Our Marathon Plans
If you’re aiming to go beyond average, marathonrunning.com is built for you
The average marathon time is around 4 hours and 30 minutes. At marathonrunning.com, our mission is to help runners who want to go beyond that—some, far beyond. Whether you’re aiming to break 4:30, go sub-4:00, or even chasing sub-3:00 and quicker, we provide smart, structured plans to help you train with purpose and run faster.
If you're ready to push beyond average, you're in the right place.
Set target time
Plan Duration
We recommend starting your plan as early as possible—ideally 20 weeks out. This gives your body time to adapt, reduces injury risk, and builds lasting fitness. Our progressive plans work best over longer timeframes, evolving as your fitness improves. Shorter plans are available, but only for experienced runners already in strong condition.
How It Works
Set your goal, choose your date, customize your plan. That’s it.
Set Your Goal Time
Choose the marathon time you
want to achieve.
Set Your Race Date
We build your training plan from now until race day (8–20 weeks).
Customise Your Plan
Select preferences such as your preferred long run day, interval session day, or rest days.
Not sure what marathon time is achievable?
Use your most recent all-out 10K time and we'll suggest a realistic marathon target to train towards.
Marathon Target Calculator
Enter your latest 10K time and we’ll give you a smart range of marathon targets to choose from.
Alternative Training Plans
Not within 20 weeks of your marathon? No problem. Build your aerobic base and sharpen your speed with our 5k and 10k plans
Perfect for beginners or those wanting to improve their speed. Build your base and achieve your 5K PR.
Start 5K PlanStep up your distance game. Ideal for runners ready to tackle longer races with structured training.
Start 10K Plan
Train Together with Plan Sharing
Training for a race with friends? Create a plan and share it so you can both follow the same plan and link up on sessions!
Proven Plans. Real Results.
See what our community says about their training experience.
“I jumped straight in at the deep end and used a marathonrunning.com plan to go sub-3 in my first ever marathon. Training wasn't always easy, but on race day I felt so strong and ran 2:56!”
Jimmy
Manchester, UK
“I’d done a few half marathons using other plans but always seemed to fall short. During my marathonrunning.com plan, I actually set a new half marathon PB by 9 minutes—and then went on to hit my goal of sub-4 at the New York Marathon.”
Alex
London, UK
“After three attempts, I finally stuck to a plan and broke 3:30 at the Chicago Marathon to earn my Boston Qualifier!”
Charlotte
Boston, US
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You enter your target marathon time and race date, and we generate a customized training plan designed to help you reach your goal.
Our plans start at a 4:30 target time and are suitable for runners who can already complete a 10K. They’re ideal for intermediate to advanced runners.
While complete beginners may find the starting point challenging, those with a 10K base can begin with our easiest plan. We recommend building up first if you’re new to running.
Use our 10K-to-marathon target calculator to get a smart, realistic range of marathon goals based on your current fitness.
Ideally, 20 weeks. We also offer shorter options for experienced runners already in good condition.
Life happens. Our plans are flexible—just pick up where you left off, or adjust using our guide to get back on track.
Yes. Every plan is built on proven training principles, including threshold runs, intervals, long runs, and recovery days.
Not required, but a GPS watch helps you monitor pace and progress. We also recommend comfortable running shoes suited to you.
Your marathon is the priority, but we include options to race shorter distances (like a tune-up 10K) along the way.
Coming soon. We’re building features to connect runners and offer expert guidance.
Ready to start your best
training block yet?
Your timeline. Your pace. Your personal best—built from the ground up.