A photo of a group of people wearing Cancer Research UK t-shirts putting their hands together in a team huddle.

Training hub

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, our plans will help you to make your upcoming race a great success.

Our training partners

We have partnered with professional training providers, RunningWithUs and Coopah* to help you get the most out of your training and prepare for your big day.

Running With Us

Runningwithus brings together a team of endurance coaches with over 40 years collective experience coaching runners and triathletes from elite, club athletes, emerging juniors as well as those undertaking events for charities. Whether you're taking part in a running, cycling, swimming or functional fitness event, RunningWithUs have prepared detailed training plans to help you on your way.

Download their handy PDF guides via our Training Plans section. If you're taking part in a 10k, half marathon or full marathon, why not sign up to join one of RunningWithUs' virtual training sessions. See "Running training sessions" section below.

Coopah logo.

New for 2027, we’ve partnered with Coopah to offer those taking part in the 2027 TCS London Marathon or the 2027 Royal Parks Half Marathon for Cancer Research UK free access to their training app until a week after event day. You’ll receive an email from us including your free access code once you’ve registered for a place.

Train on a personalised plan built around your race, your pace and your life, with coaches on hand to answer your questions, all in the Coopah app. Visit their website for more information: Coopah Training App

Coopah training advice

Coopah have a number of blog posts available which can help you with your training in the lead up to your event.

Please see some key articles below, with more available on their website:

Race Day Checklist

Marathon mindset - how to stay positive

How to avoid injuries

Top tips for first time marathoners

Running training sessions

With 40 years' experience of coaching runners from elite to club level, Runningwithus are here to help you, so join our training sessions and get ready for race day!

Throughout the year, join us for our virtual, Zoom-hosted training workshops or our in-person runs.

Learn more about the training sessions

Training plans

Running

Cycling, swimming, trekking, triathlons, obstacle races

Stretching videos

Glute Stretch

Hamstring Stretch

Piriformis Stretch

Quad Stretch

Hip Flexor Stretch

Strava

You could triple your fundraising total by connecting your Giving Page to Strava! Strava is a free platform that allows you to track your training progress and share updates with family and friends.

Learn more about kickstarting your training with Strava

Nutrition guide

Our nutrition guide will help you to eat well whilst you train for your event.

Read our nutrition guide

Training glossary

Our handy glossary breaks down commonly used training jargon, to help you feel confident with your training journey.

Conversational pace

If you can’t hold a conversation, run slower until you can.

Fartlek

This is a Swedish term that literally means ‘speed play’. It involves several bursts of effort over a variety of distances with a variable recovery.

HMP

Half-marathon pace.

MP

Marathon pace.

S&C

Strength and conditioning.

Threshold run/pace

Run at a controlled brisk pace, about 80–85% of your maximum heart rate (MHR). You’ll only be capable of uttering a couple of words to your training partners.

TT

Time trial.

XT

Cross training is training that is balanced with some non-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, rowing or the cross trainer etc. It’s a good idea as without it, you’re more likely to pick up an injury that will set you back.

Undulating

A course that won’t be flat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have any questions about your training? Read our most commonly asked questions.

Read our training FAQs

*Coopah is currently available to participants of Royal Parks Half Marathon and TCS London Marathon only.