Road to Race Day Philadelphia | Running Explained

Road to Race Day:

Philadelphia

A 16-Week Group Coaching Experience for the 2025 Philadelphia Marathon & Half Marathon

August 4 – November 23, 2025 | Limited to 25 Athletes

This isn’t just a plan. It’s a team.

Road to Race Day: Philadelphia is more than just a training plan. It’s a small-group coaching experience that combines science-backed training, supportive coaching, and the power of community to help you show up ready—not just to finish, but to feel strong and proud doing it.

This Program is For You If…

You’ve done a marathon or half before but know you could train smarter this time (or heck, at least make it through the training cycle without getting injured!)
You’re tired of doing it all alone and wish you had a team to lean on who understands the ups, downs, and everything in between of training for a race!
You want coaching... but don’t feel like 1:1 coaching is the right fit right now.
You want to feel prepared and confident toeing the start line, ready for anything!
You’ve tried following cookie-cutter plans before and it never turned out the way you hoped.
You want support, structure, and connection along the way to race day!

Whether you’re chasing a PR or just want to feel good crossing that finish line, this program will meet you where you are... and help get you where you want to go.

Join The Team!

Key Program Dates

Registration Opens: June 5

Registration Closes: July 13 (or when full)

Program Starts: August 4

Race Weekend Events: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, November 21-23

Program Ends: November 23

What is included in the Road to Race Day Program?

A Personalized Training Plan

Custom-fit race training plan

Created by the Running Explained coaching team specifically for the Philadelphia Half and Full Marathon courses, you’ll be matched with the plan that fits your current fitness and race goals - no one-size-fits-all training here - that will be personalized to your paces and heart rate zones in Final Surge, with workouts syncing directly to your Coros or Garmin watch!

Coaching, Without the Overwhelm

Weekly coaching support

Each athlete in the program is assigned a dedicated Running Explained coach who will review your weekly training data and check-in form. You’ll fill out a quick reflection form each week, and your coach will respond with personalized feedback, insights, and encouragement to help you stay on track.

Built-In Strength for a Stronger Finish

Strength training & injury prevention

Strength training programs written specifically for the Philadelphia course by our very own sports DPT, Coach Natalie, will help you stay injury free and build strength for race day!

A Small Team That Feels Big on Support

A Tight-Knit Team (Just 25 Runners!)

This isn’t a giant group coaching program with 100+ runners and zero interaction. We’re capping Road to Race Day: Philadelphia at just 25 athletes with 5 coaches so you get the personal attention, coaching, and community you deserve. When we say “you won’t be training alone,” we mean it.

Fueling That Works for Real Runners

Sports Dietitian Support

Work in an exclusive group with Sports Dietitian Stevie Lyn Smith, MS, RDN, to dial in your fueling! Chat with Stevie via a private Slack channel and get support for race fueling, hydration, carb-loading, recipes, troubleshooting, nutrition science, and more!

Look Like a Team, Feel Like a Team

Custom Road to Race Day team apparel

You'll get exclusive team swag to wear with pride on training runs and race weekend!

Daily Support You’ll Actually Use

Community & connection

You’ll join a private WhatsApp group with your fellow runners and coaching team for encouragement, accountability, and support. This team is with you all the way to the finish line!

Connect, Ask, Adjust

Live group calls + guest experts

Monthly group Zoom coaching calls will cover topics like pacing strategy, mental prep, nutrition, and Q&A with your coaches and guest speakers!

We’ll See You at the Finish Line

In-person support on race weekend

It’s not just about training; we’re here for you on race weekend, too! From shakeout runs to pre-race strategy sessions to post-race hangouts, we’ll be there every step of the way. You’ll have a team cheering you on, and a community to celebrate with.

Dates & Pricing

Program Dates: August 4 – November 23, 2025
Race Weekend: Philadelphia Marathon & Half Marathon, November 22-23, 2025
Investment: $275/month for 4 months

(Billed monthly; $275 paid at sign-up holds your spot and acts as your non-refundable deposit)

HSA/FSA Reimbursement Available

Thanks to our partnership with TrueMed, you may be eligible to get reimbursed for the cost of this program through your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). It’s fast, easy, and helps you save money while training for your race. Questions about how it works? Find out more!

Group Coaching & Community Focus

Designed for runners who want to train alongside a community of like-minded athletes working toward the same race goal. You’ll have access to group calls, a private WhatsApp group for daily support, the knowledge and expertise of 5 Running Explained coaches, and a network of runners who understand your journey. It’s perfect for runners who thrive in a team atmosphere and enjoy sharing your experiences, tips, and motivation with others!

Training Plan: Running + Strength Training

You’ll follow a pre-designed, race-specific training plan, tailored with personalized adjustments like pacing and heart rate zones in Final Surge, written by your export Running Explained Coaches. The plans are flexible but are not fully customized from scratch for each individual. Strength training programs written specifically for the Philadelphia course by our very own sports DPT, Coach Natalie!

Sports Dietitian (RD) Support

Exclusive to the Road to Race Day program: You’ll have access to Sports Dietitian Stevie Lyn Smith, RD, who will help you with race nutrition strategies, fueling plans, and hydration tips to keep your body properly fueled during training and on race day! This ensures that your nutrition is optimized to smash your race day goals! Chat with Stevie via a private Slack channel and get support for fueling, hydration, carb-loading, recipes, troubleshooting, nutrition science, and more!

Race Weekend Support

It’s not just about training; we’re here for you on race weekend, too!

From shakeout runs to pre-race strategy sessions to post-race hangouts, we’ll be there every step of the way. You’ll have a team cheering you on, and a community to celebrate with.

Meet Your Road to Race Day Coaching Team!

Coach Elisabeth Scott

Program Head Coach

Coach Andrew Cantor

Marathon Coach

Coach Natalie Lamendola, DPT

Half Marathon & Strength Coach

Coach Mik Van De Veer

Half Marathon Coach

Coach Nick Klastava

Program Head Coach

Stevie Lyn Smith, RD

Program Sports Dietitian

Program FAQ

While Road to Race Day: Philadelphia is focused on preparing for the Philadelphia Half Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon, the training plans and expert guidance can still benefit you if you’re targeting a different race. However, we highly recommend you join Road to Race Day when training for the Philadelphia race to get the most out of the program, as it is tailored specifically to this event.
You may have a very specific time goal, or you may have a goal of finishing like a boss - you BOTH belong here! Road to Race Day isn’t just for runners aiming for specific pace goals. Whether you're looking to finish strong or set a personal best, our training plan will support your unique goals. It’s about training smart, staying consistent, and feeling confident on race day, no matter what your finish line looks like!
When you sign up for Road to Race Day: Philadelphia, you’ll make an initial payment of $275 at the time of registration. After that, you’ll be billed on the 4th of each month for the next three months.

Here’s how it breaks down:

First Payment: Paid at sign-up (covers August)

Second Payment: Billed on September 4

Third Payment: Billed on October 4

Fourth Payment: Billed on November 4

This gives you 4 months of expert coaching, race-specific training plans, Sports Dietitian support, and community access all for $275/month.
If you prefer a completely personalized approach with daily adjustments and full customization, 1:1 coaching might be the right choice for you! However, Road to Race Day offers excellent semi-customized training plans based on your goals and fitness level, designed specifically for the Philadelphia Half Marathon or Marathon. While the training plan isn't as fully custom as 1:1 coaching, you’ll still receive personalized support, expert guidance, and a community of runners working toward the same race goal.
Each athlete in the program is assigned a dedicated Running Explained coach who will review your weekly training data and check-in form. You’ll fill out a quick reflection form each week, and your coach will respond with personalized feedback, insights, and encouragement to help you stay on track.

This weekly check-in system is your main point of contact with your coach. It’s designed to keep you accountable, help you reflect, and make sure you’re training smart throughout the program!

Your coach WILL:

Review your training data each week in Final Surge

Read your weekly check-in form

Respond with personalized feedback and guidance

But just to be clear—this is not 1:1 coaching. That means:

Your coach will not comment on individual runs or workouts

Your plan will not be adjusted or changed week-to-week

Direct messaging, texting, and email access to coaches is not included

This is a structured, coach-supported program; if you're looking for ongoing 1:1 support and personalized training adjustments, check out our 1:1 Coaching options!
That’s exactly why we created Road to Race Day! If you’re tackling your first marathon (or half marathon), this program gives you expert guidance and a race-specific plan designed to get you across the finish line feeling strong and confident. You’ll have community support to motivate you, expert coaches to guide you, and a Sports Dietitian (RD) to ensure you're fueling properly. Plus, we’ll be with you every step of the way, including in-person race weekend support.
The first month’s payment of $275 is a nonrefundable deposit. You can withdraw from the program before the August 4 start date, but the payment you’ve already made will not be refunded.

Once the program begins on August 4, cancellations and refunds are no longer available. We understand that plans can change, and if you have any concerns or need more details before signing up, please reach out to us. We’re here to ensure you’re confident in your decision to join Road to Race Day!

Here’s how it breaks down:

First Payment: Paid at sign-up (covers August)

Second Payment: Billed on September 4

Third Payment: Billed on October 4

Fourth Payment: Billed on November 4

How is this different from 1:1 coaching?

While 1:1 coaching offers fully customized training plans and ongoing personalized 1:1 attention and support from a single coach, Road to Race Day is a group coaching program designed for runners training for the Philadelphia Half Marathon or Philadelphia Marathon . You’ll get expert coaching, Sports Dietitian support, and community support, but the focus is on a structured, race-specific plan with guidance from 5 expert coaches and the motivation of a community.

Feature	Road to Race Day	1:1 Coaching
Coaching Support	A coach will review your training & respond to your check-in weekly; no schedule adjustments	Your coach will provide feedback on specific runs every week along with checking in and providing call/text support, + unlimited schedule adjustments
Personalized Training Plan	Philadelphia-specific training plans semi-customized for your fitness, goals, & training volume	Fully Customized
Expert Coaching Team	Access to 5 Running Explained Coaches!	One Coach: YOUR Coach!
Sports Dietitian (RD) Support	INCLUDED for race fueling, hydration, & general nutrition support	Not included
Community Support	Private WhatsApp Group + community engagement	1-on-1 support from your Coach
In-Person Race Weekend Support	Shakeout runs, strategy sessions, and celebrations	Not included
Exclusive Swag	Program-branded gear	Not included
Cost	$275/month for 4 months	$175-$295/month for 5 months minimum
Race-Specific Focus	Focused on Philadelphia Half & Marathon	Focused on your goals, whatever they might be!

Your Road to Race Day training plan will be delivered directly to your included Final Surge Premium Athlete account. These plans are collaboratively written by the Running Explained coaches and are tailored specifically for the Philadelphia Marathon or Half Marathon. Your running workouts will sync with your Coros or Garmin watch!

There are several versions of each plan, designed for different levels, training volumes, and race experience. After you submit your athlete history (which includes your current fitness level, race history, and goals), you’ll be assigned the plan that best fits your unique needs.

This approach ensures that you receive a race-specific plan designed to set you up for success, no matter where you’re starting from in your training journey.
Absolutely! Whether you’re a run-walk runner or a dedicated runner looking to switch to a run-walk method for long distances, Road to Race Day is flexible enough to accommodate your preferred training style. Your semi-customized training plan will take your pace and run-walk intervals into account to ensure you’re progressing without risking burnout. Run-walk is a great way to safely build endurance, and we’ll be here to guide you through the process!