London Marathon 2027 Training Plan: How to Train for Race Day

How do you train for the London Marathon?

To train for the 2027 London Marathon, follow a structured plan of about 16 to 20 weeks that builds gradually, with three to five runs a week including one long run that grows toward 20 miles, plus one faster session and some strength work. As the race is on 24 and 25 April 2027, most runners start their focused training block around December 2026 or January 2027.

The idea is simple. You want your body to get used to running for a long time on tired legs, without picking up an injury on the way. The best way to do that is to build your mileage slowly, keep most of your running gentle, and let your body recover between the harder days. Marathon training is a slow, steady process, not a series of heroic weekends, so patience really is your friend.

If you are newer to running, start by building a comfortable base first. Being able to run for 30 to 40 minutes without stopping is a good place to begin a full plan. Walk and run intervals count too, and plenty of first-time marathoners use them all the way to the finish. Wherever you are starting from, aim to increase your weekly running gradually rather than in big jumps.

How many weeks is a marathon training plan?

Most marathon training plans run for about 16 to 20 weeks. That length gives you enough time to build your long run steadily, add a little speed, and still fit in a proper taper at the end. If you already run regularly, 16 weeks is often plenty. If you are coming from a lower base or you want a gentler build, giving yourself 18 to 20 weeks takes the pressure off each week.

Working back from the 24 and 25 April 2027 race weekend, a 16-week block means starting in early January 2027, and a 20-week block means starting around the first week of December 2026. It is worth leaving a little buffer for the odd cold, a busy work week, or a niggle, so many runners like to begin a week or two earlier than the maths strictly requires. A missed session here and there will not undo your training, so try not to worry if life gets in the way now and then.

What does a weekly marathon plan look like?

A good marathon week has a clear shape. Most of your runs are easy, one run is longer, one session is a bit faster, and you leave room for rest and strength work. The exact days do not matter as much as the balance, so feel free to move things around your schedule. A common approach is three to five runs across the week, with a strength session or two and at least one full rest day.

Here is a sample week to give you a feel for it. Treat it as a template rather than a rule, and adjust it to suit your life and your level.

Notice how the harder days sit next to easier ones. That spacing lets you absorb the training and turn up to your long run with enough energy to do it well. If a week feels heavy, it is completely fine to swap a faster session for another easy run and simply keep the long run in place.

How long should your longest run be?

The long run is the heart of marathon training, and for most runners it builds toward a peak of around 20 miles. You do not need to run the full 26.2 miles in training. Reaching about 20 miles a few weeks before race day is enough to prepare your legs and your mind, and race-day adrenaline and the crowds carry you through the rest.

Build the distance patiently. A common pattern is to add a mile or two to your long run every week or two, then pull it back a little every third or fourth week to let your body recover. Keep the pace easy and relaxed. The long run is about time on your feet, not speed, so slower than you think is usually just right. After you reach your longest run, you ease off into the taper rather than pushing the distance any higher.

How does strength training help marathon runners?

Strength training helps you stay strong and injury-free through the miles. Simple work on your legs, hips and core makes your running more stable, supports your joints as the mileage climbs, and helps you hold your form when you get tired late in a race. Two short sessions a week are plenty, and they do not need to be complicated. Squats, lunges, bridges, calf raises and a little core work go a long way.

Mobility matters too. A few minutes of gentle stretching and hip and ankle mobility work keeps you moving freely and comfortably. Slot strength and mobility around your easy days rather than the day before your long run, so your legs are fresh for the big session. Bringing running, strength, HIIT and mobility together in one plan is exactly the kind of balance that keeps marathon training sustainable.

When should you start training for the 2027 London Marathon?

With race weekend on 24 and 25 April 2027, most runners start their focused training block around December 2026 or January 2027. A 20-week plan points to early December 2026, and a 16-week plan points to early January 2027. Before that, the autumn and early winter are the ideal time to build a comfortable running base so the plan feels manageable when it begins.

The 2027 TCS London Marathon is a one-off two-day event, held across Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027, with 100,000 places split across the two days. It is the biggest in the event's history, and a record 1,338,544 people applied to the ballot. The course runs from Greenwich to Westminster and is famously flat and fast, which makes it a wonderful first marathon. For exact details on your day, start time and the latest event information, always check the official London Marathon website.

A quick word on the sensible stuff. Keep your fuelling and hydration simple and practise it on your long runs, and if you have any questions about diet for endurance training it is worth speaking to a qualified professional. If you feel pain, pick up an injury, or you are managing a health condition, see a doctor or physiotherapist before pushing on. Listening to your body is part of good training, not a sign of weakness.

Frequently asked questions

How do you train for the 2027 London Marathon?

To train for the 2027 London Marathon, follow a structured plan of about 16 to 20 weeks that builds gradually, with three to five runs a week including one long run that grows toward 20 miles, plus one faster session and some strength work. As the race is on 24 and 25 April 2027, most runners start their focused training block around December 2026 or January 2027.

How many weeks is a marathon training plan?

Most marathon training plans run for about 16 to 20 weeks. Sixteen weeks suits runners with a solid base, while 18 to 20 weeks gives a gentler build with more room to recover. Working back from the April 2027 race weekend, that means starting around December 2026 or January 2027.

How long should my longest training run be?

For most runners the longest run builds toward around 20 miles a few weeks before race day. You do not need to run the full 26.2 miles in training. Build the distance patiently at an easy pace, then ease off into your taper.

Do I need to do strength training for a marathon?

Strength training is not essential, but it helps a lot. Two short sessions a week working your legs, hips and core keep you stable, support your joints as mileage rises, and help you hold your form when you tire. Simple moves like squats, lunges and bridges are enough.

When should I start training for the 2027 London Marathon?

With race weekend on 24 and 25 April 2027, most runners start their focused training block around December 2026 or January 2027. A 20-week plan points to early December, and a 16-week plan to early January. Build a comfortable base in the autumn beforehand, and check the official London Marathon website for your exact day and details.