TRAINING PLANS · TIMELINES

How Long Does It Take to Train for a 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon?

You’ve picked a race. Now the big question: how many weeks do you actually need to get ready? The answer depends on your current fitness, but you don’t need endless base building to show up confident.

Use these realistic timelines, then plug your current runs into the Race Time & Pace Predictor so your training paces line up with where you’re starting, not where you wish you were.

5K Training Timelines

  • Brand‑new runner to first 5K: 6–10 weeks.
  • Casual runner to stronger 5K: 4–8 weeks.
  • Experienced runner chasing a PR: 4–6 weeks.

If you can already run 20–30 minutes without stopping, the 30‑Day Faster 5K Plan is a great sharpening block. If you’re still mixing walking and jogging, start with the Beginner 5K Plan.

10K Training Timelines

  • First 10K from casual running: 8–12 weeks.
  • From regular 5K racing to solid 10K: 6–10 weeks.
  • PR‑focused 10K for experienced runners: 6–8 weeks.

10K blocks blend threshold work and longer steady runs. Use the Running Pace Chart plus the Pace Calculator to map those workouts to the right pace.

Half Marathon Training Timelines

  • First half marathon from 10K fitness: 10–16 weeks.
  • Intermediate runner chasing a sub‑2:00 or similar goal: 12–16 weeks.
  • Experienced runner chasing a big PR: 12–18 weeks.

You’ll want enough time to gradually extend the long run toward 10–14 miles while keeping most weekday runs in an easy heart‑rate zone. The Half Marathon Pace Chart helps sanity‑check your targets.

Layering Plans Together

The most powerful way to use timelines is to think in seasons instead of isolated plans. A sample year might look like:

  • 8 weeks of easy mileage and strides.
  • 6‑week 5K sharpening block.
  • Short reset, then a 12‑week half marathon build.

Each phase builds on the last, and the calculators help you update paces after each race or time trial.

Training Time FAQ

What if I don’t have enough weeks for the “ideal” plan?

Shorten the early base‑building phase, not the taper. It’s better to arrive slightly undertrained but fresh than fit on paper and completely cooked.

Can I train for multiple distances at once?

Yes, but give one distance priority at a time. You can race 5Ks during a half build, for example, but let the big race dictate most workouts.

How do I pick target paces for my chosen timeline?

Use whatever strong effort you have – a 3‑mile tempo, parkrun, treadmill test – and plug it into the Race Predictor. Then base your training paces on those estimates instead of a fantasy goal.