Read the latest government guidelines on exercise and Covid-19 in your area.
 
 
Man trains by the river

Training Hub

How to train for the Virgin Money London Marathon

Whether you’re taking on 26.2 miles for the first time or you’re a veteran of the distance, training for the Virgin Money London Marathon is not something to be taken lightly. That’s why we’ve created our Training Hub, with plans to suit runners of all abilities, as well as tips and advice on nutrition, all the kit you need, and how to stay happy and healthy as you prepare to take part in the world’s greatest marathon.

Virgin Money London Marathon training advice

There’s much more to preparing for The Virgin Money London Marathon than regular running – so we’ve collated expert training advice to help you overcome any obstacles you may face on your marathon journey. 

We’ve also included a wealth of practical tips on popular subjects such as pacing your marathon, tapering your training, and recovering after successfully completing the event.

All this and more is backed up with supportive and motivational training videos by our coach Martin Yelling, who’ll always have your back when the going gets tough!

Runners running through London in Official New Balance kit

Virgin Money London Marathon Training Plans

Got a place in the ballot (hooray!) but now don’t know where to start? Our 16-week Beginner’s Training Plan will guide you right through to the Start Line.

If you’ve run a marathon before and are hoping to better your performance this time, the Improver’s Training Plan is a good choice. 

Finally, our Advanced Training Plan is for really experienced runners who want to push themselves – remember even if you’ve have conquered 26.2 miles several times before, there’s always something new to learn!

Show me the Training Plans

Marathon running gear and kit

While you’ll probably go pretty far with your trusty trainers, T-shirt and shorts, training for the Virgin Money London Marathon is a good opportunity to upgrade your gear to help you feel more comfortable and confident, especially in the early stages of your training.

From footwear to hats and everything in between, we tell you all you need to know about essential marathon running kit, as well as giving you the lowdown on the latest gadgets set to make your training – and your life – easier.

The official Virgin Money London Marathon kit from our partner New Balance

Official Virgin Money London Marathon kit by New Balance

Check out the official Virgin Money London Marathon range of clothing and footwear from our partner New Balance – ideal for your training runs, or celebrating your marathon achievement with a stylish souvenir item to treasure for many years to come.

View the official kit

Virgin Money London Marathon nutrition and hydration

One major factor for keeping happy and healthy as you train is making sure you eat and drink well. Our Nutrition and hydration section is packed with articles that explain how the right food and drinks can boost your training and performance on Marathon Day, as well as offering expert advice on how to avoid stomach problems while running, how much to drink during a marathon, and tips from the sports scientists.

Staying healthy during marathon training

We want you to enjoy your Virgin Marathon London Marathon experience – from your very first training run, right through the build-up and, of course, on the big day itself. The best way to do this is to keep happy and healthy during this time.

From how to prevent blisters to avoiding common running injuries, our Staying healthy section has the knowledge, and there’s also advice on stretching and risk management to help you prevent any niggles disrupting your training in the first place.

So what are you waiting for? Get your training off to a flying start by exploring our training pages today.

Find out more

Swipe