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Marathon training hub

Marathon training plans, tools, and guides — built to reduce decision fatigue, keep you consistent, and help you pick a plan you can actually execute.

Last updated/Mar 08, 2026, 04:55 AM
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marathon

Find the best marathon training plan you can execute.

For runners who want structure, pacing clarity, and a plan that adapts to missed sessions and real life.

Time horizon

Train in ~12–26 weeks (choose the plan that fits your base).

Start with a default plan, then customize only what you need.

Start with a plan

Pick one plan. Variations live inside the page so you can choose without overwhelm.

Then use a tool

No signup required. Get numbers you can act on today.

Finish with a guide

Checklists + decision rules for the parts people mess up.

This week

What changed

Updated: Feb 28, 2026, 04:42 AM

  • Added new training plans with smart variations (so you can pick without overwhelm).
  • Improved tools (pace, fueling, cutoffs) so you get numbers you can use immediately.
  • Expanded adaptation rules so missed sessions don’t turn into panic make-up workouts.
  • Expanded race directories and athlete guides with sources and verification timestamps.
Changed pages: /blog/training/marathon/20-week-plan, /blog/tools/running-pace-calculator

Free marathon training plans: how to use this hub

If you’re looking for a free marathon training plan you can actually stick to, start simple:

  1. Pick a plan length (most runners do best with 16–24 weeks).
  2. Choose the days/week variant you can repeat every week.
  3. Keep easy runs easy so you can recover for the long run + workout.
  4. Practice fueling early — it’s part of training, not an afterthought.

Useful tools:

Marathon training plan for beginners

If you’re searching “marathon training plan beginner”, your #1 goal is durability — not speed.

Good starting points:

If you’re starting from true zero, build consistency first:

Best marathon training plan (decision rules)

There isn’t one “best” plan — there’s the best plan for your recovery + schedule.

Use the decision tree here:

Want a marathon training plan PDF?

If you prefer paper, download a marathon training plan PDF (free):

Metric (km) vs miles

Most workouts are better prescribed by time + effort than strict distance. If you train in km, follow the same structure — just keep intensity and long-run progression consistent.

More marathon guides

Coaching beta

Get a plan that adapts to your life.

Join the 26weeks.ai TestFlight beta for adaptive coaching, recovery-aware adjustments, and race-week reminders.

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FAQs

What’s the best plan length?

Pick the shortest plan you can execute consistently without injury. If you’re building durability, longer is usually safer.

How many workouts per week?

One quality workout plus one long-run focus is enough for most runners. Keep easy days easy.

When do I start fueling practice?

Early. Fueling is a skill — practice the timing and products during long runs so race day is repeatable.

Keep going

18-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 18-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

20-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 20-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

16-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 16-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

24-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 24-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

22-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 22-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

15-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 15-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

Sources