In addition to the weekly fun runs and track workouts, FRNY also hosts long run training for distances over 6 miles. The schedule is somewhat less formal than the weekly workouts and revolves around the fall and spring marathon training seasons. Being Front Runners in NY, the fall season coincides with preparation for the New York City Marathon. It runs from mid summer through the end of October. The spring season runs from about mid-January through mid-May depending on which spring marathons are more popular.

At the beginning of each season the long runs may only be 8 to 12 miles in length. The distances increase to about 18 miles by about August or September and February or March. Before the end of each season, FRNY always hosts at least one long run totaling 20-22 miles or more. This distance is critical for marathoners in training to complete before racing a full 26.2 miles. Studies suggest the body develops aerobic capacity at a different rate when training over great distances. For most people the threshold distance is somewhere around 20-22 miles. The 20 mile run is also a good gauge of how well prepared a runner is for a marathon. In the fall season, FRNY hosts its annual "Blue Line" run, which is generally the last 20 miles of the NY City Marathon. This is the most popular long run of either season.

The long runs are held on Saturday or Sunday and are posted on the FRNY website calendar. Because the courses vary with each run, some long runs require meeting at the home of a FRNY member to store bags and supplies. The information is always posted on the calendar. Many of the long runs are also designed so that those desiring a shorter course can tailor the run to their needs. All runners are encouraged to participate in long run training regardless of whether or not they are training for a marathon. It's a great way to get in shape and to see different parts of New York City.

Please check the calendar to see the long run schedule.