Marathons

The typical training duration for a marathon is usually around 16 to 20 weeks. During this period, runners focus on gradually preparing their hearts, muscles, and mind for the physical and mental demands of the race. It is crucial to follow a well-structured training plan that gradually increases the intensity, allowing for improvements in fitness and endurance.

Marathon events shouldn’t be taken lightly - training should last around 16-20 weeks to allow the body to gradually improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and learn how to mentally manage a long-distance run. As a rough guide, you should be looking to run 4 or 5 days a week logging around 45 miles. Your training runs will never be quite as long as the full race and it is a great idea to incorporate cross-training to help build speed and endurance.

In 2022 the average male finish time for the London marathon was 4hr 21 minutes with the average female finish time only just behind this at 4hr 57 minutes. For many marathon runners, a great aim is to finish under 4 hours, however, this isn’t easily achieved - especially if it is your first time running a race of this distance.

If you’re looking for an even bigger challenge, Ultra Marathons might just be for you. Anything above the traditional 26.2 miles is considered an Ultra Marathon, with common distances including 50k, 100k, 50 miles or 100 miles.

Try to enter your marathon at least four or five months before race day. That gives you enough time for a typical training plan and, just as importantly, makes it easier to increase your mileage without rushing. Big city races may sell out or run ballots much earlier, while places at smaller local events sometimes remain available until much closer to the date. If 26.2 miles still feels like too large a commitment, booking a half marathon first can help you judge how your training’s going.

There’s no perfect age for running a marathon. Many runners record their quickest times in their late twenties or thirties, but that doesn’t mean you need to start young. First-time marathon runners are found in their forties, fifties and well beyond. Your current health, running background and capacity to recover between sessions tell you much more than the number on your birth certificate.

No marathon is easy, unfortunately! Although a flat course with a generous cut-off gives you a better chance of having a manageable day. Running GP Bedford Autodrome is a good example because it takes place on a smooth motor-racing circuit, without steep hills or complicated navigation. The repeated laps will suit some runners more than others, though.

Edinburgh is a strong contender for the UK’s most beautiful marathon, especially if you enjoy historic streets and coastal views. Runners looking for wilder surroundings may prefer events in the Lake District, Yorkshire or Wales, where the landscape is often a larger part of the experience.

The cheapest UK marathons are usually small timed or multi-distance events, not the major city races. Some have offered entry for around £22 when runners select a no-medal place, with other inexpensive options ranging from roughly £27 to £35. The lowest advertised price isn’t always the final amount you’ll pay. Booking fees, parking, postage and optional extras can add to the cost, so check what the entry actually includes before choosing purely on price.

An open-entry marathon with no ballot or qualifying time is usually the easiest to enter. Smaller international city races tend to have simpler registration than oversubscribed events such as London, Tokyo or New York, although even an open race may eventually sell out. Look through international marathons before committing to flights or accommodation. Once you find one you like, check for age rules, medical-form requirements and entry deadlines for overseas runners.

A beginner can run a four-hour marathon, but it’s in the camp of possible rather than likely. You’d need to average about 9 minutes 9 seconds per mile, or 5 minutes 41 seconds per kilometre, all the way to the finish, staying entirely consistent.

That may be achievable if you already run regularly and have a strong aerobic base. If you’re newer to distance running though, training for a comfortable finish is often wiser. The four-hour goal can remain in the background and become more important if your preparation goes particularly well.