Are you planning to race a Spring marathon in 2027? It’s never too early to start thinking about your training structure! Based on the successful preparation frameworks of the past, here is your guide to ensuring you arrive at the start line fit, healthy, and ready to smash your goals.
Setting Your Targets
The spring marathon season of 2027 features some of the world’s most iconic races. A dedicated 12-week training plan is essential for success.
Here are the key marathon dates for Spring 2027 that many runners will be targeting:
– Sevilla Marathon – Sunday, February 21, 2027
– Tokyo Marathon – Sunday, March 07, 2027
– Milan Marathon – Paris Marathon – Sunday, April 04, 2027
– Rotterdam Marathon – Sunday, April 11, 2027
– Boston Marathon – Monday, April 19, 2027
– London Marathon – Saturdat, April 24 & Sunday, April 25, 2027
– Limerick Marathon (Great Limerick Run) – Belfast Marathon – Sunday, May 2, 2027
– Cork Marathon – Sunday, June 06, 2027
The 12-Week Intensive Plan
Your intensive training block will be 12 weeks long. To maximize your results, we recommend integrating two key tune-up races:
A 10km Race: Scheduled at the end of the 4th week of the 12-week block.
– For Sevilla : 27/12/2026
– For Tokyo : 10/01/2027
– For Paris / Milan : 07/02/2027
– For Rotterdam : 14/02/2027
– For Boston : 21/02/2027
– For London : 28/02/2027
– For Limerick / Belfast : 07/03/2027 (Kinvara 10k on 06/03/2027 for example)
– For Cork : 11/04/2027
A Half Marathon Race: Scheduled at the end of the 7th week of the 12-week block.
– For Sevilla : 17/01/2027
– For Tokyo : 31/01/2027
– For Paris / Milan : 28/02/2027
– For Rotterdam : 07/03/2027 (Kinvara half on 06/03/2027 for example)
– For Boston : 14/03/2027
– For London : 21/03/2027
– For Limerick / Belfast : 28/03/2027
– For Cork : 02/05/2027 (Limerick half for example)
Pre-Training Build-Up: Consistency is Key (Late 2026/Early 2027)
It is crucial to enter the 12-week intensive block with a solid running foundation. For those aiming for a strong marathon finish, you should be running a minimum of 50 km per week (32 miles/week) with long runs lasting 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes at the start of the 12-week training period.
You are not there yet? Then use the preceding two to three months (November, December 2026, and early January 2027) to gradually increase your mileage. Increasing the mileage too fast is the leading cause of injury.
Here is an example of a gradual preparatory training plan leading up to your 12-week start:
| Week Rotterdam | Week Boston | Week London | Week Limerick | Minimum Weekly mileage | Long run duration |
| 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 35km / 21 miles | 1h00 |
| 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 37km / 23 miles | 1h05 |
| 50 | 51 | 52 | 01 | 40km / 25 miles | 1h10 |
| 51 | 52 | 01 | 02 | 30km / 19 miles | 1h00 |
| 52 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 40km / 25 miles | 1h20 |
| 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 44km / 27 miles | 1h30 |
| 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 48km / 30 miles | 1h40 |
| 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 50km / 32 miles | 1h45 |
Booking Your Race (Action Item)
Don’t wait until the last minute! Start to book your half marathon and 10km races now to ensure they are placed ideally before your target marathon (i.e., within Weeks 4 and 7 of your 12-week training plan).
Coach’s Tips for 2027
- 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, 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 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 2027 Training Plan or share your goal race in the comments below!
Happy running!