Has watching the London Marathon 2022 inspired you to start running? Maybe even a sign-up to a marathon? This is what we want to hear! Sunday 2nd October 2022 we saw 50,000 people dig deep to finish the London Marathon, a truly inspiring challenge to achieve.

Before running out the door to attempt your first marathon, we would love to make you aware of a few different things. Running a marathon is not a walk in the park. It is very unlikely that someone who has not spent training to run a marathon, will finish and even less likely enjoy it. We need to respect the distance. It is not rocket science but it does require serious training, determination and time.

This blog will shed some light what you need to do to prepare to run a Marathon and get your place in the London Marathon. We also mention a few ideas on how to get started in running if running a marathon is not your cup of tea yet.

How difficult is it to run a marathon?

Whether you are completely new to running or have been running for 10+ years, running a marathon is definitely an achievable goal. Some runners will just take longer to train than others. For example, if you are new to running or are aiming for a very ambitious goal, you will need to spend more weeks marathon training than someone who is an experienced runner wishing to complete the marathon distance.

Some runners may spend years preparing for a marathon, starting off with their first 5k and building up from there. Others dive straight into the deep end, spend a few months on shorter distances and then spend 4 - 6 months marathon training specifically.

Check out our recent blog on how to train for a marathon from scratch for more information.

We all know and have heard that a marathon is hard. And with all the challenge that comes with running 42km, all runners say it is so worth it and many sign up to do another marathon not long after crossing the finish line.

Download Coopah to start your marathon training today!

How to run London Marathon specifically?

You will need to train for a marathon but no matter how hard you train, you still need a bib number which are very difficult to get hold off.

There are a few ways to get your London Marathon place:

1. Enter the ballot - UK and International Ballot closes at 9pm Friday 7th October 2022

2. Run and fundraise for Charity - A list of charities with places

3. Enter with a Tour Operator

4. Good for Age entry

5. British Athletics Club Entry

For more on each, visit London Marathon: How to enter.

Another option would be to run the Virtual TCS London Marathon. In 2022, over 40,000 people took to the streets in their local area, in a new country or even in London itself to complete the London Marathon virtually with their running friends or by themselves. All finishers receive their medal and t-shirt. Head to Virtual TCS London Marathon for more.

Want to start running but not a marathon yet?

The great thing about running is that there are so many different opportunities and ways to get involved. You can join a local running group, sign up to a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon plus so many different distances and racing formats or head to your local ParkRun every Saturday.

Whether you are looking to complete your first 10k, run your first ParkRun or sign up to the Great Scottish Run. Coopah cannot wait to help you get started.

Coopah provide runners with a training plan specific to them, access to a run coach 24/7 and a very supportive community!

Download Coopah today to start training for your next running challenge!

If you are new to running and physical activity and wish to take it nice and slow at the start would be to complete the NHS Couch to 5K programme and then join us for future. The app will talk you through every session, starting off with walk/running all the way to completing your first 5K. You can download the Couch to 5K app from App Store or Google Play.

Once you completed that the Couch to 5K, you can be very confident in your running and set up your next running challenge with Coopah!

We look forward to running together!

Contact us via run@coopah.com if you have any questions on getting started.