Have you been wanting to get active but don’t know where to begin? Does starting a training plan feel overwhelming? Upward Running has your answer.
At Upward Running, we offer several nationwide training challenges each year—including Couch to Marathon, Couch to Half Marathon, Couch to 10K, and Couch to 5K. These plans meet you right where you are and guide you step by step—all within our supportive, faith-centered community.
Every program ends with a celebration race of your choice—or come join us in person at one of our destination races with other Upward Running members.
Looking for more info? Scroll down below and let’s get you started.
Find a membership that works for you.
The Cannonball Running Festival in Greensboro, NC, is a premier event offering a variety of race distances—5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon—to accommodate runners of all levels. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway and Country Park, it’s a beautiful and rewarding place to cross your finish line.
This race is part of the Upward Running Nationwide Challenge, and you’ll be joined by a community of like-minded individuals choosing to do hard things, deepen their faith, and finish what they started.
Choose your distance and join us. Whether you’re walking your first 5K or going all-in for 26.2, we’ll guide you step by step with training that meets you where you are.
While we encourage you to follow the training all the way through to the Cannonball finish line, you’re absolutely welcome to choose a different graduation race that works best for you. But if you do make it to Cannonball, you’ll be greeted by Upward Running coaches, celebrate with other members from around the country, and enjoy fun pre-race socials and community meetups.
Starts: Monday, September 29, 2025
Graduation Race Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Duration: 54 Weeks
Status: Waiting to Start
Playbook: Click HERE to download the Couch to Marathon Playbook. It’s packed with FAQs, insider tips, expert guidance, and everything you didn’t even know you needed to know. If you’re getting started—or even just thinking about it—this is your go-to guide for confidence and clarity.
This 54-week program guides you every step of the way—progressing through 5K, 10K, half marathon, and finally the full 26.2. Each distance is trained in its own 12-week block, with two weeks of intentional rest between each stage. You’ll have the flexibility to join us in person at the Cannonball Running Festival in Greensboro, NC for an unforgettable finish line experience OR choose your own graduation race. Along the way, you’ll grow in strength, confidence, and community.
Starts: Monday, January 12, 2026
Graduation Race Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Duration: 40 Weeks
Status: Waiting to Start
Graduation Race Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Playbook: Click HERE to download the Couch to Half Marathon Playbook. It’s packed with FAQs, insider tips, expert guidance, and everything you didn’t even know you needed to know. If you’re getting started—or even just thinking about it—this is your go-to guide for confidence and clarity.
This 40-week program guides you every step of the way—progressing through the 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances. Each training block is 12 weeks long, with two weeks of intentional rest in between to help you recover and stay strong. You’ll have the flexibility to join us in person at the Cannonball Running Festival in Greensboro, NC for an unforgettable finish line experience, or choose your own graduation race. Along the way, you’ll grow in strength, confidence, and community.
Starts: Monday, April 20, 2026
Graduation Race Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Duration: 26 Weeks
Status: Waiting to Start
Graduation Race Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Playbook: Click HERE to download the Couch to Half Marathon Playbook. It’s packed with FAQs, insider tips, expert guidance, and everything you didn’t even know you needed to know. If you’re getting started—or even just thinking about it—this is your go-to guide for confidence and clarity.
This 26-week program guides you every step of the way—progressing through the 5K and 10K distances. Each training block is 12 weeks long, with two weeks of intentional rest in between to help you recover and stay strong. You’ll have the flexibility to join us in person at the Cannonball Running Festival in Greensboro, NC for an unforgettable finish line experience, or choose your own graduation race. Along the way, you’ll grow in strength, confidence, and community.
Starts: Monday, July 27, 2026
Graduation Race Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Duration: 12 Weeks
Status: Waiting to Start
Playbook: Click HERE to download the Couch to Half Marathon Playbook. It’s packed with FAQs, insider tips, expert guidance, and everything you didn’t even know you needed to know. If you’re getting started—or even just thinking about it—this is your go-to guide for confidence and clarity.
This 12-week program guides you every step of the way to completing a 5K race. You’ll have the flexibility to join us in person at the Cannonball Running Festival in Greensboro, NC for an unforgettable finish line experience, or choose your own graduation race. Along the way, you’ll grow in strength, confidence, and community.
Less than 1% of people worldwide have successfully completed a marathon. Join the elite 1% today!
On average, runners take 55,000 steps to complete a marathon.
Over 250,000 runners have reached their goals with Upward Running. Join them today!
At Upward Running, we’re more than a running club—we’re a community with purpose. It’s about more than miles; it’s about encouragement, accountability, and growth. We meet you where you are and help you reach your goals. With trusted training and a supportive network, you’ll find strength and confidence every step of the way.
Ready to start your journey? Let’s run this race together!
I started the program last December with high blood sugar and cholesterol. This month’s tests showed my blood sugar is now normal, and my cholesterol is cut in half and improving! The Holy Spirit leads us in hard things, and I’m so thankful for this journey—it’s my motivation to keep working hard each week!
Today was a dream come true! I completed my first half marathon. With God’s encouragement and an amazing support team, I pushed through half marathon training, and today was my graduation race! Running wasn’t always my thing, but I’m so grateful for this journey with my family and community! Truly a day to remember!
Ten years ago, my wife and I committed to living fully. We found this community and took our first mile. Since then, we’ve gone through the 5K, 10K, half, and full marathon training, strengthened by incredible support. Today, we run, worship, and live life to the fullest, thankful for Jesus and this community.
Finished my first 10K this morning, and even surprised myself with a faster pace than expected! Along the way, I tried to encourage other runners, inspired by the support I’ve found in Upward Running. This program has given me the foundation to get off the couch and use running as a way to share the gospel.
