Run Calgary launches program to help women train to run in marathons

Run Calgary has launched a free training program offering women a chance to run and improve together, and the long-distance push is already a hit.

Run Calgary has launched a free training program to get more women interested in long-distance running.

The program is being pitched as a supportive and inclusive experience for women preparing for the Servus Calgary Marathon and Centaur Subaru Half Marathon in May.

Professional running coach Lynsey Romano will lead the way.

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“There’s always been a need to really foster women in distance running, and this seemed like the perfect way to segue into something like that,” she told CTV News. “I think women experience a lot of constraints when it comes to supporting things like their career and family, and they don’t oftentimes feel like they’re worthy of taking up extra time to train for something as big and audacious as a marathon.”

“What we’re asking participants to do is in line with something that looks accessible, feels accessible and is paired with the proper supports.”

According to Run Calgary, women consistently represent only 28 to 30 per cent of finishers in the spring marathon.

The program is aiming to drastically boost that number.

It’ll provide group runs and valuable resources, like step-by-step training programs and online and in-person mentorship and support.

Specialists — including fitness coaches, medical professionals and even psychology experts — will help prep the women in the months leading up to the races.

“I really, really love building a running community, and to be part of something like this is the chance of a lifetime,” runner Heather Anderson said. “I think it’s very rare that programs are (created) by women and offered free for women.”

“When you come together for running groups, and when you connect with women, there is so much commonality,” participant Allison Lawan added.

More than 800 people have already signed up for the new program.

It’s designed for runners of all abilities and will be open for women to join until mid-April.

For more information or to register, visit CalgaryMarathon.com.