When to start training for an autumn marathon

Although it feels as though spring is barely getting started, if you’re hoping to run an autumn marathon this year, it’s time to start planning ahead.

How long do you need for autumn marathon training?

Most marathon training plans (whether you use one of mine or one you find elsewhere) are 16 to 20 weeks long. This is a good amount of time to build up gradually towards the marathon distance and building up gradually is the key to avoiding injury. So grab your diary and work out exactly when you need to start training.

However! Marathon training might be starting in June, but that doesn’t mean you can put your feet up until then. It’s far better to start training from a base level of consistent running.  These can be short runs, but you should ideally getting out there 3-4 times per week.

When to start training for your autumn race…

A 16-week training block for the marathons listed below would need to start on these dates:

Berlin – 5 June
Loch Ness – 12 June
Chester, Kielder and Lisbon – 19 June
Yorkshire – 26 June

Bespoke training plans

Remember that if you’re looking to work with a coach, you’ll need to allow time to speak to them and work out a plan. Don’t leave that to the last minute. I’ve already started scheduling calls with this year’s Autumn Marathon Squad – there are still spaces on the team if you’d like to join us and have me support you to your next race.

Join the Autumn Marathon Squad

The Autumn 2023 Marathon Squad is now open for sign-up! The Marathon Squad is a group coaching programme. It will bring together a team of women taking on their first marathon or shooting for a new goal – we will support each other through 16 weeks of training.

The most important thing to know about the Marathon Squad is that nobody is ‘too slow’ to join.

You don’t need to be UK-based. You can join us wherever you are in the world and wherever you plan to run a marathon.