Thousands of runners preparing for the London Marathon 2027 are being urged to start thinking about their training now, with just over five months until the famous 26.2-mile race.
The iconic race, expecting 100,000 participants, will take place on Saturday, 24 April, and Sunday, 25 April, across the capital.
While some might think January is the time to start preparing, many training plans actually kick off sooner. Most marathon training plans span 16 to 20 weeks, taking into account a runner’s experience, current fitness, and goals.
For those gearing up for the 2027 marathon, structured training could start as early as the first week of December. A 20-week plan would ideally begin around 5 or 6 December, while a 16-week plan would start around 2 or 3 January.
For those who prefer a Monday-to-Sunday schedule, training starts on Monday, 7 December, or Monday, 4 January. However, these plans generally assume a basic level of fitness, where participants can comfortably complete shorter runs.
November is seen as a good time to start preparing, especially for beginners. Instead of jumping into long-distance runs, beginners can focus on creating a regular running routine. This might involve short, manageable runs, intervals of walking and running, and gradually improving endurance. Strength training and allowing adequate recovery time are also vital in preparing for the rigours of marathon training.
Regular runners can use November to maintain fitness levels before increasing their mileage in December or January. However, runners should avoid suddenly increasing their distances, as this could lead to injury.
Not being able to run 5k in November doesn’t rule out completing the London Marathon in April. However, beginners will need to be realistic about their fitness, the time they have to train, and their ability to progress safely. The NHS Couch to 5k programme is a good starting point for those with little or no running experience, designed to gradually build up to running for 30 minutes over nine weeks.
Beginners with minimal running experience might need longer than a standard 16-week marathon plan and should consider seeking advice from a qualified running coach or healthcare professional.
The London Marathon website offers training plans for different abilities, helping runners gradually prepare to complete the full 26.2-mile distance. These plans typically include a mix of shorter runs, longer weekend runs, recovery days, and other types of exercise. Runners are advised to select a plan that suits their current ability rather than one based solely on a desired finishing time.
As of Tuesday, 10 November 2026, there are just 165 days until the first day of the London Marathon weekend. For those who have secured their place, the coming weeks offer a chance to establish good habits before the more demanding training sessions kick in.
It comes on the same day that three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe was set to receive an OBE at Windsor Castle. Runners looking for a shorter target before April can also look ahead to the new south London half-marathon in 2027.
