No, You Don’t Have to Run 26 Miles Before a Marathon. This Renowned Coach Says 16 Is Enough.
Runner's World
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Renowned running coach Kevin Hanson challenges the conventional wisdom that marathon trainees must complete a 20-mile long run. Drawing from European training methods, Hanson argues that capping long runs at 16 miles is sufficient and aligns better with overall weekly mileage goals. This approach, part of his Hansons Marathon Method, emphasizes balancing cumulative fatigue without overtaxing the body.
Hanson explains that traditional long runs of 20 miles often make up an excessive 50% of a runner’s weekly volume, which can lead to unnecessary strain and recovery issues. Instead, his method focuses on building total weekly mileage—up to 60 miles for业余 runners and higher for professionals—while keeping the longest run at around 16 miles. This ensures that long runs are proportionate to overall training load, reducing the risk of burnout or injury.
The key to Hanson’s philosophy is prioritizing cumulative fatigue over single-run distance. By spreading mileage across multiple days, including the day before and after the long run, runners simulate the gradual fatigue experienced during a marathon. This helps build endurance and minimizes hitting the wall in the latter stages of the race, as reported by many of his athletes.
For fitness enthusiasts, Hanson’s approach offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional marathon training. It reduces the risk of overtraining while still building the necessary stamina and resilience for long-distance running. By focusing on consistent, structured training rather than grueling single runs, runners can achieve their goals without sacrificing health or performance.
Ultimately, Hanson’s method challenges the idea that longer is always better in marathon preparation. His evidence-based approach provides a balanced framework for runners to optimize their training while minimizing the risk of burnout or injury—making
Verticals
fitnessrunning
Originally published on Runner's World on 2/26/2026