Marathon Running - A Changing Field
I don’t know about you, but at the last few marathon events I attended either as a runner or a spectator, I found myself doing a double-take. “Are they really that young… or am I just getting old?” I was amazed at the sheer number of runners in their 20s tackling the full distance.
Once upon a time the marathon was kind of a badge of honour for the mid-career runner, mostly men and a few brave women in the 35-45 age bracket. That was the dominant picture.
Today that picture has definitely shifted. The field is more varied, more inclusive, and training has evolved with it.
The goal then was; run your body into shape through sheer volume. Now, we have more rounded view of marathon running and what training is required, not just endurance but strength, mobility and mindset. Performance and enjoyment both improve when you train the whole athlete, not just the legs.
Our Marathon Training Plans incorporate three pillars:
- Strength and conditioning, to boost running economy, ward off injury and keep you powerful in the later part of the marathon.
- Mobility and flexibility, to help maintain form throughout the full marathon distance.
- Mindset and mental skills, to turn the negative voice in your head to a positive one that keeps your legs going when they want to give up.
But where ever you are starting from, first marathon at 22 years of age or 52 years of age, the distance is the same, 26.2 Miles or 42k. Marathon running demands commitment, resilience and a real understanding of what it takes to get there.
More Females are taking up Marathon Running and Closing the Gender Gap
In 2005, 29% of the London Marathon finishers were female. Societal factors, perception of running as male, dominated, and limited exposure for women runners all played a role.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the picture is much different. In the 2025 London Marathon the field included approximately 43% female participants, an impressive gender balance across the field.
It’s heartening. More women feel welcome, more events promote inclusive messaging, and the culture of “running is for everyone” is being lived.
But this shift isn’t just about numbers. It’s about motivation, mindset, and community. Many women are running to improve mood, relieve stress, and find balance in busy lives. The physical benefits, like improved fitness, strength, and weight management, are powerful motivators, but so too are the emotional ones. Running gives many women a sense of self-confidence, personal control, and empowerment that spills into all areas of life.
Younger Marathon Runners are On the Rise
One of the biggest changes in recent years is the surge in runners under 30. A few years ago, if you turned up at a marathon start line at 25 or under, you’d stand out. Now, you’re just one of many.
I know when I was in my mid-20s, running a marathon wasn’t even on my radar. I didn’t know anyone my age who had done one, it was something people seemed to tackle later in life, once careers were settled or families grown. But times have changed. My daughter has now completed marathons, my son is about to run his first, and they’re definitely not on their own.
So what has changed? Part of it comes down to social media. Running has become highly visible, every race medal, finish-line photo, and Strava upload can be shared instantly. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have created a space where personal fitness goals are celebrated and where completing a marathon feels both aspirational and achievable. Seeing people your own age take on 26.2 miles makes it feel normal and more and more young people want to a part of this marathon running community.
The pandemic also played a huge role. With gyms closed and team sports cancelled, many young adults turned to running as a way to stay active, manage stress, and get outside. What began as a way to cope during lockdowns often evolved into a lasting commitment to fitness, and for many, the marathon became the ultimate test of that progress.
There’s also been a cultural shift. Younger generations are more health-conscious and goal-driven than ever. Running fits that mindset perfectly, it’s measurable, empowering, and builds both physical and mental resilience. Events like Hyrox and CrossFit have made endurance and performance training feel accessible and social, and the marathon has become a natural next challenge.
These younger adults see the marathon differently. For them, it’s not just an endurance test, it’s a lifestyle milestone, a personal challenge, and a way to be part of a bigger community.
This new wave of marathoners brings energy, confidence, and a fresh outlook to the sport.
It's Never too Late to Take Up Marathon Running
At the same time, we’re seeing a completely different, but equally inspiring trend: more people are running their first marathon later in life. For many, it’s about finally making time for a long-held dream. For others, it’s part of a health or lifestyle transformation, or simply discovering running after years spent focused on work or family.
These runners often bring tremendous determination and discipline to their training. They know what it means to commit to a goal and follow through, and while recovery may take a little longer, their mindset and consistency make up for it. The finish line carries a deeper meaning: it’s proof that growth and achievement aren’t limited by age.
At Achieve Running Club, we’ve welcomed more first-time marathoners in their 40s, 50s, and 60s than ever before. Our training plans for this group emphasise gradual progression, recovery, mobility, and strength giving every new runner the support and structure they need to build confidence safely and sustainably.
Because whether you’re 25 or 55, the feeling of crossing that finish line for the first time is exactly the same, powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.
Marathon Running is an Inclusive Sport
Over the past two decades, marathon running has evolved from a niche endurance test to a truly global, inclusive sport. We see younger runners take on the distance earlier, more women than ever stepping up to the challenge, and people discovering running for the first time later in life. What unites them all is the same goal, to test their limits, discover what they’re capable of, and feel the incredible satisfaction of crossing that finish line.
But marathon training itself has changed, too. It’s no longer just about logging miles and running longer or faster. The modern marathoner understands that success comes from training the whole body and mind, building strength, improving mobility, staying injury-free, and learning to manage stress and recovery. Running well now means running smarter.
That’s exactly what we do at Achieve Running Club. We design training plans that fit real lives, whether you’re a busy professional, a university student, or someone tackling your first marathon later in life. You’ll find structured programmes that balance effort with recovery, integrate strength and conditioning, and support your mindset along the way.
Wherever you are on your journey, Achieve Running Club gives you the right plan, the right advice, and the support you need to reach your goal.
For more tips and advice check out our running books:
Running Your First Marathon
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