Why Summer is the Season to Start Your Fall Marathon Journey
June Means Running Season Is Just Heating Up
June marks the unofficial kickoff to marathon training season, and it’s no coincidence that Global Running Day falls right at the start of the month. Celebrated on the first Wednesday in June, this global tradition reminds us why we run and why now is the ideal time to set fall goals in motion.
Whether you’re chasing your first finish line or striving for a personal best, summer is when the groundwork gets laid. It’s the time when seasoned runners map out their training plans, new runners commit to routines, and goal races start to feel real.
Why Runners Plan Now for Fall Races
Fall races aren’t just events, they’re journeys. And like any great journey, they require time, structure, and support. With races like the OUC Orlando Half Marathon Weekend and others happening in late fall or early winter, June is the sweet spot to start building your base.
Temperatures might be high, but so is motivation. Many runners find that training through the summer builds not only endurance but also the kind of mental grit every marathoner needs come race day.
Adding excitement to the race calendar is the brand-new DTO 16.2 Challenge presented by Orangetheory Fitness. Runners who complete both the OUC Orlando Half Marathon on Saturday, December 6, and the Track Shack Lake Eola 5K on Sunday, December 7, will earn a special third medal and some serious bragging rights.
Half Marathon and Marathon Training Programs Start June 14
Whether you're dreaming of your first half marathon or chasing a Boston qualifier, there’s a program for you:
- MarathonFest – Our most comprehensive training program, perfect for runners preparing for the OUC Orlando Half, the DTO 16.2 Challenge, the New York City Marathon, Chicago, or any other fall goal race.
- Galloway Program – A proven run-walk-run method ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a sustainable, injury-reducing approach to distance running.
Each group is led by experienced coaches who understand the Florida heat, the local race calendar, and how to train smart all summer long.
Start Strong. Finish Proud.
Marathon training is about more than logging miles, it’s about showing up, building momentum, and finding a community that keeps you accountable. If you’ve been thinking about taking the leap, this is your moment.
Join us this June. Celebrate Global Running Day on June 4. And take the first step toward your strongest season yet.
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