This training plan has been developed by an experienced coach to prepare athletes for the Istanbul Marathon on November 1, 2026, with a target finish time of 4 hours. The plan is designed for runners who are ready for consistent training and gradual progression toward the marathon distance.

The program includes 4–5 training sessions per week, combining easy runs, tempo workouts, long runs, and recovery sessions. Daily mileage ranges from 4 to 32 km, allowing for a gradual and controlled increase in training volume to promote adaptation and reduce the risk of injury.

The plan consists of three main training phases:

• Base Phase (2 months):
Focused on building a strong aerobic foundation through easy runs 4–5 times per week, lasting from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

• Speed Development Phase (3 months):
Emphasizes improving pace and running efficiency with 5 sessions per week, each lasting 45–60 minutes. Includes intervals, progression runs, fartlek sessions, and recovery runs.

• Endurance Phase (3 months):
Dedicated to developing marathon-specific endurance, with 5 sessions per week lasting 1–2 hours, including long runs. This phase also features five key long runs of 2–3 hours, progressively scheduled closer to race day.

• Taper Period (3 weeks before the marathon):
A planned reduction in training load to decrease fatigue, enhance recovery, and ensure optimal race readiness.

By the end of the program, you will be physically and mentally prepared to confidently complete the full 42.2 km marathon distance, aiming to achieve your goal of running the Istanbul Marathon in 4 hours.