Boston Marathon Training Programs
Need help choosing the right training program for you? Click here for help!

​ Long Run Schedule

​Long runs leave from Joint Ventures (533 Commonwealth Ave in Kenmore Square, Boston) at 8:00 am.
They begin on 12/14, 2024
​Doors open at 7:30 am with access to changing area and water.
​Click here for details on the Riverside Runs
​Click here for a Modifed Long Run Schedule
Week 1: 12/2  4 mi (on your own)
Week 2: 12/ 9  5 - 6 (on your own)
Week 3: 12/14 6-8 mi. group long runs begin
Week 4: 12/21 6-10 mi
Week 5: 12/28 8-10 mi.
Week 6: 1/4 Riverside Run #1 (10.4 mi.)
Week 7: 1/11 8-10-12 mi.
Week 8: 1/18 Riverside Run #2
​Week 9: 1/25 10-12-14 mi.
Week 10: 2/1 Riverside Run #3
Week 11: 2/8 12-14-16
Week 12: 2/15 Riverside Run #4​
​Week 13: 2/22 14-16-18 mi.
Week 14: 3/1 8-10mi.
Week 15: 3/8 Riverside #5  (with extension 16-20mi.)
​Week 16: 3/15 10-12 mi.
​Week 17: 3/22 18-22 (longest long run)
Week 18: 3/29 10-14-16 mi.
Week 19: 4/5 10-12mi.
Week 20: 4/12 8-10mi.
RACE Day: April 21st, 2025

Key Points for Long Runs

  • Pick a mileage that suits your current training status
  • Run these runs at an easy pace
  • Build mileage slowly, 1-2 miles/week initially, then as runs get over 10-12 miles, a 2 mile jump every other week is appropriate.
  • Add in walking breaks as needed
  • Practice hydrating and snacking as mileage increases (runs over 90 minutes)
  • These runs are performed on the most difficult section of the marathon course
  • Note: some of the more advanced plans long runs may exceed scheduled mileage

Hill Run Schedule

Location: Boston Common, at junction of Charles and Beacon Street, just inside the Boston Common gates.
​Time: 5:30 pm
​
  • Hill workout consists of a flat 1.5 – 2.0-mile easy warm-up.
  • 500-meter hill run at 80% effort.
  • Recovery back down the hill at 70% effort.
  • Begin with 2-3 hills, increase by 1 every week with a goal of 10.
  • Finish with an easy 1.5 – 3.0 miles at end.
  • Single best workout to specifically prepare for Boston.
  • Half-hill is the ninth light pole on the left
Jan. 22: 2-3 hills
​Jan.29: 3-4 hills
Feb. 5: 4-5 hills
Feb. 12: 5-6 hills
Feb. 19: 6-7 hills (option of ½ hill – 12-14 ½)
​Feb. 26: 7-8 hills
March 5: 8-9 hills (option to do 16 - 18 ½ hill)
March 12: 9-10 hills
March 19: 6 hills
March 26: 8 hills (option to do 16 ½ hill) 
April 2: 8-10 hills
​April 9: 4 hills