You Can Run a Marathon Without Training

Question

Running a marathon is an incredible feat, and one that many of us will likely never do because of the strain and the months of training required. However, this claim introduces the idea of skipping all that hard work and hoping right into the race. While it is possible to run a marathon without training, the real question is whether you should. And according to professionals, the answer is a strong absolutely not.

In an article from the Marathon Handbook, Running Coach Amber Sayer references concerning videos about running a marathon with no training and the interest that has sprouted from them. She explains how challenging a marathon can be without the recommended several months of raining, and the greater issues. She claims novice runners can put stress on their kidneys, provoke muscle tissue, and are at risk of running-induced injuries (knee pain and stress fractures).

Sayer recommends beginners run for 6 months to a year before even starting marathon training. She also invites runners to do a half-marathon before starting to train for the full thing. While it’s possible to run a marathon without any training, it’s not recommended. If you really want to run a marathon, it seems best thing to do is throw those running shorts on and turn on the treadmill.

Answer 1

While it is technically possible to run a marathon without formal training, this claim is very misleading. Running a marathon unprepared can cause a significant physical strain on one's body. According to the Marathon Handbook and the National PTI, attempting to run without any form of practice can lead to side effects such as tendonitis and the overall stressing of muscles, loss of bone density, and increased risk of respiratory infections among other things. In more extreme cases, people can develop serious conditions like myocardial fibrosis or acute kidney injuries. Aside from the physical repercussions, it is also a mental strain on new runners. Running a marathon is a very difficult feat for people with the recommended training, so attempting one unprepared will only end up as a stressful and discouraging experience.

Sources

The Risks of Running Without Proper Training - National Personal Training Institute

Running A Marathon Without Training: ALL The Reasons It's A Bad Idea

Answer 2

The claim that you can run a marathon without training is misleading and potentially dangerous. I checked this by using a source of the running newsletter “RUN.” While it is technically possible for some people to complete a marathon without prior training, doing so carries a high risk of serious injury, dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even cardiac events. Marathons are 26.2 miles long, requiring endurance, muscle conditioning, and energy management. Without preparation, the body lacks the stamina and resilience needed to sustain hours of running. Medical experts and sports physiologists universally recommend following a structured training plan—typically lasting several months—to build aerobic capacity, strengthen muscles and joints, and prevent overuse injuries. Attempting a marathon untrained may result in long-term health consequences and should not be viewed as a safe or achievable shortcut. 

Source:

https://run.outsideonline.com/training/are-we-right-to-judge-people-who-run-a-marathon-with-no-training/

Answer 3

This claim is technically true but is very over exaggerated. Most people would be putting their health and safety at risk and could end up in the hospital. Even if you are properly trained for a marathon you could end up in the hospital though much more unlikely. 

The marathon handbook states that they have seen people posting on Tik Tok running a marathon with no training as kind of like a trend and while they were able to complete it others might not be so lucky they say "You may be able to walk a marathon or jog/walk a six- or seven-hour marathon with little to no training, but if you’re hoping to run a four-hour marathon and complete the whole way, you are setting yourself up for a high risk of injury, muscle soreness, and disappointment, if not worse." Everyone is different and some people are able to do it without training and with little pain or injury while others could be disastrous.

The hoag.oc marathon running festival states that "During the race, the repetitive impact of each stride can place immense strain on unconditioned muscles, exacerbating the risk of strain." they claim that any of the muscles in your legs could get strained if you run without training.

My last source the marathon handbook states that a former D1 athlete said "After standing up, walking out of the tent, and heading out to get picked up, I experienced probably some of the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my lower body. Moving at a snail’s pace, every step hurt from my feet all the way up to my hips." Even someone who is an athlete but out of their sport and conditioning for a while had a very hard time. 

In conclusion it's technically true/ possible but it is highly discouraged and not recommended at all.

https://marathonhandbook.com/running-a-marathon-without-training/

https://ocmarathon.com/can-you-run-a-marathon-without-training-2/

https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/no-training-marathon/

Answer 4

The claim that you can run a marathon without any training, although true, is extremely misleading.  In no instance is any warning or caution issued.  With countless articles from people who have run marathons without any training, I can say not one of them has been a positive experience.  Billy Bosco, a popular story of a personal trainer who tried to run a marathon without any training, released a vlog on his story throughout his marathon.  Bosco stated, "I was going to run this race without a single day of training. The next best thing I could do was prepare my body. As a trainer, I knew the muscles that would be most active. Accessories would be my first line of defense."(Bosco, 2022) Later on in his story, he talks about his first starting miles, cruising all the way up to 13 miles. When getting to mile 16, he started to encounter problems. Describing the pain as something he wishes no one ever feels, he starts listing countless injuries at the peak of the race, from blisters all over his soles to unbelievable cramps that almost took him out of the race.  As Bosco limped to the end of the finish line at a final time of 4:50, he made a final remark after the race, "Yes, it’s definitely a possibility. The risks outweigh any benefit you could gain, though. The arches of my feet could have torn, and that ligament takes a long time to recover. Any other muscle could have torn and taken me out for months. Thankfully, my body was in good enough condition to sustain the 26 miles. I would never wish this pain on anyone." This is just one prime example of a runner who didn't train, and there are countless more stories. 

https://www.austinfitmagazine.com/my-experience-running-a-marathon-without-training/

 “Securly - Geolocation Sharing.” Austinfitmagazine.com, 2025, www.austinfitmagazine.com/my-experience-running-a-marathon-without-training/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

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Answer 5

I decided to research and find out if running a marathon is possible without training. Although running a marathon technically is possible, this is not something that is encouraged depending on natural athletic abilities. Scientific reports say that there are many risks attached to running a marathon without training. Even though it is possible, it is not the safest thing to do. Some less severe side effects from running a marathon with no training may include muscle cramps and dehydration. More severe symptoms could be a heat stroke or cardiac arrest. The sources for this information contain links to primary sources in the text. 

https://marathonhandbook.com/running-a-marathon-without-training/

https://www.austinfitmagazine.com/my-experience-running-a-marathon-without-training/

Answer 6

Technically, our bodies can physically run a marathon without training. But they won't feel great afterwards. According to the OC Marathon, the risks that a marathon already poses are elevated without training. These include muscle strain, severe dehydration, "fatigue, weakness, low blood sugar levels, and even hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)." And of course, injury. These things can all still happen if you train, but become much more likely and harmful without training. Marathon training can take up to a year, and this time is important. MS Amber Sayer from Marathon Handbook explained that this training time is vital as it  "gives your musculoskeletal system time to adapt to the high-impact nature of running, which can reduce the risk of injury." Marathon training isn't just important because of all the endurance and speed training, but also for the nutritional practice. Sayer explained that "You have to get your stomach and digestive system accustomed to absorbing whatever type of hydration (sports drinks, water, electrolyte beverages, etc.) and carbs work for you to prevent stomach cramps, digestive distress, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and glycogen depletion during the marathon race." Altogether, running a marathon without training is possible, but something that you should never do because you are putting your health at great risk.

Answer 7

While this claim is true, it’s also misleading, as running a marathon without any training is dangerous and not advised. Eliud Kipchoge would agree. There are many potential health and injury hazards that come with it. When your muscles are put through the intensity and length of a marathon, and they aren’t prepared, it leads to a risk of muscle and tendon strain along with joint problems. According to the Marathon Handbook, marathon training usually takes months and isn’t recommended for new runners until they’ve run consistently for 6 to 12 months. Additionally, without proper training, especially with inadequate food or hydration, you are more prone to fatigue, weakness and low blood sugar levels. Training for a marathon isn’t just about running, but your stomach and digestive system need to get used to absorbing water, electrolytes, and carbs to prevent “stomach cramps, digestive distress, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and glycogen depletion during the marathon race,” the Marathon Handbook states. If someone is untrained, they are likely to have an inefficient cardiovascular system, which makes them more likely to “hit the wall” early on in the race, as their body is mostly using anaerobic energy. 

https://ocmarathon.com/can-you-run-a-marathon-without-training-2/

https://marathonhandbook.com/running-a-marathon-without-training/

Answer 8

This claim is largely misleading. While it is physically possible to run a marathon, it is commonly agreed that there are serious health and safety risks. A more trustworthy source, The Marathon Handbook, claims that "While it is technically possible for many healthy adults to finish a marathon without training, it is not safe or recommended... You are setting yourself up for a high risk of injury, muscle soreness, and disappointment, if not worse." This source is written by a certified running coach and refers to multiple studies. The first notable study conducted by the National Library of Medicine states that marathon running may increase the risk of myocardial fibrosis, largely because endurance training maintains stronger heart health. The second notable study conducted by Science Daily states that adverse health risks may persist for up to three months in novice marathoners who lack training, including stress fractures, knee pain, and more. These findings directly contradict the claim that anyone can run a marathon without training. While there might be a bias in the fact this article in the fact it was written by a professional who gets paid for training, his logic is backed by real studies. To conclude, it is possible but incredibly dangerous, making this claim exaggerated and misleading.

Answer 9

After looking at medical research and expert sources, I found that while some people may be able to finish a marathon without training, it is not safe and is not recommended. Most evidence shows that running a marathon without training greatly increases the risk of injury and serious health problems. Because of this, the claim is misleading.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

https://www.acsm.org

The ACSM provides science-based information about exercise and health. Their research explains that marathon running puts a lot of stress on the body and that proper training is needed to lower the risk of injury and medical problems.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

https://www.nih.gov

NIH-supported studies show that long-distance running without training can lead to dehydration, muscle damage, and dangerous stress on the heart. These studies help explain why training is important before attempting a marathon.

Journal of Sports Sciences

https://www.tandfonline.com

Studies published in this journal show that untrained runners are much more likely to get injured and experience extreme muscle soreness and fatigue during marathons.

Medical and research organizations focus on health and safety, so they may stress the risks of running without training. However, their information is based on research and studies. Runner’s World promotes running and training, but it supports its claims with expert advice and medical evidence.

• Some people have finished marathons without formal training.
• Humans are capable of long-distance running.
• There are personal stories online of people completing marathons with little preparation

• Research shows untrained runners are more likely to get injured.
• Doctors strongly advise against running a marathon without training.
• Lack of training increases the risk of dehydration, muscle damage, and other health problems.
• Finishing a marathon does not mean it was safe to do.

I tried to contact the person who posted the original claim on the platform where it appeared, but I did not receive a response. Even without a reply, there was enough reliable information from experts to evaluate the claim.

The claim that you can run a marathon without training is misleading. While it may be possible for a small number of people, it is unsafe for most and not recommended by health experts.