It minimizes the threat of injury he found every year at the start of marathon training, when brand-new runners often lurch instantly from the couch to multiple miles per week, with attendant stress fractures and other overuse injuries.

Over a four-month period, the Walk-To-Run Program eases participants from no running or walking at all, to 5 to 10 weekly miles, in a relaxing but skills-based environment.

Alumni of the program can continue distance training (such as summer/fall marathon training), or merely maintain fitness or participate in short-distance club races (5K or 10K road races).