Marathon Plan Improver - L2

Name: Marathon Plan Improver - L2
Brand: Parkes Running
SKU: BPP002P
Price: 8.00 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.93 (118 reviews)

(118)

£8⁰⁰ GBP

Plan

Plan Only Plan + Strength Routine

Product variants

About this plan

Welcome to the Improver Marathon Plan!

This plan has been designed for anyone who has run a marathon in the past and is looking to improve upon their time.

Also included in the training plan is:
- a pace chart so you know exactly how fast your runs should be
- a full glossary of terms so you'll always know what to do
- loads of tips each week so you can learn along the way and stay motivated!

Everything you need to get you a marathon PB and have fun doing it! Come back and let me know how you got on, it's great to hear your stories!

Plan Details / Who is this for?

Ideal for anyone targeting a 3:45-4:30 finish time.

The first week is 16 miles/26km.

The biggest week is 40 miles/64km.

3-4 runs each week.

The plan has both miles and kilometres.

15 weeks in length with easy to understand, structured training with time set aside for you to implement your own strength training.

Optional Strength Routine Add On

The 'Plan + Strength Routine' option includes the full plan plus 3 integrated "at home" strength routines with warm up and cool down exercises.

Beginner friendly and easy to follow.

No equipment necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the training plans in miles or kilometers?

We have written the training plans in both miles and kms, both of which are included in the PDF file so you can refer to whichever one suits you.

The pace charts are also in miles and km's too.

How will I receive my plan?

You will receive an email with a link to download your plan straight after purchase.

You can also click a link on the checkout success page.

This will download the PDF file to your computer, tablet or phone.

What format do the training plans come in?

The plans are a downloadable PDF file which you can view on any device or print off.

You will be emailed the link to download your plan.

Please note the plan can only be downloaded a maximum of 5 times.

I feel I am in between two training plans, which one should I go for?

Each plan gives the number of days of training per week, so we’d advise going for the one which best fits in with your current lifestyle and commitments.

Also consider the number of miles or km's for the first week and peak week and compare that figure to where you are currently.

The best success will come from following a plan that is achievable given your lifestyle and current fitness.

Finished my first Marathon strong

I (F, 40) purchased the Full Marathon Level 2 plan with a goal of finishing in 4:00–4:30. I followed almost every workout, only missing one week due to a minor knee pain. I also watched all the YouTube videos, followed the nutrition and hydration advice, and even tested a few shoe recommendations, decided to race in the Asics Superblast 2. Fast forward to yesterday’s MCM 2025 (Arlington, VA): the race went much better than I ever imagined! I ran with the 4:15 pacers for 19 miles, then felt strong enough to push ahead, finishing in 4:09:46, and still felt like I could keep going. Huge thanks for your incredible plan, helpful content, and genuine passion for what you do. Your guidance made all the difference, I absolutely love your work and highly recommend your plans!

PB’s with this plan

Both my wife and I have used your half marathon plans to get PB’s. The plans were easy to follow and the structure easily slipped into our busy lives. We followed the plans religiously and put complete trust in them. The mileage build up was spot on and so was the pacing, the inclusion of strength training was also very helpful, following these plans did the trick and we could feel it all coming together during the tapering period and we were both ready on the day!! I Recently purchased the Marathon training plan for my wife to use for her first Marathon and again have complete faith that the plan will work.

Marathon Plan for sub 4

I made a Plan for my first Marathon this year in Berlin by my self and bought this One from Ben to check my ideas and improve mine. Now i have a Plan that makes me confident to reach my goals! Thank you Ben, you are an Inspiration!

Marathon training plan

Couldn't ask for more. At the age of 53 did my first marathon in April, looking to improve from there.
Thanks, Lee

Marathon time achieved!

Thank you so much for a great marathon plan. This was my first marathon and trained for sub 4 - achieved 3hr 50mins at Manchester Marathon 2025. Totally chuffed with that so thank you so much. The strength workouts massively helped as well, they're a great add on to the plan.
Never thought I could run a marathon so thank you for helping me achieve this.

Simple to follow to get it done

I followed this plan for a sub 4 goal , I loved how simple it was to follow and program the workouts into my garmin. I didn't achieve the goal as I injured myself 2 weeks out and took a complete week off running I re-adjusted my goal and managed to get round in 4h.08. Note to self: I should have followed the strength and conditiong plan

Great plan, easy to use - far!

So far so good with the plan, easy to follow and very clear explanations, I just now need a method to remember everything whilst running!

Great plan for great results

Tried to go sub4 for years, but never really got there. After having used Bens inbetween plan I gave Bens Marathon plan a try and what can I say. Volume and variabilty plus the added strength training really worked for me rersulting in a 3:57 @ Bienwaldmarathon near Karlsruhe/Germany. Needless to say wearing my Gettingitdone singlet and cap :-)

Helped me feel strong and confident for my first ever Marathon

For my first Marathon I decided to do this plan because I knew it was a tough course. Even when I had my hiccups during training, I came to race day feeling super prepared and strong. My aerobic base felt really good, and I’m so happy I went with a plan. Thank you for such a detailed and easy to understand structure! I finished in exactly 5 hours 55 seconds. For my first marathon in such a difficult and hilly course, I’m so proud of myself!

Training in Australia

Currently using the Half plan and will start using the Marathon plan soon. They are so simple and flexible to follow.

1 2 3

Amazing top!

Loved the look of this top, so thought I’d give it a go and it does not disappoint! Super nice fit, comfy and just enough warmth for the cold weather, but not too much so you don’t overheat! I’m usually a medium, but got a small as per the guidance.

Great photo Ben! Thank you for the review and lovely to hear how much you're enjoying your new top!

Awesome product

Very good quality, socks feels supportive and comfortable at the same time. Highly recommend it.

Thank you very much for your review Eduardo! Great to hear you're enjoying the sock!

Running Tee

Just wore my new t-shirt for my Sunday long run and I love it 👍

Great photo Nick! Thank you very much for the review. Wishing you many happy runs in your new tee!

Excellent!

Just got to this and it's fantastic! I felt getting better after just 10 days. Its simple, easy to understand and most important, effectively executed plan. And if you have any questions, you get answers almost instantly on the website. 5 stars, easily!!!

Thank you very much for your review Zlatko! Great to hear about the progress you're making. We're always here to help with any advice you need. All the very best for your race soon, let us know how you get on!

Wicked!

My first time purchasing an actual hat for running. I am very impressed. My head was cool the whole run, no more sweaty baseball caps, thanks to coming across Ben's gear. It's light weight, looks good and it's very comfortable.

Thank you very much for your review!! Great to hear how much you're enjoying the new hat!

It’s a long way to the top if you want to run a half!!

After losing 40kgs, with a haphazard methodology. I decided on a challenge the Taunton 1/2 marathon looks flat so that’s the one! For a change I took advice and a training plan was needed. Bens plan is clear and simple to follow. The gradual increases in volume and the reasons why are explained. Two weeks in and I’m still going for it . Cheers Ben.

Thank you for your review Nigel! Congratulations on all you've achieved and best of luck at Taunton 1/2. Let us know how you get on!

PB in Chicago 🔥

Followed the advanced marathon plan for my Chicago block and managed to lower my PB from 3h29 to 3h13 ! I felt really good for almost the entire race and negative split as well ! This is the second plan I use after the half marathon one and I would highly recommend Ben's plans for any race preparation!

Thank you for your review Marcelin! Congratulations on your huge PB in Chicago. That's fantastic!! HUGE well done from me!!

Perfect for first marathon.

Ran my first marathon in Munich in this shirt. Having a nicely visible shirt was actually really helpful for my family since they were able to spot me easily from the side

Great photo Stephan!! Thank you very much for your review and great to hear you used it in your marathon. Congratulations on your amazing run!!

The plan WORKS!!!

I got this plan as a ‘base template’ for my 12-week training block towards my SUB90 attempt for the 2025 Nike Melbourne Half Marathon. I’m happy to report that I smashed my target on this race - by a good margin that exceeded my initial estimates. Was able to sustain a negative split throughout. 1:26:06 Strava finish time / 1:27:52 chip finish time. Absolutely buzzing! The plan has got the right staged volume ramp-up to reduce the risk of pre-race injuries as well as a good balance of speed & easy base runs. Thanks Ben Parkes! You’re a LEGEND!

Thank you very much for your review Ivan! It's great to hear how well the plan worked for you at Melbourne for you. Congratulations on all you've achieved to run this brilliant time. Well done!! 🙌