The Edinburgh Marathon takes place this weekend but how long does it take to train?

Daily Record

21-05-2025

Thousands will take to the Scottish capital's streets this weekend to run the famous race.
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF) is to take place this weekend, with a variety of races, including a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and, of course, the full 26.2-mile run. Both running pros and complete newbies will be taking on the challenge after putting in months of training.
EMF are expecting approximately 35,000 to 40,000 runners in the 2025 event, spread across all of the races. The full and half marathon races will take place from 8am on the morning of Sunday, May 25.
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Edinburgh's Marathon route is famously flat, and was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runner's World. Starting in Potterrow by Edinburgh University and finishing all the way in Musselburgh, the country's fittest runners will take on the huge distance for charity or for personal achievement.
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Participants will take on a scenic and expectedly historical route (we are talking about Edinburgh, after all) which features some of the city's most iconic landmarks as well as offering picturesque views along the East Lothian coastline.
But as we near the big race day, questions are being raised on just how long athletes and newbies alike have been training for the event.
So, how long does it take to train for a marathon? Here's everything you need to know about how long it takes for a novice and for seasoned long-distance runners.
How long does it take for a new runner to finish a marathon?
If you're a complete newbie to long-distance running, it's recommended that you first master the simpler distances of 5k, 10k, and then a half marathon, before you even think about attempting the 26 gruelling miles of a full marathon.
Those looking to do their first marathon typically train for around six months, following a training plan. BBC Bitesize explains that the first four to eight weeks of a marathon training plan should be spent running short distances regularly to get your body used to the routine.
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After that, it's easy to find a training plan to suit you online, or EMF offers a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level plan for £20. Training plans from this stage typically last 17 weeks, mixing easy runs, break days, stretches, hill runs and fartlek runs (which is where you split your pace between slow and fast speeds).
But although marathon training should be a challenge to a beginner, it should not feel completely overwhelming, and it's vital to know when you're pushing yourself too far and to listen to your doctor if you suffer any injuries during your training.
Concerning finishing time, a realistic goal for a first-time marathon runner is under four hours and 30 minutes.
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How long does it take a seasoned long-distance runner to train for a marathon?
A professional or more experienced runner typically requires 12 to 16 weeks of training for a marathon, which is around three or four months. This timeframe assumes they already have a good base of fitness and experience to take on the necessary training.
Experienced runners may even complete marathon training in as little as 12 weeks, but everyone is different, and others may need longer.
According to ASICS, a good finishing time for pro runners is under two hours and 10 minutes for men and under two hours and 25 minutes for women.
But whether you've done 100 marathons or zero, it's vital to complete adequate training before the big day to prevent injury or strain.
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