Dublin Marathon here we come!

Guiding you from 10k to Marathon Day

Our Promise  - We take you from being nervous, anxious and overwhelmed about the marathon to being fully prepared, confident and excited for the big day out! 

Training for a marathon is a LOT more than just running miles. We cover everything from fueling to flexibility, injury prevention to hydration, nerves to setbacks, motivation to self belief. But we keep it simple. 

Simplifying the training:  We take the hassle of the marathon planning and preparation off your plate. We drip feed all the information and coaching you need, right when you need it, so you can focus on the week you are in, not worry about the future. 

We do it together: Over 18 weeks our enthusiastic experts and experienced marathoners support you each step of the way exactly how you are feeling and helping you make the most out of your marathon experience. 

Count me in
"Reaching the finish line was one of the most empowering moments of my life. Thanks for all your weekly videos, tips, vast experience and advice.Your calmness and reassurance were second to none." - Ciara. 
Running Coach Mary Jennings

Your Coach - Mary Jennings  

2025 will be my 14th year training runners for Dublin marathon. I can't wait. 

With more than 45 marathons and ultramarathons behind me, I want to share all I've learnt in running but also in coaching with you. Together with my team of Aoife, Linda and Dee we support you every step of the way. More about us

Running Coach Mary Jennings

In It Together

Wherever you live you can join us. Thanks to technology we can now share our journey even if we run on different paths.  Past participants (who keep coming back) have enjoyed the camaraderie and support as much as the coaching. As all the training is delivered virtually, week by week, so you can join us from anywhere in the world.

"I have no idea how you manage to pack that much information and education yet it never overwhelmed, it was just the right information at the right time.
You do such an amazing job - you deserve a medal! "
Running Coach Mary Jennings
Your Coach, Mary Jennings

2024 will be my 13th year of guiding runners all the way from 10k to the finish line of their Dublin marathon.

With more than 45 marathons and ultramarathons behind me, I’ve made all the mistakes myself and seen it all over the year. Join me and my team of coaches as we guide you every step of the way. 

 

Running Coach Mary Jennings

In It Together!

 

Runners who have completed this programme in the past have enjoyed the camaraderie and support as much as the coaching. We are all in this together, wherever we may live and run our miles. It is so motivating to have other people on our side, who understand the challenges and joys of training for long distance.

Train from Anywhere

As all the training is delivered virtually, week by week, so you can join us from anywhere in the world.

If you do live in Dublin, you will have added options to meet for long runs as the mileage increases, but this is completely optional. You don't need to join any live events, everything will be recorded so you can watch in your own time. You will be guided step by step from 10k to the finish line.

Here's how we do it 

We break marathon training down into 18 weeks - 18 stepping stones to getting you confident, excited and fit for your marathon day. 
Forget The Gym runners smiling and waving

First Time Marathon Runner

There is nothing like running your first marathon and we really want you to do it right and get the most out of the experience. At least 50% of people training with us will be taking on their first ever marathon and can't even imagine right now how it can even be possible to run that far!

Runners warming up before a run with Mary Jennings

Improvers - 2nd Marathon or More

Some ladies taking part will have been here before but are back again for more. They love the routine support, guidance and camaraderie. Some runners join this group every year once marathon season comes around and thrive on the weekly lessons and community support.

What's included

  • Weekly videos, training notes and tips
  • Personalised training plans and feedback
  • Online support and guidance from Mary
  • Private Forum for chats and advice
  • Option to meet for long runs
  • A few nice surprises along the way!
  • Running technique workshop
  • Foam roller workshop
  • A community of like-minded runners
  • Race Day Support (end October)

HUGE Bonus – You get access to our FULL membership area for duration of Dublin marathon training which includes all our online yoga, mobility and strength classes, private podcast, injury prevention resources, ask-a-coach hotline and lots more. 

"To the people joining this group all I can say is enjoy, believe and trust. I completed my first marathon under the guidance of Mary. I could not speak highly enough of the journey on every level."

Don't train on your own

Come join us and share the miles, memories and motivation. Even if you don't live anywhere near Dublin you can join us. We have runners from all over Ireland (and beyond). Most of what we do is virtual and you can follow along the weekly lessons at your own pace.

Join the waiting list

I will email you when Marathon 2025 Coaching opens for booking (in the spring) and in the meantime I will send monthly emails showing you what you can do now to help get ready for the big adventure ahead.

Our programme is for you if.... 

1. You can run 10k comfortably and are injury free. 

2. You are excited (but a little daunted) about marathon training. 

3. You are feeling overwhelmed with all the conficting information out there

4. You want to actually ENJOY the training as much as the race day itself. 

5. You want to arrive to the start line confident for the day ahead. 

6. You want to avoid injury and still keep your love for running well beyond the marathon. 

7. You want to share the journey with others who feel just like you.

8. You dont want to obsess about the time on the clock. 

9. You are willing to commit to training 4 times each week (most weeks)

10. You can dedicate 30 minutes to one hour each weekend to learn from our weekly lessons.

11. You know that if you are left to your own devices you could end up giving up on the marathon dream.

12. Your main goal is to get to the finish line having had an amazing experience. 

13. You are not  that interested in being competitive with other runners.

14. You do not wish to make this a race or something that will stress you out. 

15. You have a busy life but are determined that this is the summer you will take some time for yourself. 

16. You know someone who once ran a marathon who is just like you - and wonder - if they could do it, maybe you could too. 

17. You don't quite believe you can do it YET, but you know if you were surrounded by the right people you might just achieve the impossible! 

If you answered YES to most of those, then you will fit right in with our class of marathoners 2025!

NOTE:  95% of runners in our group are female, but we do occasionally have a few male runners in our marathon programmes. If your main marathon goal is a particular time target (especially if sub 3.30), we are not the right group for you. Most of our marathon community will be running the marathon in 4 hours to 5.5 hours. Most actually won't have a time goal at all. The focus on enjoyment of the whole experience will be top priority.  

Sounds like just what I need
Running Coach Mary Jennings

Read more before you sign up 

I've written for The Irish Times for over 10 years on all running related topics and my best selling book Get Running covers marathon running too.

Have a read of my recent marathon blogs or if you have any questions please do get in touch. Mary x 

Running Coach Mary Jennings

The Final Word

We kick off late June 2025 which is 18 weeks before Dublin Marathon. We expect the programme to sell out long before then as we will have limited places to give personal attention to everyone signed up. So get on the waiting list so you dont miss out.  If you have a place for Chicago, NYC or other marathon then you are more than welcome to join us too. 

Don't train on your own

Come join us and share the miles, memories and motivation. Even if you don't live anywhere near Dublin you can join us. We have runners from all over Ireland (and beyond). Most of what we do is virtual and you can follow along the weekly lessons at your own pace.

Join the waiting list

I will email you when Marathon 2025 Coaching opens for booking (in the spring) and in the meantime I will send monthly emails showing you what you can do now to help get ready for the big adventure ahead.

Woman running the Dublin marathon with ForgetTheGym
Mary Jennings and an older woman running the Dublin marathon
Woman finishing the Dublin marathon after doing ForgetTheGym Marathon Programme
Man finishing the Dublin marathon with ForgetTheGym
Woman finishing the Dublin marathon with ForgetTheGym