Ready to Run a Marathon? Join the Couch to Marathon Program

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” — Hebrews 12:1

Dreaming of Running a Marathon but Not Sure Where to Start?

Have you been wanting to get active but don’t know where to begin? Does starting a training plan feel overwhelming? You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place. The Upward Running Couch to Marathon Program was created specifically for beginners and returning runners who want to cross a bucket-list finish line while growing in faith, community, and confidence.

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. Each plan meets you right where you are and guides you step by step — all within our supportive, faith-centered community that cheers you on every mile.

Every program ends with a celebration race of your choice — or come join us in person at one of our destination events with other Upward Running members. For our 2025–2026 season, the official graduation race for the Couch to Marathon Program is the Cannonball Running Festival in Greensboro, NC, in October 2026.

What’s Inside the Couch to Marathon Program

• A 12-Month Training Plan: You’ll move from walking to running consistently, then gradually build toward the marathon distance with weekly mileage goals, rest days, and recovery built in.
• Devotion & Reflection: Each phase includes faith-based encouragement to help you focus not just on the miles, but on your purpose in running them.
• Expert Coaching: Our plans are developed by seasoned coaches who have guided thousands of runners — from first-timers to Boston qualifiers.
• Community Connection: Join our RunClub App to log workouts, share wins, and stay accountable with others on the same journey.
• Flexible & Encouraging: Walk, run, or do a mix — the goal is progress, not perfection. You can adapt each workout to fit your pace and schedule.

The Cannonball Running Festival

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 celebrate your accomplishment.

This event 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. Whether it’s your first 5K or your first marathon, the finish line at Cannonball is one you’ll never forget.

Why Join the Couch to Marathon Program?

• Faith-Fueled Training: Every week includes encouragement and scripture to keep your focus on what matters most.
• Structured Plans: Our coaches guide you step-by-step to safely build mileage and confidence.
• Community Support: You’ll connect with other runners in the RunClub App — ask questions, share progress, and find accountability.
• Graduation Race: End your journey at the Cannonball Running Festival in Greensboro, NC — with your Upward Running family by your side (or a race of your choice!).
• Beginner Friendly: If you’ve ever said “I could never run a marathon,” this is your sign that you can — and we’ll show you how.

How to Get Started

Ready to begin? We’ve made it simple to take your first step:

• 📘 Download the Couch to Marathon Playbook: View the Playbook ›
• 📱 Join the RunClub App: Access your plan, connect with others, and track your progress in one place. Join RunClub ›

While we encourage everyone to follow the program all the way through to the Cannonball finish line, you’re welcome to choose a graduation race that fits your schedule. But if you make it to Greensboro in October 2026, you’ll be greeted by Upward Running coaches, pre-race socials, and a community celebration you won’t want to miss!