How Long For a Beginner to Train for a Marathon?

A Beginner’s Journey to Marathon Training

For novice runners, a marathon might sound like an exciting challenge. But how does someone start marathon training when they’re a newbie to running? And how long will it take to train for a marathon?

What is a Marathon?

A marathon is a race distance of 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometers. The original marathon distance at the 1896 Olympics in Athens, Greece, was 25 miles. In 1908, the Olympic marathon in London was extended to allegedly accommodate the British royal family. The extra 1.2 miles allowed them to watch the race from their preferred viewing spot at the palace. The marathon distance has been 26.2 miles ever since. The race has grown in popularity over the years, and in the U.S. alone, there are over 1,110 marathon races a year.

Illustration of Greek runner Spiridon Louis at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens Greece, 1896 Olympic Games

How Long Does Marathon Training Take?

The answer to this question will vary depending on the person. For the average runner who isn’t brand new to running, marathon training typically takes anywhere from three months all the way up to a year. A new runner will typically be looking at six months to a year and possible beyond that in order to train for a marathon. This is not a hard and fast rule, but a general estimate that is typical for most new runners.

There are some key steps to take when you’re tackling a challenge like marathon training. Not only can these steps help you prevent injury, but they can also help you get the most out of your training.

Step One: Get a Proper Shoe Fitting

You’ll see this recommendation repeated on our blog because we tell everyone: START HERE. Go to your local running store and get a proper shoe fitting. If you’re in the Tampa Bay area, our shoe experts at St. Pete Running can take you through our StrideSmart Shoe Fitting. This FREE one-of-a-kind shoe fitting is for walkers and runners alike. We take a full body approach (because it’s not just about feet!) as we evaluate your stride and your gait. We offer advice based on what we see, and based on our discussion with you about your goals and your history with any injury. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been running for a long time, come in to the store and we’ll help you find the best running shoes for you.

Step Two: Learn How to Properly Run

When you first start running, you might be surprised to learn that there is a proper way to run in order to prevent injury and to maximize your efficiency. Poor or improper running form can lead to aches, pains, and even serious injuries, along with wasted energy that can quickly burn you out.

At St. Pete Running Company, we host running classes to teach you these basics and to help you prevent injury and to make running easier for you.

Beginners Running Class

Our next running class is on Saturday, May 18th at 9:00 AM. You can register at this link: https://stpeterunningco.com/shop-online/?fp=beginners-running-class

To find out more details about the Beginners Running Class and to RSVP on Facebook, Click HERE.

Step Three: Consider Hiring a Running Coach

While this is not something everyone will choose to do, we highly recommend hiring a professional running coach. This person will tailor your training run schedule to your specific goals, needs, and fitness level. They will help you create a plan for success, and they will help you find a race if you’re undecided on which marathon to do. They can also help you pivot when necessary during your training so that if you start to notice anything (such as the development of a potential injury), they can help you rework your training plan accordingly. At St. Pete Running Company, we have coaching! If you’re interested, and even if you just have questions about hiring a running coach, you can email Janna. There is also more info on the website under our Coaching tab.

Do you have more questions about our how long it takes for a beginner to train for a marathon? We can help! Call or come into the store where our shoe and running experts are ready to provide the high-quality customer service you expect from a Top 50 Running Store in America.