Independent race preparation guide

Nicosia, Cyprus · 42.195 km road marathon

Nicosia Marathon 2027 training plan

Race day Sunday 24 January 2027 · 16 full weeks away

16-week plan: Mon 5 Oct 2026 → race Sun 24 Jan 2027

Assumes a runner now at: 35 km a week, longest recent run 18 km, 3 run days, a first marathon. Not you? Change it

Opens at 35 km a week and builds to 56 km; the long run grows to 27 km. Every few weeks is an easier one, and the last weeks taper.

A typical week: week 9, from Mon 30 Nov

  • TueRace-effort practice: steady segments · 12.9 km
  • WedStrength (home, A)
  • ThuEasy run · 13.7 km
  • SatLong run · 21.8 km
  • SunStrength (home, B)

Other days rest.

Keep it, print it or add it to your calendar — no account needed.

Your goal

Same starting point for each; change it under “Adjust this plan”.

Your 16-week finish well plan

Full build runway. 16 weeks and 2 days are available: enough for a full progression and taper.
StartsMonday 5 October 2026
Peak week56 km
Race daySunday 24 January 2027

Racing more than once? Add a second race in the season planner and see whether the two fit together.

Tap or point at a week to see it.

basebuildpeaktaperrace week

Week 1 · from Mon 5 Oct

Build consistent easy running — 35 km; long run 16 km

  • Mon 5 OctRest
  • Tue 6 OctEasy run + strides
  • Wed 7 OctStrength (home, A)
  • Thu 8 OctEasy run
  • Sat 10 OctLong run
  • Sun 11 OctStrength (home, B)
My kept plans

No account needed. A kept plan stays on this browser until its storage is cleared; find it under My kept plans, where you can also change single weeks.

Calendar

Choose a subscription that refreshes, or download a one-time copy.

Adjust this planDefault starting point: 35 km/week; longest recent outing 18 km; 3 days/week; steady recent training; first marathon.
Your starting point — what you actually run now, not what you plan to
Shape the week
Locked days — minutes of easy running on a day fixed by a commute or a club, blank to leave free
Back to the default planYour settings live in this page’s address; keep or bookmark the plan to hold on to them.

All 16 weeks

Use it for race-effort sessions and race day. Easy runs stay easy whatever the goal; the plan's efforts come from how you run now.

Plan assumptions and limits
  • Road race: the plan is distance-driven and no vertical target is prescribed.
  • Generic planning guidance from race facts and stated training — not medical care or individual coaching.
  • Training distances and durations are approximate alternatives, not pace targets. Use current effort, not a hoped-for finish time. Repeat or shorten a week if recovery is poor; do not make up missed sessions.
Week 1: Build consistent easy running35 km; long run 16 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Easy run + strides

    45 min (about 7.2 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    30 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    75 min (about 11.9 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    100 min (about 15.9 km). Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

  • Strength (home, B)

    30 min. Step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, side planks and hip hikes: 3 rounds of 8 to 10 per side, slow and balanced. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

Week 2: Build consistent easy running37 km; long run 17.5 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Easy run + strides

    45 min (about 7.2 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    30 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    75 min (about 12.1 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    110 min (about 17.7 km). Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

  • Strength (home, B)

    30 min. Step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, side planks and hip hikes: 3 rounds of 8 to 10 per side, slow and balanced. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

Week 3: Build consistent easy running39 km; long run 18 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Easy run + strides

    50 min (about 8.1 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    30 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    80 min (about 13 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    110 min (about 17.9 km). Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

  • Strength (home, B)

    30 min. Step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, side planks and hip hikes: 3 rounds of 8 to 10 per side, slow and balanced. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

Week 4: Absorb the work: reduce volume, keep frequency gentle30.2 km; long run 12 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Easy run + relaxed strides

    40 min (about 6.4 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    30 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    75 min (about 11.9 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    75 min (about 11.9 km). Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Practise the fuel, hydration and kit you intend to use; treat amounts as rehearsal, not a universal prescription.

  • Strength (home, B)

    30 min. Step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, side planks and hip hikes: 3 rounds of 8 to 10 per side, slow and balanced. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

Week 5: Build consistent easy running40.3 km; long run 18.5 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Easy run + strides

    55 min (about 8.9 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    30 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    80 min (about 12.9 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    115 min (about 18.5 km). Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

  • Strength (home, B)

    30 min. Step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, side planks and hip hikes: 3 rounds of 8 to 10 per side, slow and balanced. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

Week 6: Build consistent easy running44 km; long run 21 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Easy run + strides

    55 min (about 8.8 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    30 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    90 min (about 14.4 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    130 min (about 20.8 km). Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

  • Strength (home, B)

    30 min. Step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, side planks and hip hikes: 3 rounds of 8 to 10 per side, slow and balanced. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

Week 7: Hold the long run; keep the other runs easy46 km; long run 20 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Race-effort practice: steady segments

    75 min (about 12.1 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 3 x 6 minutes at a steady effort, about what you expect to hold on race day, with 3 minutes easy between. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    30 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    85 min (about 13.7 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    125 min (about 20.2 km). Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

  • Strength (home, B)

    30 min. Step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, side planks and hip hikes: 3 rounds of 8 to 10 per side, slow and balanced. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

Week 8: Absorb the work: reduce volume, keep frequency gentle37 km; long run 17 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Easy run + relaxed strides

    50 min (about 8 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    30 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    75 min (about 12.1 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    105 min (about 16.9 km). Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

  • Strength (home, B)

    30 min. Step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, side planks and hip hikes: 3 rounds of 8 to 10 per side, slow and balanced. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

Week 9: Grow the long run; keep the other runs easy48.4 km; long run 22 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Race-effort practice: steady segments

    80 min (about 12.9 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 3 x 8 minutes at a steady effort, about what you expect to hold on race day, with 3 minutes easy between. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    30 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    85 min (about 13.7 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    135 min (about 21.8 km). Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

  • Strength (home, B)

    30 min. Step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, side planks and hip hikes: 3 rounds of 8 to 10 per side, slow and balanced. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

Week 10: Grow the long run; keep the other runs easy51.1 km; long run 23.5 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Race-effort practice: steady segments

    85 min (about 13.8 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 3 x 10 minutes at a steady effort, about what you expect to hold on race day, with 3 minutes easy between. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    30 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    85 min (about 13.8 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    145 min (about 23.5 km). Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

  • Strength (home, B)

    30 min. Step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, side planks and hip hikes: 3 rounds of 8 to 10 per side, slow and balanced. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

Week 11: Your longest runs, still at an easy effort53.1 km; long run 25 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Race-effort practice: steady segments

    90 min (about 14.5 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 3 x 10 minutes at a steady effort, about what you expect to hold on race day, with 3 minutes easy between. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    20 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    85 min (about 13.7 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    155 min (about 24.9 km). Use race-like terrain where practical, but keep the overall effort controlled. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

Week 12: Absorb the work: reduce volume, keep frequency gentle42 km; long run 20 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Easy run + relaxed strides

    60 min (about 9.5 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    20 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    80 min (about 12.7 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    125 min (about 19.8 km). Use race-like terrain where practical, but keep the overall effort controlled. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

Week 13: Your longest runs, still at an easy effort56 km; long run 27 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Race-effort practice: steady segments

    90 min (about 14.6 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 2 x 12 minutes at a steady effort, about what you expect to hold on race day, with 3 minutes easy between. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy.

  • Strength (home, A)

    20 min. Bodyweight squats, split squats, single-leg calf raises and glute bridges: 3 rounds of 10 to 12 controlled reps, one minute rest. Stop if a run session later that day would suffer; the running comes first.

  • Easy run

    90 min (about 14.6 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    165 min (about 26.8 km). Use race-like terrain where practical, but keep the overall effort controlled. Practise your race-day carbohydrate plan on this long run: 30 to 90 g per hour according to expected marathon duration, pace and stomach tolerance. Build toward the higher end only if you have practised it. Count the carbohydrate grams in your gels, drinks and other food rather than following a fixed gel interval. Practise drinking for your needs and the conditions; avoid overdrinking.

Week 14: Reduce fatigue while retaining a small intensity reminder41 km; long run 19 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Short race-effort reminder

    50 min (about 7.9 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 4 x 2 minutes at controlled race effort, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.

  • Easy run

    90 min (about 14.2 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    120 min (about 18.9 km). Keep this comfortable and finish with plenty in reserve. Practise eating and drinking on longer easy runs; easy pace is not a reason to skip fueling. For runs lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, 30 to 60 g of carbohydrate per hour is a useful starting range; beyond 2.5 hours, build toward 60 to 90 g per hour if you have practised it and tolerate it. Adjust fluid to your needs and the conditions.

Week 15: Reduce fatigue while retaining a small intensity reminder29.4 km; long run 12 km
  • Rest

    Rest or gentle mobility.

  • Short race-effort reminder

    35 min (about 5.6 km). Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 4 x 2 minutes at controlled race effort, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.

  • Easy run

    75 min (about 11.9 km). Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.

  • Long run

    75 min (about 11.9 km). Keep this comfortable and finish with plenty in reserve. Practise the fuel, hydration and kit you intend to use; treat amounts as rehearsal, not a universal prescription.

Week 16: Arrive rested; avoid last-minute fitness work11.6 km before the race
  • Easy pre-race run

    35 min (about 5.8 km). Run conversationally. If already familiar, include a few relaxed strides with full recovery; otherwise stay easy.

  • Optional shakeout

    35 min (about 5.8 km). Rest, or jog very easily if that reliably helps you feel better.

  • Race day

    Run the 42.2 km as planned: start controlled and use the fuelling and kit rehearsed in training. Afterwards: rest or walk for two or three days, then short easy runs only, with no hard running for about two weeks.

Sources and what is still provisional

Race facts checked 2026-09-24; review due 2026-11-06. The schedule was generated on 2026-10-02 from the confirmed date and distance; it is TrailSplits' own calculation and is not endorsed by the organizer. Independently prepared by TrailSplits.

  • 2027 marathon race page

    24 January 2027, the 06:45 start at Solomou Square, the finish at Eleftheria Square, minimum age 18, the landmarks passed, race-pack contents, registration centre days and hours, the 3:30, 4:00 and 4:30 pacers, and the embedded 2026 route map.

  • Week programme

    All 2027 start times on Sunday 24 January (marathon 06:45, half marathon 07:10) and the CYENS registration centre on 22 and 23 January, 09:00 to 18:00; the home page gives the 24.01.2027 date with a 07:00 event countdown.

  • FAQ

    The finish closing 6 hours after the marathon start and the roads reopening afterwards, no transfers, deferral and distance changes up to 30 days before, collection by a friend, courier delivery, arriving an hour early, bag drop near the start, aid every 2.5 to 3 km, and the officially measured course.

  • Terms and conditions

    Non-refundable fees, no transfer of places, and chip collection at least one calendar day before the event.

  • Organizer route map (Google My Maps)

    The 2026 marathon route embedded on the 2027 race page, with start, finish, turning points and the aid stations with gels and cola.

  • 2026 road closures

    The 2026 streets of the western and eastern sections and their reopening times: 10:30 on Griva Digeni, Agios Prokopios and Archangelos Michael, 12:45 in the east and 13:00 in the west.

  • Race Roster entry page

    Entry open for the 2027 edition on the organizer's platform, with the 06:45 marathon start in its event schedule.