A half marathon is a great goal for experienced runners who want to hit the next milestone in their training. Our free half marathon training plan outlines how to structure your weekly sessions for the best results.
While a generic free plan is useful to get you started, it doesn’t cover everything. Our expert running coaches can design a personalised half marathon training plan for your fitness levels, schedule, and goals.
If you want to make the most of your training and see results on race day, pay attention to the other factors that influence your training. This includes preparation, strengthening and conditioning, technique, warm-ups and cool-downs, mental barriers, and injury management.
Our expert running coaches can help you run your half marathon in a way that’s best for you. They provide advice for all aspects of your training such as how to optimise your form and how to fuel your workouts.
All our free half marathon running training plans cover a 26-week training schedule. They are designed for runners who are already confident in running shorter distances.
This plan is ideal for first-time half marathon runners who can already comfortably run 7 or 8 miles.
Your priority is to build up and recover from the longer runs, rather than running faster, resulting in a half marathon finish time of around 115 to 135 minutes.
This plan includes 3 to 4 runs a week with a max of 29 miles in a single week.
We would expect most people using this plan to run an average half marathon of between around 95 minutes to 115 minutes.
The plan includes 4 runs per week with a max of 33 miles in a single week.
This training plan is for you if you want to run a slightly quicker half marathon at a general average of about 80 to 95 minutes.
It includes 4 to 5 runs per week with a max of 44 miles in a single week.
Although we’ve provided 3 different plans, a free half marathon training plan can’t accommodate everything for everyone. That’s why it’s always better to have a personalised plan that’s tailored to your training history, fitness level, and goals.
With a custom-made plan, you’re more likely to stick to your training, enjoy your sessions and see results, without getting injured.
Alexa wrote a personalised marathon training plan for me which covered all the things that were important to me, building in time out when I was on holiday, and making sure I could fit everything into my schedule.
The training was challenging but having this programme allowed me to get everything in the diary and feel organised and strong and ready for race day.
Kate October 2024
Having given up on running for a bit, I was just after a little bit of guidance for a race that I'd signed up for. The plan was perfect and just what I needed. Having had a phone call to discuss what I'd been doing, so that the plan was catered to me and my abilities rather than being a generic 'one size fits all' kind of plan. I'd recommend to anyone looking for a one off plan or coaching!
Hayley, September 2024
In June 2023, I began working with Alexa. At that time, I struggled to run for 10 minutes without stopping. Alexa's programs provided me with a realistic training schedule that accommodated my busy life and demanding job. Thanks to Alexa's support and guidance, I was able to successfully complete my first 10k race in 1 hour and 2 minutes. Couldn't have done it without you, Alexa.
Sam, November 2023
Kate is Fantastic! I struggled to run any distance before signing up with her in January, but following her plan got me through the London marathon yesterday! I would highly recommend her to everyone taking on a running goal! I will sure to be back once I’ve signed up for my next one. Thank you Kate!
Hayley, April 2024
I cannot recommend We Run enough! I recently completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2024, for which I signed up to run earlier this year, and from my initial enquiry up until race day, the entire process was extremely efficient.
I was paired with Coach Lee and from the outset, he was incredibly helpful!
By virtue of his unwavering mentorship, I was able to achieve my goal of completing my first ever half marathon in under 2 hours.
Throughout the entire training process, Coach Lee was ready and willing to answer any question I had and he supported me through every injury and mental block I encountered - I would have never been able to do any of this without him!
Neel, November 2024
A personalised marathon plan that isnt off the shelf. Amazing value and very simple to follow. The initial chat through really helped to make sure the plan was bespoke for me and my running needs.
Customer, April 2024
I just wanted to send a message of appreciation for my training plan. In September 2023, I got in touch asking for a plan that would get me under 4 hours for a marathon.
Kate did a zoom call with me and asked questions about my current running habits and my lifestyle. We discussed nutrition as well. When looking at the plan, she had accommodated everything I had said. I thoroughly enjoyed using my plan daily and knowing it had been personalised to my life really made me feel like it was achievable. It kept me accountable for my runs.
I got through my marathon @ 03:58:34 so perfectly under 4 hours. I couldn’t have done it without the plan. I only missed one run my whole plan and I think that is a testament to how perfectly pitched it was for me.
Hannah, April 2024
Noemie was a great coach and helped me progress towards and achieve my 3hour marathon goal. She was super helpful with training plans and advice. I would definitely recommend!!
Paul, April 2024
Graeme has been a great help. My goal was to go sub 90 minutes at a half marathon and although I'd gone close before I knew to find that extra 1% I'd need some pro help.
He kept me motivated and came up with a training schedule to push me but not push me too much to aggravate my sore Achilles. I ended up going sub 90 and without Graeme's help that wouldn't have happened.
Matthew, November 2023
Kate coached me through training for my first marathon in Berlin. The training was tailored to my fitness, schedule, goals and preferences (i.e. Working in KM's, needing specific pace targets etc) following our first consultation.
When I had to move runs due to work or illness Kate was happy to reshuffle and adapt the plan to keep me on track.
I wouldn't hesitate to work with Kate again for my next challenge.
David, October 2023
Alexa has provided me with 3 training plans so far - two for half marathons and one for my first full marathon. She is brilliant and so knowledgeable! She has handy tips and lots of advice and was always happy to answer any additional queries as I went along.
Following her plans has kept me disciplined and fully ready for each race - I had completely underestimated the importance of a good training plan and I even finished each race in a time I hadn't thought was possible!
Sian, April 2023
Choosing the right half marathon training plan is an important first step in your training, but it doesn’t stop there. Our expert coaches can help you with everything from technique and footwear to conditioning and speedwork.
Have an expert running coach by your side to guide you throughout your training and reach your goals.
Get an in-depth 90-minute technique analysis to assess every corner of your form for optimal running performance.
Find a remote running coach from our expert team to give you a personalised training plan and ongoing guidance.
You may have spotted us in...
Get started on the right foot with a week-by-week free half marathon training programme.
Join our Newsletter
Join our newsletter for tips, advice and offers!