SRF Marathon Training Plan
What's in the SRF Marathon plan?
16 Week Plan
A week-by-week training plan to get you in peak shape for race day. Starts 27th July. Get Instant Access
3 Fitness Levels
Beginner, intermediate and advanced level plans available. Advice on how to choose the best for you
Stretching Workouts
Daily stretching and rolling workouts to help keep you injury free and build your mobility
Running Technique
Includes: general running form, hill running technique, stair running skills, how to use poles efficiently
Strength Workouts
Twice weekly full body running-specific strength and stability workouts
Nutrition Guide
A week by week nutrition guide to maximise your training adaptations and improve your race performance.
From Stromlo to the Summit — Run It Strong
The SRF Marathon is Canberra’s premier trail marathon — a fast, flowing course through Stromlo Forest Park, with sweeping views across the city, the National Arboretum, and out to the Brindabella Ranges. Starting and finishing at the event hub, the course traverses the eastern and northern slopes before looping the western side of Mt Stromlo and climbing to the summit of “The Mother.”
It’s a genuine 42.2km challenge with around 1,500m of elevation, run almost entirely on runnable firetrail — with the odd steep pinch that will have even strong runners hiking. And with a mid-November race date, it’s often VERY hot out there, so heat preparation matters as much as fitness (our heat training guide is linked within the plan).
Whether it’s your first trail marathon or your goal race for the season, having the right preparation is key. That’s why we’ve created an SRF-specific training plan designed to help you build endurance, climbing strength, and heat resilience so you can show up ready to run your best.
SRF Marathon Training Load
Intensity
3 / 5
Strength
4 / 5
Endurance
4 / 5
Training Load
4 / 5
What our members say
“What a fantastic resource of knowledge. I have been working on my running technique and the difference is substantial. I have never had metrics on Garmin that look so good.”
Andrew Milne
I ran the Tarawera Ultra 102km. I was excited. I felt strong, I felt ready. I’ve been working on my strength and stability- thanks Mark!. I’m 53 and I never imagined I could have such a great race! I finished in 14:39:46. I had done some calculations which had me finishing in 15:16:00, so I blew that out the water. 😲😲😲🤪 Woop Woop!
Bryony Shaw
I’m running my 4th UTA50 with my 25yr old son (his first UTA). Mental tip No. 3 “Visualise crossing the finish line” has been a great motivator for my training and will hopefully help him drag me across the line before it gets too dark. Long story short is that running in events with my 3 adult children is one of life’s great rewards. The Streek program deserves a lot of credit for keeping me fit enough and helping create those memories.
Peter Haynes
Frequently asked questions
Is this program suitable for a beginner?
This program is designed for runners stepping up to the marathon distance for the first time. You should have been training consistently for at least 18 months and be comfortable running 17–18km on undulating terrain without injury. You should be able to consistently run 35-40km / week. The plan starts with manageable long runs and gradually builds your endurance, strength, and trail confidence over 16 weeks. You’ll follow a balanced mix of long runs, recovery sessions, mobility, and trail-specific strength work to prepare your body for the demands of ultra-distance running. Beginner runners are aiming to complete the event feeling strong and in control — more of a trail adventure than a race.
Can you help me train when I'm injured?
Probably, depending on your injury. We are very sorry to hear you are injured. We know how difficult that can be. If you have an injury that requires some rest from running, there are almost always some cross-training options available to help you maintain your fitness, strength, and sanity. By cross-training while you are injured, and including some simple strength, stretching and foam rolling routines, you will speed up your recovery time and ultimately make your return to running easier and more successful. You can start our free 4 week cross training plan now for FREE. It will help you to identify appropriate exercises based on your injury type and recommend what cross training methods will work best for your injury. When you are ready you can start our 10-week return to running program or one of our run-specific rehab plans.
Can I start this program late?
You get immediate access to your training plan when you join. You can view the current week plus any previous weeks if you are training for a specific event.rnrnWe recommend that you start with a weekly volume that your body is currently able to cope with, which might mean starting on the beginner level before moving to intermediate a few weeks later.
About the founder
Mark Green
Physiotherapist and Elite Runner
Mark, has helped over 20,000 athletes improve their running and achieve their race goals. His holistic approach to training ensures noticeable improvements in your movement from the outset
