How Long Does it Take to Walk a Marathon? + How to Do It

If you want to complete a marathon but wonder, “How long does it take to walk a marathon?” this post is for you.

Although most think of the marathon as a running race, the option to walk the distance does exist. So if you’ve added “complete a marathon” to your bucket list but are unsure how to get to the finish line as a walker, have no fear.

Together we’ll explore all the details about the marathon, how you can walk the distance, and the best races to ensure you enjoy your race day.

Can You Walk A Marathon Rather than Run?

First, can you even walk a marathon? Is it allowed? Or will you be taken off the course by race officials?

Good news! Most marathons allow you to walk the race rather than run. However, you will need to be able to complete the race in the designated timeframe. Each race differs on the set course time limit.

So although you could, in theory, walk almost any marathon, it won’t come without a speed requirement.

Can the Average Person Walk a Marathon?

A marathon is a long distance.

If you’re not a runner, you may not know the distance of a 10k in miles, let alone a marathon.

A marathon is a race with a distance of 26.2 miles. It’s very far. So is it possible for the average person to walk this distance?

It depends on who you’re grouping into that “average.” The average athletic person may very well be capable of walking a marathon. However, without proper training, the average person not in good physical shape likely wouldn’t be able to walk a marathon.

The distance is very far for someone who isn’t active, and the amount of time spent on the feet could cause some issues.

Is Walking a Marathon Harder than Running It?

Running a marathon is tough, but is walking it even more challenging?

One reason walking a marathon is more demanding than running is the time. If you run a marathon, you might be done within about four or five hours. However, if you walk the marathon, you might be done in eight to ten hours.

This is a prolonged time to be on your feet.

Running puts a lot of pressure on the joints and ligaments. Each time a foot makes contact with the ground creates added stress that’s more significant than the pressure when walking.

Running also causes the heart rate to pick up and blood to pump faster. This is why running generally feels more difficult than walking.

There are some scientific explanations regarding walking being harder than running. That said, there is some truth to the concept that walking a marathon is more complicated than running it.

One specific calf muscle, the medial gastrocnemius, lengthens quickly when walking.

However, when running at a certain pace, the muscle slows down this lengthening. This makes running easier on the body over walking because of the energy saved from this specific muscle. 

How Many Steps in a Marathon?

If you’ve wondered, “How many miles is a marathon?” you might wonder how many steps are in a marathon.

With the everyday use of fitness watches, translating a race distance into steps can make it a bit easier to conceptualize the distance for people who aren’t regular long-distance runners. For instance, you might associate roughly every 2,000 steps equal to one mile.

Although everyone’s stride length differs, it takes around 55,000 steps for the average person to walk a marathon.

How Long Does it Take to Walk a Marathon?

So, you’ve decided you’re up for the challenge of walking a marathon.

You know the distance of the race and that you might find it easier to walk than to run; now, how do you complete the race in a set time?

You’ll need to know this information if you’re choosing a race with a shorter course limit time. Remember that the average time for walking a mile is 15 to 22 minutes.

Can You Walk a Marathon in Five Hours?

Are you looking to walk a marathon in five hours? It’s possible, but you’ll need to be quick.

Don’t let that discourage you. After all, Olympic racewalkers complete a 50-kilometer race (nearly 8 kilometers longer than a marathon) in less than four hours!

So if you’re going to walk a marathon in five hours or less, you’ll need to manage your mileage time. To cross the finish line in five hours, you must hold a pace of 11 minutes and 27 seconds for each mile.

One way to be sure you hit this time is to rely on the run/walk method rather than solely walking.

Can You Walk a Marathon in Six Hours?

If you’re trying to hit the 6-hour mark or less for your marathon, you’ll still need to walk quicker than the fastest average time for walking a mile. But you can do it!

Holding a pace of at least 13 minutes and 44 seconds will ensure you finish the marathon within 6 hours.

Can You Walk a Marathon in Seven Hours?

Some marathons allot 7 hours for their course limits. This will be the best race for someone who can walk at a good pace but isn’t able to run at all.

With a 7-hour time limit, a person would need to keep a pace of at least 16 minutes and 2 seconds, this means this goal time falls within the average mile walking time.

Although walking a 16-minute mile is still not a leisurely walk, it’s entirely possible for those serious about hitting their goal of walking a marathon.

Is Walking a Marathon Without Training Possible?

So you’re looking to complete a 26-mile walk with no training. Is this possible?

As the adage goes, “Anything’s possible.” However, just because something is possible doesn’t mean it’s wise.

Many people sign up for a race like a half marathon or marathon and then don’t complete the training. This is not a great idea.

The distance of a marathon is intense on the body, even when walking it. The length of 26 miles is much further than most people walk in a day, so attempting to complete that distance without training will likely lead to issues.

Sticking to a regular training program ensures you can get to the start line, but more importantly, it will allow you to finish the race.

How to Walk a Marathon

So, how does one go about walking a marathon? There are a few essential tips you should follow to have success.

👉🏼 Have the right gear

To begin, you need to start with the right gear. A great pair of running shoes, quality running socks, moisture-wicking clothing, and any accessories to improve your training is a great idea.

Safety gear is a necessity when training to walk a marathon.
I recommend the Noxgear brand for your safety needs.
✔️ Noxgear Tracer2 Light-Up Visibility Vest
✔️ Noxgear Tracer Lamp
✔️ Noxgear 39g Wearable Bluetooth Speaker
✔️ Noxgear Lighthound Dog Harness

👉🏼 Train

Walking a marathon without training is possible, but it isn’t a good idea. So, get a training plan that works for you and stick to it. This will help you feel accomplished when you cross the finish line on race day.

👉🏼 Rest

Just as training is essential, proper rest is just as important.

Although it’s good to stick to your training schedule as best you can, if you need to take a day off for a reset, do it. If you aren’t feeling well, a few days of quality rest may be more beneficial than trying to push through.

👉🏼 Stretch

Runners could be better at this one. However, everyone should be taking the time to stretch. So give your muscles, joints, and ligaments the love they deserve for helping you cover the miles.

Best Marathons for Walkers

Although many marathons have extended course limits, some do not. However, if you want the best experience as a first-time marathon walker, choose the best race for you.

The following races are fairly walker-friendly and might rank higher on your bucket list.

✅ The Marine Corps Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon is a highly coveted race.

You must maintain a 14-minute-per-mile pace in this well-organized and highly popular marathon. This equates to completing the marathon distance in about six hours and seven minutes.

✅ TCS New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon is the most popular marathon – in the world.

While not every runner loves the packed streets filled with nearly 50,000 participants, it’s still favored among the masses. So to get into this marathon, you’ll need first to enter the lottery and cross your fingers to be picked.

Once registered and trained, you must maintain a 15-minute-per-mile pace or better. This means finishing the marathon in about six and a half hours.

✅ RunDisney Walt Disney World Marathon

The RunDisney Marathon isn’t just for Disney adults. This one may be for you if you want to complete a unique marathon.

To finish within the course time limit, you must maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace, completing the marathon within seven hours.

This is one of the best marathons to walk because you’ll experience some of the Walt Disney World parks before they’re open to the public for the day.

There are also numerous opportunities for character photos on the course. There’s no pressure to run this marathon whatsoever.

✅ Eau Claire Marathon

The Eau Claire Marathon is one of the smaller races that ended up on my best marathons in the US post. And for several good reasons.

This race is incredibly inclusive and has no course time limit. The volunteers, water stations, police, and medical personnel will only be available for the first 6 hours. However, Eau Claire wants everyone to have their time to cross the finish line.

This will be a fantastic marathon for any first-timer, especially those who walk the distance.

✅ Honolulu Marathon

If you’ve got the travel bug and want to complete your walking marathon in a wildly beautiful location, the Honolulu Marathon is the race for you.

This race has no course time limit, so walking the distance won’t be an issue regardless of your pace.

The race begins very early in the morning (5:00 am), and you’ll experience a firework show at the start line to send you off.

Final Thoughts: How Long Does it Take to Walk a Marathon?

Deciding to sign up for a marathon takes a lot of courage. Setting out to walk your first marathon doesn’t have to be scary with the right tools.

Set yourself up with a great training plan that makes sense, and you’ll soon be smiling at your first marathon finish line.