Join the Howard County Striders for one of their prestigious training programs! Are you ready to take your Half or Full marathon endurance training to the “Next Step”? If so, you’re in for a fun ride this Summer and Fall! Please be advised this program is NOT intended for brand new runners, nor for anyone 18 years of age or younger. Rather, the Next Step is to take your running to the Next Level. As such, there are certain minimum essentials required to be successful: Minimum Base Mileage If targeting a FULL marathon: Able to run at least 20-25 miles per/week (base mileage). Able to perform a long run of AT LEAST 10 miles at start of program If targeting a HALF marathon: Able to run AT LEAST 10-15 miles per/week Minimum Pace You need to be able to maintain a pace of 13 minutes or faster pace of constant running. Runners who are unable to maintain this pace on the time trial, may be asked to switch programs to one of a shorter distance. We will not be including a walk/run or Galloway st
Hotels Near This Race
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Next Step Training – Half Full Marathon 2026 — Columbia, MD
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for June 30.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Columbia, MD.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
