Run a marathon in under 4 hours

Running a marathon in under 4 hours is a target that a lot of experienced runners will aim for on race day. It's not easy to do and will require a very high level of fitness and pace planning. Running a marathon in under 4 hours is a great achievement if you are able to do it. Good luck!

Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge rules

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From Paul G

“Well completed my 1st ever marathon in London on 21st April 2013 and finished in 3hrs 51mins 51secs, well happy with that and now set an achievable target for the next one.”

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Vaunette C I signed up for my first ever marathon several months ago. Then a friend of mine told me I should be able to qualify for the Boston marathon. For my age bracket I would need to finish in 4 hours flat. Since this would be my first marathon I was just hoping to finish in 4:30 and all the advise I was getting and reading said not to set a time goal. Well the seed had been planted and I'm not one to step around a challenge. I questioned myself, had doubts and hopes. Then race day is upon me, May 18, 2013, I so wanted to finish in 4 hours. The rain began to pour, can I qualify? My friend had said think sub four...more doubt crept in. No, I'm going to give it a shot in spite of the rain. I have trained hard and I want this! I felt pretty good for most of the race. Mile 18 it was getting a bit rougher but I told myself I have run 21 miles in training so suck it up buttercup! Mile 22, just four more miles, can I make it in 4 hours? Mile 24, I just want to stop running, but I am so close. I will get this over with if I just keep running. Don't stop. Don't walk. I can make it in time if I just keep running. Don't look at the finish line, stay focused on moving your feet. I crossed the finished line soaking wet, exhausted, full of emotion and in a time of 3:53:21. I had done it!

Las Vegas, US • 3:28 GMT, 20 May 2013 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Neil P, Gary S and 2 othersNeil P, Gary S, Barry Y and Jane H encouraged this.

Such a pleasure and I can return the compliment :)

Barry Y • 6:36 GMT, 21 May 2013 • Encourage

Vaunette C and Jane H encouraged this.

Vaunette, I know I have said this before, but you are my role model - totally. I just loved reading your recount now, it is inspiring and motivating xx

Jane H • 11:23 GMT, 12 Jun 2013 • Encourage

Barry Y encouraged this.

Thank you Jane, you are so sweet. It was one f the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever done. I'm glad that my experience motivates you, it pushes me to do more too :-)

Vaunette C • 7:09 GMT, 12 Jun 2013 • Encourage

Jane H and Barry Y encouraged this.

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Vince S Results are in...Came in 80th place in 3:29:17(45km):
http://www.greatoceanroadmarathon.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2013_45k_results.pdf

Melbourne, AU • 10:07 GMT, 20 May 2013 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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William B and Jane H encouraged this.

Great effort

William B • 10:13 GMT, 20 May 2013 • Encourage

Vince S, Vince S and 1 otherVince S, Vince S and Jane H encouraged this.

Thanks William, was a great surprise when I saw the results.

Vince S • 10:01 GMT, 21 May 2013 • Encourage

William B and Jane H encouraged this.

Andrea B Never imagined I would do this so going to take and complete!! Greater Manchester Marathon today 3 hrs 52 mins. So pleased : )

Poynton, GB • 2:40 GMT, 28 Apr 2013 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Francesca E, Vaunette C and 1 otherFrancesca E, Vaunette C and Jane H encouraged this.

Smithy . 2008 London = 3:44:52

Cornwall, GB • 1:29 GMT, 23 Apr 2013 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Colleen B and Jane H encouraged this.

Monica Z Ran the Little Rock Marathon Sunday and made it in 3:43! So pleased that the hard work paid off.

Benton, US • 1:04 GMT, 8 Mar 2013 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Jane H encouraged this.

Juan C 3:18:50

Miami, US • 4:32 GMT, 27 Jan 2013 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Paul S and Jane H encouraged this.

Fantastic time.

Margaret M • 5:25 GMT, 27 Jan 2013 • Encourage

Tina B answered the question What's the furthest distance you are going up to in your training?

i dont run more than 16/17 miles in training. I do lots of hill/speed reps during week as well as weights and strength training. My last marathon i knocked 30 mins off pb and ran the whole way fastest miles 15 and 24...

Aberdeen, GB • 9:18 GMT, 14 Nov 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Pat W http://connect.garmin.com/activity/240341815

Penarth, GB • 1:22 GMT, 5 Nov 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Hamid A encouraged this.

Baldy John - Well I did it 24 years ago... 3hrs 45 mins 12 secs and hoping to run one next year albeit it I'm a lonmg way off even running a 10k at the moment but this is something to aim for again :-)

Waterford, IE • 10:19 GMT, 24 Oct 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Nick B, Alan C and 6 othersNick B, Alan C, Michael M, Melissa K, Meldrum M, Kendi A, Hamid A and Eunice Y encouraged this.

You can do it

Alan C • 10:22 GMT, 24 Oct 2012 • Encourage

Baldy John -, Meldrum M and 1 otherBaldy John -, Meldrum M and Eunice Y encouraged this.

to be honest I'd settle for 5 or 6 hours at the moment but when I get more regular at it again who knows....thanks for the support :-)

Baldy John - • 10:24 GMT, 24 Oct 2012 • Encourage

Alan C, Meldrum M and 1 otherAlan C, Meldrum M and Eunice Y encouraged this.

Lorain R Unofficial time: 3:45:58.

Willow Creek, US • 9:36 GMT, 21 Oct 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Vince S, Rita M and 5 othersVince S, Rita M, Jonelle C, Gavin F, Ian G, Rick P and Jane H encouraged this.

Excellent time!

Patrick H • 9:38 GMT, 21 Oct 2012 • Encourage

Rita M, Lorain R and 1 otherRita M, Lorain R and Rick P encouraged this.

Lorain R This is my goal for todays race. Start in one hour.

Willow Creek, US • 2:55 GMT, 21 Oct 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Tycho H, Jennifer D and 1 otherTycho H, Jennifer D and Rick P encouraged this.

Go for it!!!!!

Jennifer D • 2:56 GMT, 21 Oct 2012 • Encourage

Rick P, Lorain R and 2 othersRick P, Lorain R, Tycho H and Frank P encouraged this.

Good luck! :)

Rick P • 2:57 GMT, 21 Oct 2012 • Encourage

Lorain R, Tycho H and 1 otherLorain R, Tycho H and Frank P encouraged this.

Thanks everyone! The support and encouragement is a great boost!

Lorain R • 3:00 GMT, 21 Oct 2012 • Encourage

Tycho H and Rick P encouraged this.

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Bj B This is the first Challenge I signed up for on TribeSports and one my proudest to turn into an Achievement! Went out looking for a sub-4, but took off another 16 just to be sure! 26.2 in 3:43:42!

Baltimore, US • 5:13 GMT, 14 Oct 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Claire L, Baldy John - and 1 otherClaire L, Baldy John - and Jane H encouraged this.

Massive well done on that achievement, amazing effort

Claire L • 5:14 GMT, 14 Oct 2012 • Encourage

Bj B encouraged this.

Really well done!

Lucille A • 5:18 GMT, 14 Oct 2012 • Encourage

Bj B encouraged this.

Jason D This is my goal for Wine Glass Sept 30, 2012

Newmarket, CA • 10:28 GMT, 19 Sep 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Patrick D have beaten this time

Dublin, IE • 12:53 GMT, 21 Aug 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Brenda D encouraged this.

Sunny K answered the question Do you stop for water at every water aid station?

I don't like stopping every station unless it's very hot. Only because I lose my pace. Sometimes, after I stop, my legs don't feel the same or my breathing changes. I bring my little running bottle & I fill it up at...

CA, US • 8:41 GMT, 6 Aug 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Holly S logged 15.58 km of Running on 31 Jul 2012

Sault Ste. Marie, CA • 3:44 GMT, 1 Aug 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Fiona J Anyone doing a marathon in October?

Dublin, IE • 2:02 GMT, 19 Jul 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Doing the runners world plan. Now in the second week so about to start upping the mileage. What time are you aiming for?

Jonathan S • 3:15 GMT, 20 Jul 2012 • Encourage

Anything under 4:15 would be a bonus...sub 4 would be the dream!! do you have a time in mind yourself?

Fiona J • 8:38 GMT, 22 Jul 2012 • Encourage

Sorry totally forgot to reply. My target is under 5:00 based on the fact I did the London marathon in 5:13, although based on the amount of training I'm doing compared to what I did for London I think I could smash my PB.

Jonathan S • 12:40 GMT, 15 Aug 2012 • Encourage

Show 2 earlier comments

Rush F Anyone have any suggestions or advice for a first marathon? Here is the training schedule I found. Please comment, good or bad. Thanks

Starkville, US • 9:48 GMT, 16 Jul 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Arris B encouraged this.

Hi Rush F, if you look on www.dublinmarathon.ie general info there is a training section with free plans on whatever time you expect to do it in, you could compare your plan to that.

Fiona J • 2:00 GMT, 19 Jul 2012 • Encourage

Km L answered the question What's the furthest distance you are going up to in your training?

Doing 13 to 18 miles every fortnight will do.On other days just do easy run of 6 to 10 miles probably with some tempo run or speed work in between. Strengthen your core and other part of body muscles during your rest...

9:01 GMT, 11 Jun 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Km L answered the question Do you stop for water at every water aid station?

Drink at the first 5K. Then at 15k. After that you just have to listen to your body.It depends on each individual.if your stomach is fill with water and your mouth & throat feels dry, just take a sip pour the rest ov...

8:38 GMT, 11 Jun 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Chris B answered the question Do you stop for water at every water aid station?

I don't stop. My process is cut in late, curse other runners, gulp, pour on head and dance around the bottles/ cups. But I don't stop running.

Holmfirth, GB • 7:27 GMT, 16 May 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Greg N recovering after Ironman St George last Saturday

San Francisco, US • 2:31 GMT, 12 May 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Hideki S and Neil C encouraged this.

Thanks for the follow

Dan P • 8:56 GMT, 15 Jul 2012 • Encourage

Cheers for the follow!

Dan P • 7:00 GMT, 27 Jul 2012 • Encourage

B C answered the question What's the furthest distance you are going up to in your training?

Longest training run was 24 miles for my first marathon, did great, felt very prepared for the race. Most of my training runs are on trails and I think that helps me alot for flat road courses. My first marathon fe...

AZ, US • 7:53 GMT, 7 May 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Scott F encouraged this.

Scott V logged 6.00 km of Running in 0:32:28 on 2 May 2012
Slowly getting back on my "runners"! Only the 2nd run back and feeling great so far. I have a couple more small runs to take it easy on and then I should be back to full swing. I was told though that I shouldn't do the 32 k run that I was planning for Sunday...but was given the green light to run 1/2 of it on Sat and the other half on Sunday. Sounds good...but still a bit nervous as it's my last major LSD before race day on May 27! I will survive!

Kanata, CA • 3:04 GMT, 3 May 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Scott F, Lorain R and 2 othersScott F, Lorain R, Jack A and Neil C encouraged this.

A bit disappointed...but more confused about how to train for the next couple weeks.

Scott V • 2:29 GMT, 8 May 2012 • Encourage

Scott V logged 4.00 km of Running in 0:20:15 on 30 Apr 2012
Got the go ahead from Physio to start back "slowly" to running...good thing as my Marathon is in 28 days! So happy to be back at it, but am taking it slow...as slow as I can! lol

Kanata, CA • 2:54 GMT, 1 May 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Lorain R, Hideki S and 2 othersLorain R, Hideki S, Scott F and Neil C encouraged this.

Scott V Good news. Sounds like I only have a strained calf muscle and will probably be back to running in 7-10 days...start physio tomorrow! Woohoo!

Kanata, CA • 12:55 GMT, 25 Apr 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Neil C encouraged this.

That's good news man!

Jonathan N • 1:08 GMT, 25 Apr 2012 • Encourage

Neil C encouraged this.

I'm jealous! I wish me and my groupees can do that too David.. We only go hiking/ camping once a month due to work schedule.. :D

Mel M • 12:36 GMT, 20 Feb 2013 • Encourage

David B encouraged this.

Scott V logged 7.00 km of Running on 23 Apr 2012
Ok, running in the rain is not the most fun, but can be enjoyable! But walking back after running out 4k in the pouring rain really sucks! An extremely sharp pain in the left leg caused me to cut yet another run short...have a Dr's appt booked for tomorrow afternoon, and we'll go from there...just over a month till race day!

Kanata, CA • 9:35 GMT, 23 Apr 2012 • In the Run a marathon in under 4 hours Challenge

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Neil C and Hideki S encouraged this.

I'm quite partial to a run in the rain however I must admit a walking back after 4k wouldn't be great. I hope everything goes OK at the docs tomorrow, plenty of rest for that leg in the meantime! You'll beat it :)

Cheeta L • 9:38 GMT, 23 Apr 2012 • Encourage

Neil C encouraged this.