Training Program

RUN BENTONVILLE HALF MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAM

The Run Bentonville Half Marathon Training Program is administered and coached by Mike Rush, owner of Rush Running Company, Bentonville, AR.

When you register, we’ll ask for your estimated finish time to get a sense of your starting point. No pressure, we won’t hold you to it! All you need by our first group meeting on December 13 is the ability to run one mile. Expect to receive your training information along with Facebook Group information by early November. 

From there, we’ll help you train for 13.1 miles on April 4 with a clear plan for mid-week runs and cross-training. Each Saturday, join our supportive volunteers for group runs, expert-led clinics, and the chance to make new friends.

Every year, new running groups and friendships are born here. Whether it’s your first Half Marathon or you’re chasing a personal best, this program is for YOU!

Each week during the group runs, volunteers will be wearing vests with pace group times marked (from 7:30/mile-18:00/mile). Trainees MUST be able to maintain an 18:00/mile to participate in the program as 4 hours is the time limit for the Run Bentonville Half Marathon.

Register Now

Registration includes entry into the

Cupid Kilometer's 8k, Irish 10k, and the Run Bentonville Half Marathon.

Training program includes:

  • Clinics include micro-classes on hydration, fuel and nutrition, stretching, and injury prevention.
  • Access to the private Training Group Facebook page for questions, tips, and encouragement.
  • Discount to Rush Running Co during the entirety of the program.
  • Complete program from start to finish to prepare you to run 13.1 miles by April 4.
  • Training Program starter kit.

Rush Running Company-Bentonville's Race Headquarters

Mike and Alison Rush, owners
1600-2 DE J Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 464-7866
www.rushrunning.com

 

Testimonials from the Training Program:

Chris Swift

I had run plenty of races before but had always trained alone and was lacking some key knowledge in training cycles and nutrition. Plus, I wanted to have a group keep me motivated through the winter! The group helped me learn about speed work, slower paced runs, and helped me experiment with different hydration and gels. Ran some of my best times this past year for the 10k and half marathon while making some great friends

 

Beth Zabinski

I didn’t start running until I was 53. This training group helped me on incredible journey - from struggling to finish a run to completing my first half ! Now 12 years later I am still returning for the friendships made, plus the support and knowledge I still am getting. Don’t think it is Just for young people. This group supports all paces and ages !

 

Francisco Diaz

I had never ran more than 4 miles at once in my life before signing up so I had no idea what to expect. However, before you knew it I was running 7 miles, 8 miles, 9 miles+ each Saturday which was unbelievable! The volunteers and community were incredible and made this such a fun experience! It was a bitter sweet moment when I completed the Bentonville Half sub-2 hours. I was filled with the “Runner’s High,” but sad the training group came to an end. I’m DEFINITELY signing up again for the 2026 training group!