat): 9:45am start
Runs from the race start will be out-and-backs on the opening hilly miles of the course, while runs from race partner locations will be out-and-backs on the final flatter miles of the course. Runs starting and finishing at partner locations will include post-race snacks and drinks, and will be followed by sponsor giveaways and a post-run presentation. These runs are a fantastic way to meet new runners and share training progress with your fellow half marathoners in training.
We will again be partnering with the Tuesday Night Track group this year to add an additional opportunity to train with a group to help you meet your Horsetooth Half goals. The group will be doing the workouts from the Intermediate Training Program on the appropriate Tuesdays. The TNT group is composed of, and welcomes, all abilities and paces. They meet at 6:00pm every Tuesday. Check out the facebook page for details of upcoming workouts. Horsetooth Half specific TNT workouts will be promoted through the training program newsletter and posted to the NoCo Running Forum Facebook group.
Sunday training runs from New Belgium, the Rio, and Altitude will begin at 10:00am or 11:00am (New Belgium).
Sunday training runs from the race start and FCRC Tortoise & Hare races start at 7:45am – 8:00am
*Notes:
- All group training runs from the race start and partner locations are open to any and all runners
- Tortoise & Hare races require a FCRC membership
- RunningU is a free program run by the Fort Collins Running Club. We recommend that you register for the program; registration for 2025 will open in December 2024. Registered RunningU participants will get access to group communications and mentoring as they prepare for the Horsetooth Half Marathon.
2025 Sunday Long Run and Tortoise & Hare Race Schedule
- Jan 5 (10:45 AM): KICK OFF – 4-5 miles from New Belgium
- Presentation: Colorado in Motion ‘Downhill Running Technique’ – Watch Video, program overview plus Q&A
- Jan 12 (7:45 AM): Fossil Creek Park T&H 5k
- Jan 19 (7:45 AM): 4-6 miles from Enjoy Realty (flat)
- Jan 26 (9:45 AM): 5-7 miles from Altitude Running (flat)
- Feb 2 (7:45 AM): Edora Park T&H 8k
- Feb 9 (7:45 AM): 6-8 miles. Hills. From Maxwell Open Space (race start)
- Feb 16 (10:45 AM): 7-9 miles from New Belgium
- Feb 23 (7:45 AM): 8-10 miles. Hills. From Maxwell Open Space (race start) or BACON STRIP 10 MILE
- Mar 2 (7:45 AM): Lee Martinez T&H 10k
- Mar 9 (9:45 AM): 10-12 miles. Hills. From Maxwell Open Space (race start)
- Mar 16 (9:45 AM): 12 miles from Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant (flat)
- Mar 23 (7:45 AM): 8 miles. Hills. From Maxwell Open Space (race start)
- Mar 30 (7:45 AM): Cottonwood Glen T&H 12k
- Apr 6 (10:45 AM): 5 miles from New Belgium
- Presentation: Q&A panel with former participants & run coaches
- Apr 13: Race Day
