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.
Build up to 13.1 miles. This 40-week program includes training for the 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances, with two weeks of rest between each block. Whether you're just getting started or returning to running, this plan meets you where you are—and helps you finish strong.
Take it one milestone at a time. Over 26 weeks, you’ll work your way through the 5K and 10K training blocks, with two weeks of rest in between. This is the perfect choice if you’re new to structured training or want to build a consistent, sustainable rhythm.
Your first finish line is closer than you think. Our 12-week 5K Challenge is beginner-friendly and backed by a proven plan. Whether you walk, jog, or run, you’ll gain confidence, build healthy habits, and celebrate with a community that cheers you on from mile one.
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.
The Big Beach Running Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a premier coastal event offering a variety of race distances—5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon—to accommodate runners of all levels. Set along the stunning Gulf State Park and white sand beaches, it’s a flat, scenic, and energizing course that makes for an unforgettable finish line experience.
This race is part of the Upward Running Nationwide Challenge, and you’ll be surrounded 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. We’ll guide you step by step with training that meets you exactly where you are.
While we encourage you to stick with the full training timeline and celebrate with us at Big Beach, you’re absolutely welcome to choose a different graduation race that best fits your schedule. But if you do make it to Gulf Shores, you’ll be welcomed by Upward Running coaches, gather with fellow members from around the country, and enjoy pre-race socials, community meetups, and beachside celebration.
Starts: Monday, January 12, 2026
Graduation Race Date: Saturday, January 31, 2027
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 Big Beach Marathon Weekend in Gulf Shores, AL 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 27, 2026
Graduation Race Date: Saturday, January 31, 2027
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, August 3, 2026
Graduation Race Date: Saturday, January 31, 2027
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, November 9, 2026
Graduation Race Date: Saturday, January 31, 2027
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!
Yes, beginners run marathons here! This 54-week program walks with you every step of the way—from 5K to 10K to half marathon to the full 26.2. Each training block includes two weeks of rest, giving you time to grow in strength, confidence, and community.