If you are training a running event these can vary greatly in their nature. Some are very beginner friendly with many people walking them (such as Race for Life). Others are highly competitive with far smaller, more elite fields. Check the nature of the event you are entering before committing. Click here to look for a suitable event.

5K
If you have not trained previously a month of exercising three times a week will give a noticeable fitness benefit. A 5K event can be a great starter, particularly as there are many events that cater for people who wish to start by mixing walking and running. If you have more competitive ambitions a three month build up is recommended.


10K
The 10K is another classic charity event distance. For those of you who think in miles it is 6.25 miles. From no training it may take two or three months before you are ready to run a 10K event. Again those charity events which cater for people who want to walk/run the event are more easily achievable than a more competitive event.

Half marathon
This is now up to 13.1 miles! If you think of somewhere 13.1 miles from home you’ll realise it’s a long way. There is a great variation in how long people take to train up for a half marathon. From scratch it may vary from three to six months, or even be longer. It may take another three months from being able to run a 5K or two months from being able to run a 10K at the equivalent level. Half marathon events tend to be more serious than shorter events so adequate preparation becomes more important. It is advisable to be doing four exercise sessions a week.


Marathon
The big one!!! How long it takes someone to prepare for a marathon from scratch varies hugely. We recommend that you take in stepping stone events along the way and get used to running a 10K event before progressing. Once you have run a 10K you are probably three months away from being able to run a marathon at the equivalent level. Some marathons (eg London) cater for a wide range of abilities. Others cater more specifically for club and elite runners and can feel a more hostile environment for the first time marathoner! So choose your event wisely!
You should be training for the event four times a week or more.

It sounds obvious but…
When considering your goals take a look at how far you can comfortably run in training. If you are struggling to run six miles a half marathon (13.1 miles) is not yet an achievable target. If you can run 10 miles in your longest run of the week a half marathon is achievable. If you are up to 16 miles a marathon is achievable with a proper period of easing off and storing up energy before the event.

If in doubt
Just drop us a mail and ask!