You are here:
Marathon Running Plans
Beginner to Advanced: Marathon Training Plans
An estimated 1.1 million individuals complete a marathon each year. Among those finishers, nearly 40% of them were first-timers! While many may have followed a running plan for races that were not as long, training for the marathon is a different task. For starters, the time commitment is significantly longer. Not just the number of weeks (typically 16-20 weeks) but also the amount of time spent training each week. This can be daunting if you don’t have the correct marathon training plan to follow and guide you through it. Our marathon running plans are the perfect training guide for beginners and advanced runners alike. So whether you’re chasing a PR or finishing your first marathon, we have a right plan for you!
Final Surge Training Calendar
Purchase any marathon running plan on Final Surge for a one-time fee of $39.99 per plan here. Digitally track your progress from start to finish of the training program.
Purchase on Final Surge - Sync workouts across devices.
- Daily reminders of workouts and activities.
- Complete workouts based on pace or heart rate zones.
- Analyze workout and target zone details.
- Compatible with Garmin, Strava, Polar, TrainerRoad, MapMyRun, Wahoo, Stryd, and more.
- Printable PDF version of the training plan.
- Supplemental Training Materials: Activation Warmup Routine, Dynamic Technique Drills & Flexibility Exercises, Core Strength Routine, and Strength Training for Runners.
- Marathon Terminology guide.
Beginner Runners Training For a Marathon
The Beginner Marathon running plan is a gentle progression plan. Runners will start out with relatively easy mileage for the first couple of weeks. As the marathon training plan progresses, the distance you will need to cover increases steadily as well. Runners completing the Beginner plan will find that the plans are most concerned with getting you to the finish line healthy, happy, and injury-free.
Experienced Runners Training For a Marathon
Those wanting a little bit more of a push can take on the Intermediate Marathon running plan. This training plan is a bit more aggressive with total weekly mileage, increases in long runs, and the addition of speed/tempo work. A first-timer can certainly start with the Intermediate plan if they have completed a number of 10K or Half Marathon races in the past 12 months.
The Advanced Marathon training plan is meant for experienced long-distance runners and those looking to improve upon their previous performances.
Choose Your Marathon Training Plan
Select a marathon training plan level (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced) from below to read the details. Each plan consists of a 20-week schedule for Marathon Runners. Inside each downloaded marathon running plan, you will find instructions on how to complete the different workouts. After purchasing a training plan, if you have questions please feel free to contact me.
Looking for more training guidance?
If you need more personalized motivation or advice, we offer online run coaching.
Take the next step in your running ability! Receive a running plan that adapts with you and get feedback throughout your training from Coach Andrew Taylor.
