2026 Boston Marathon Training 

Important Boston 2026 training dates 
 Boston Marathon Training Programs
Race Day: April 20th, 2026
Saturday Group Long Run Schedule
Long runs leave from Joint Ventures (660 Beacon St in Kenmore Square, Boston) at 8:00 am.
​Doors open at 7:30 am with access to changing area and water.
Week 1:  12/13 6-8 mi.
Week 2: 12/20 6-10 mi.
Week 3:  12/27 8-10 mi.
Week 4: 1/3 Riverside 1 (10.4 mi.)
Week 5: 1/10 8-10-12 mi.
Week 6: 1/17 Riverside 2 (10.4 mi)
Week 7: 1/24 10-12-14 mi.
​Week 8: 1/31 Riverside 3 (10.4 miles)
Week 9: 2/7 12-14-16
Week 10: 2/14 Riverside 4 (10.4 miles)
​Week 11: 2/21 14-16-18 mi.
Week 12: 2/28 8-10mi.
Week 13: 3/7 Riverside #5 aka Riverside extension 16-20mi.
Week 14: 3/14 10-12 mi.
Week 15: 3/21 18-22 (longest long run)
Week 16: 3/28 10-14-16 mi.
Week 17: 4/4 10-12mi.
Week 18: 4/11 8-10mi.
 NYC 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 (660 Beacon St 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

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. 15: First day
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