Half Marathon, Marathon & Ultramarathon Training Plans
Training for a half marathon, marathon, or ultramarathon is one of the most rewarding athletic journeys a person can undertake. Whether you're targeting a 13.1-mile half marathon, the iconic 26.2-mile marathon, or venturing into the further distances of an ultramarathon — anything beyond 26.2 miles — each distance demands a structured, progressive approach to training.
The foundation of any successful plan rests on gradually building your weekly mileage, developing aerobic fitness, and strengthening your body to handle the cumulative stress of long-distance running. Consistency matters far more than any single workout, and learning to balance effort with recovery is the skill that separates runners who make it to the start line healthy from those who don't.
While the distances differ dramatically, the core principles of training remain the same across all three disciplines: easy runs build your aerobic base, long runs develop endurance and mental toughness, and rest days allow your body to adapt and grow stronger.
The Plans
Beginner Half Marathon Training Plan
This free 12-week beginner half marathon training plan is built for runners who want to run their first 13.1 miles, or return to racing after time away.
View Beginner Half Marathon Plan →Beginner Marathon Training Plan
This free 18-week beginner marathon training plan is built for runners who want to run their first 26.2 miles, or return to racing after time away.
View Beginner Marathon Plan →12-Week Half Marathon Training Plan
This alternative 12-week half marathon training plan is designed to guide runners of all levels through a structured program, focusing on building endurance, speed, and strength over several weeks.
View Half Marathon Plan →24-Week Marathon Training Plan
A six-month marathon build in two 12-week blocks: base building, then race-specific training with hills, tempo runs, and marathon-pace workouts. Weekly mileage grows from 25 to a 60-mile peak in week 21, and a half marathon at week 12 serves as a fitness check. Written by Max King.
View 24-Week Marathon Plan →16-Week 50K Ultramarathon Training Plan
A 16-week plan for the intermediate runner moving up to 50 kilometers (about 31 miles). It assumes you've raced a half marathon, marathon, or ultra before, have been running consistently for a few months, and are comfortable with 10 miles or about 90 minutes of steady running. Hosted on our sister site, TrailFurther.
View 50K Ultramarathon Plan →Which training plan is right for you?
Start with the distance you've already registered for, then check the time you have. If your race is more than six months away and you run 20 to 25 miles a week, the marathon plan fits. If your race is about three months away and you want 13.1 miles, use the half marathon plan. If you're moving beyond 26.2 miles and have raced before, the 50K plan is the step up.
If you're new to running, or can't yet run 10 miles comfortably, build a base first. These plans start at real weekly volume, and you'll get more from them with a few months of consistent easy running behind you. Anyone with a health concern, or anyone returning from injury, should check with a doctor first.
Two reads that pair well with the marathon plan: Max's six-month marathon training tips and tricks and strength training for runners.
Pick your race
Training works better with a date on the calendar. A race in January means starting the 24-week marathon plan around the end of July.
Training plan FAQ
How long should I train for a marathon?
Our marathon plan is 24 weeks, a six-month build in two 12-week blocks. Many plans run 16 to 20 weeks, but a longer build gives you more time to grow weekly mileage gradually.
How many weeks do I need to train for a half marathon?
Our half marathon plan is 12 weeks long, with a taper at the end. If you're starting from consistent running, three months is a common build for 13.1 miles.
Can I train for a marathon in 12 weeks?
Possibly, if you're already running regularly at solid weekly mileage. Our marathon plan takes 24 weeks and starts at 25 miles a week, so it isn't a 12-week plan. If you have less than 24 weeks, talk to a coach about a shorter build.
How many miles a week should I run before starting a marathon plan?
Our marathon plan starts at 25 miles in week 1, so most runners should be averaging about 20 to 25 miles a week and able to run 10 miles comfortably before they begin.
Who is the 50K ultramarathon plan for?
Intermediate runners who have raced a half marathon, marathon, or ultramarathon, have run consistently for a few months, and are comfortable with 10 miles or about 90 minutes of steady running.