How Long Does It Take to Run a Marathon & Train for a Marathon

Training time: most first-timers need 12–20 weeks. Finish time: common goals include 3 hour marathon pace, 4 hour marathon pace, and 5 hour marathon pace depending on experience.

Training phases (12–20 weeks)

• Base building (4–6 weeks): easy mileage, strides, mobility.
• Specific work (6–10 weeks): marathon pace runs, long runs with segments at goal pace, threshold sessions.
• Taper (2–3 weeks): reduce volume, keep intensity light, sharpen.

Weekly mileage guidelines

• Beginner: 30–50 km/week
• Intermediate: 50–80 km/week
• Advanced: 80–120+ km/week

Setting a realistic goal

Use our pace calculator and review the marathon pace chart to match recent 10K/half results to a target pace.

Frequently asked questions

• how long does it take to run a marathon — from ~2 hours (elite) to 6+ hours (walk-run).
• how long does it take to train for a marathon — 12–20 weeks for most runners.