Your First Half Marathon
Starts Here.
Free training plans built for complete beginners. No jargon, no GPS watch needed — just follow the plan and cross the finish line.
How It Works
Most Popular Beginner Plans
Thousands of first-time runners started with these plans. You can too.
Why Beginners Choose MarathonPlans
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I train for a half marathon with no running experience?
Yes. Our Couch to Half Marathon plan starts from zero and builds you up over 16 weeks. You'll begin with short walk-run sessions and gradually increase until you can run the full 13.1 miles on race day.
Do I need a running watch or GPS to follow these plans?
No. Every plan uses time instead of distance — just follow the minutes and pay attention to how your body feels. A basic phone timer is all you need.
How many days per week do these plans require?
Most beginner plans ask for 3 to 4 running days per week, with rest or cross-training on other days. Each plan clearly marks which days are rest days.
What's the difference between a half marathon and a full marathon?
A half marathon is 13.1 miles (21.1 km) and a full marathon is 26.2 miles (42.2 km). If you're brand new to running, we recommend starting with a half marathon plan — it's the most popular first race distance.