Attention All Runners!

It's that time of year again! Registration for the 2011 Marathon Training Team is well underway! Are your running shoes collecting dust while you daydream of completing this 26.2 mile feat? Are you a seasoned marathoner looking to add another annual Richmond Marathon to your list of accomplishments? Whether you're an inexperienced novice or a running fanatic, MTT is the best way to get to the starting line on November 12.

If you sign up before May 27, registration for the team is only $145. Now, that may sound a little steep at first, but here's the list of perks you get:

- Entry in the race (a $80 value in itself) and all associated race benefits
- A 23 week training schedule created especially for MTT runners
- A special MTT 10th anniversary technical shirt!
- Organized weekly runs from The Diamond, including maps and directions distributed by the coaches
- Support and Gear (SAGs) at each and every MTT run, including water, gatorade, and food items for longer training runs
- Guidance from dozens of experienced coaches, who complete the training runs with the team!
- Special clinics on running topics like gear, nutrition, technique and cross training
- Information on countless other races throughout the season
- Camaraderie! Fun! Fitness!

At $145, this is truthfully an incredible value. Last year was my first year as a MTT participant and it was hands down worth every penny. Training for a marathon is no easy task, but running with MTT made it fun, enjoyable and unforgettable. Without the team, there's no way I could have completed the training on my own - AND I met scores of amazing runner pals from all walks of life throughout the course of the five month program. Another unexpected perk? Running the streets of Richmond will give you a brand new perspective on the River City.

P.S. - If you don't fancy a full marathon, Sportsbackers also launches their Half Marathon Training Team on August 6!

Hope to see you out on the roads this summer!

Emily Jones