Autumn Marathon 2026: Your Journey to the Finish Line Starts Now
The air might still have a summer warmth, but for marathon runners, the focus is already shifting toward the crisp, golden days of autumn. Whether you are aiming for a World Major like Berlin, Chicago or New-York, or preparing for the legendary atmosphere of the Dublin Marathon, now is the time to lay the groundwork.
As we discussed in previous seasons, the average marathon time is around 4h16. If you are aiming to break that barrier—or even the sub-3:00 dream—the secret lies in the preparation you do today.
Key Autumn 2026 Race Dates
To help you plan your 12-week specific block, here are the target dates for the 2026 season:
- Berlin Marathon: September 20, 2026
- Chicago Marathon: October 11, 2026
- Dublin Marathon: October 25, 2026
- New York City Marathon: November 1, 2026
- Valencia Marathon: December 6, 2026
The 12-Week Philosophy
My training approach remains consistent: a 12-week specific training block preceded by an 8-week base-building phase.
The Base Phase (The Next 8 Weeks)
Before the 12-week block begins, you should aim to reach a minimum weekly volume of 50km (approx. 32 miles) with long runs lasting between 1h40 and 1h45.
If you aren’t there yet, don’t rush. Use the coming weeks to gradually increase your mileage by no more than 10% per week to stay injury-free.
| Week (Berlin) | Week (Dublin) | Target Weekly Mileage |
| Week 22 | Week 27 | 30km / 19 miles |
| Week 23 | Week 28 | 40km / 25 miles |
| Week 24 | Week 29 | 44km / 27 miles |
| Week 25 | Week 30 | 48km / 30 miles |
| Week 26 | Week 31 | 50km / 32 miles |
After Week 26 (Berlin) or Week 31 (Dublin), we begin the official 12-week marathon countdown.
Tune-up Races
I recommend two key benchmarks during your 12-week block:
- A 10km Race: Scheduled for the end of the 4th week. This is optional but great for testing your speed.
- A Half Marathon: Scheduled for the end of the 7th week. This is a vital “dress rehearsal” for your fueling and pacing strategy.
Coach’s Tips for 2026
- Fueling: Don’t wait for the long runs to practice your nutrition. Start testing your gels and hydration now.
- Strength: As we’ve seen in previous years, strength and conditioning are the best insurance policies against the “marathon shuffle” in the final 6 miles.
- Recovery: As the mileage increases in September, prioritize sleep and seasonal nutrition (don’t forget the Marathon Bolognese!).
Let’s Chase Your Goal Together
Are you aiming for a Sub-4 hour finish? Or perhaps you’re like Emil, chasing that Sub-3 dream? Whatever your goal, a structured, personalized plan is the key to reaching the start line in optimal shape.
Contact me today for a 2026 Training Plan or share your goal race in the comments below!