Training program in the works for Soaring Wings Half Marathon

Conway Regional Health System will be the Premier Training Sponsor for this year’s Soaring Wings Half Marathon.

The training program will officially begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center, but a kickoff event called The First Mile is planned 7 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at the fitness center.

According to organizer Amanda Castillo, this is an opportunity for participants to log their first mile with fellow runners, meet training leaders and learn about the official training program available.

“We will begin outside, and then transition indoors after the run/walks,” she said. “The event is free and offers a 2-, 3- and 5-mile route that will touch an area of the actual course.”

Something new this year is a registration fee for the official training program. For only $10, participants will receive motivation, support and an official 2014 Soaring Wings Half Marathon Training Program tech shirt.

The training program offers schedules and groups for beginner, intermediate and advanced runners, in addition to walkers. The training program will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 7 a.m. Saturdays for 12 weeks leading up to the 2014 Soaring Wings Half Marathon. (All routes will leave from Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center unless otherwise communicated.)

Registration is open for the Soaring Wings Half Marathon planned Saturday, Oct. 25, in Conway. For more information on the event, visit swhalf.com.