Criteria for Participation.  The FMTP is open to any healthy adult at virtually any level of speed/ability.  To ensure that participants are sufficiently prepared and to avoid injury, participants should be averaging at least 15-20 miles per week and should be able to run 10 miles at one time without stopping when the program begins in June.  

If you have not run a marathon, it is strongly recommended that you consult your physician prior to entering this program.

Although there is no speed requirement and all paces are welcome, pace groups typically range from about 7:30 min./mile to 12:00 min./mile for their long distance training.  We also strive to group runners of similar abilities together in pace groups based on race times and other criteria.  Early signup will best facilitate these match-ups.  

Program Structure.  The FMTP gradually builds from an average weekly mileage of about 20 miles in early June to about 40+ miles a week prior to the Marine Corps Marathon.  If you are proactive, work with your coach to set and periodically reevaluate your goals, attend group workouts on a regular basis, run the average weekly miles prescribed, and complete all the scheduled long runs, you are very likely to reach your marathon goal. 

The success of the FMTP has been proven year after year!

The FMTP is based on continuous running, as opposed to being a “walk-run” program.  Our program workouts build upon three main ingredients to successful marathon training:

Base Miles.  In order to build up the endurance necessary to complete a marathon, you will increase your average weekly mileage, or base, over the course of the program.  You do not need to average more than 50 miles a week to have success in the marathon. Schedules are specifically designed to help you achieve your average weekly goals.

Long Runs.  The cornerstone of the program is the weekly long distance run (SLR). Your long runs should be done at an easy, conversational pace.  Generally, long runs should average anywhere between 60 to 90 seconds a mile slower than your target marathon race pace.

Quality Speed Workouts.  Speed work teaches you to vary your pace, improve your running efficiency, and improve your level of fitness.  Quality speed workouts during the FMTP consist of intervals on the track, tempo or threshold runs, hill running, and road races.

Weather.  Generally, we hold workouts regardless of weather.  However, we may cancel workouts in extremely dangerous weather, such as lightning.  These policies are similar to the policies of most marathon races and help to facilitate readiness for all possible racing conditions. 

All runners are responsible for their own safety.