Marathon & Half-Marathon Coaching

Master your first long distance running event with professional guidance—for all levels.

Are you ready to go the long distance?

The idea of running a marathon often comes with a mix of excitement and doubt. You ask yourself, “Can I really do this?” You respect the distance—whether it’s 21 or 42 kilometers—the training load, and the big day itself, where everything needs to come together.

Maybe you’re afraid of hitting the wall at kilometer 30, of getting injured during training, or of simply not being good enough. All these thoughts are completely normal—they just show how much your goal means to you.

At the same time, you’re excited and carry a strong hope inside: To surpass your assumed limits. The finish line of a marathon is more than just the end of a run—it’s a symbol. A symbol of perseverance, belief, and a goal you set for yourself and achieved.

Even if your only goal is “just to finish,” that’s already a huge accomplishment! Only about 0.3% of people in Germany who run regularly ever manage to do that.

That’s exactly where we come in—with a realistic plan, personal support, and the knowledge of what truly matters. Your first marathon will be an experience you’ll never forget.

Topics in a Marathon Coaching

Stefan Helwig, Laufcoach, erklärt den Plan

Training Planning
A structured approach with a long-term plan that fits your lifestyle and daily routine.

The Long Run
The cornerstone of every marathon prep – we design your long runs to help you grow, not just survive.

Everyday Nutrition
Our philosophy is simple: it has to taste good, provide energy, and deliver nutrients. No self-denial here.

Pace Variety
We help you develop a “gearbox” with different speeds that tap into various energy systems of your body.

Fueling During Runs
We will plan and test your race-day nutrition well in advance—solid or liquid, store-bought or homemade, there are plenty of options.

Strength and Core Training
Core stability and functional strength protect you from injuries and boost your running performance.

Mental Preparation
We guide you through motivational valleys, help with pre-race nerves, and provide strategies for tough race moments.

Running Shoes and Gear
We help you choose the right shoes for training and race day, and we have tips for comfortable gear for any weather.

Recovery and Sleep
Learn how to rest and recover effectively—and how to recognize it. No gadgets or rigid routines needed.

How Our Marathon Coaching Works

VFR Concept EN

Preparing for a marathon with us is more than just following a training plan—it’s a process where you learn to understand and guide yourself. We give you the confidence to take control of your own path.

To do that, you need to understand how your body works, how you respond to physical stress, and how to handle mental challenges in both training and racing. That’s exactly where we guide you—step by step, with full attention and care.

Instead of just piling on the miles, we teach you how to train with purpose and intention. You’ll understand why you’re doing each session—whether it’s a long run, speed work, or recovery. This way, you’ll always feel the confidence of being on the right track.

Your body awareness will improve: you’ll feel when your stride is smooth, when your pace is right—and you’ll learn how to control your effort consciously. You’ll toe the start line fit, strong, and mentally ready.

Our strength lies in combining experience, empathy, and analysis. With clear visuals and easy-to-understand explanations, we help you improve your technique and fine-tune your training. Your inner critic will quiet down – because you’re the one in control.

And when race day comes, you’ll cross the finish line with a smile.

Because you’re prepared.

Because you know what you’re doing.

And because you can be proud of the journey that brought you there.

Feedback from Happy Marathon Runners

Stefan has been coaching me for 2 seasons now. His training plans are always fun and varied, I never get bored with him. By now, Stefan knows very well what kind of training I can take, and he challenges me a lot–which shows in the constant performance increase.

Anita Werse
Stefan takes care of the theory—I do the running. After 7 weeks of training, running feels smooth and I'm much faster! #marathon2024

Hannes Lenke
Stefan is always on top of my training requirements and provides me with detailed, fact-based feedback every week. He even adjusts my training plan on short notice if needed.

Javier Ibañez
After my half marathon, I knew that traditional marathon training plans were not going to be enough to reach my time goal. I reached out to Stefan for help and he understood immediately what needed to be done. Stefan helped make me an athlete and I am super proud to have worked with him. I intend to work with him to improve time and performance for future races. He is worth every penny!

Monique Lügger
When I started the professional running coaching, I had many years of running under my belt, with great race results as well. But following the same boring running plans wasn't helping me improve. Stefan's running analysis touched a sore point and showed me my full potential.

Leena Diestelhorst

Your Options for Marathon Coaching

Running Form Check

€ 239

more info

Perfect to:

Run your race pace with more control and less effort
Run at higher speeds
Make your running style more energy-efficient
Fix problems (knee pain, tight muscles, etc.)

We guarantee:

Professional analysis – our slow-motion videos (250 fps) show every single mistake
Motivating guidance – using our contrast exercises, your running style will improve within the first 60 minutes
Long-term improvement – our Online Run Academy (included in the offer) will support you in your running technique improvement

You'll benefit from:

Flexible scheduling (we’re available from 8:00 to 19:00)
Outdoor analysis – we'll see your natural running style, no limitations by a treadmill
Hands-on training on the spot – no theory lectures, but contrast exercises you can feel
Our analysis is also suited to people with limitations such as slipped discs, shoulder & back issues, etc.
Lifetime access to our Online Run Academy with hundreds of other runners, dedicated lessons, and livestreams

Price:
€ 239,
incl. lifetime access to the KinetIQ Academy (worth € 495)

Get to know us and gain valuable insights

Individual Marathon Coaching

€ 219 / month

more info

We guarantee:

Individual guidance and support during your marathon preparation – you'll always have someone by your side
Flexible training, adjusted to your schedule and your needs
As little training time invest as possible, as much as necessary
Detailed training data review – you'll be able to feel and measure your progress

Your benefits with us:

Your coach will be available daily – via phone or chat
A change of plans, nasty weather, or bad sleep? We can update your training plan as often as needed
For women, we can adapt the training to your menstrual cycle
Regular performance checks based on requirements that you can understand and implement – pace, perceived effort, heart rate, or even power
We'll work with you to develop your very own pacing and nutrition strategy for the marathon

Premium training software included:

You can see your training plan for one month ahead
Use the availability feature to tell us when you've got time to run
Drill down into your training data as deep as you like – full transparency
Move workouts yourself when you're pressed for time and need to update your schedule
Your workouts will be loaded automatically to your Garmin or Apple Watch, just hit start and off you go
Automatic sync of your training data with all common sports watches, including health data like resting heart rate and HRV

Lifetime access to our KinetIQ Academy and running analysis are always included

Price:
€ 219 per month
Running analysis with 20% discount (only € 189)

Start preparing for your event with us

      AUSGEZEICHNET  
   Basierend auf 59 Bewertungen 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Gepostet auf Google  
   
   Silzoe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist. Der Einsteiger-Kraulkurs bei Stefan hat mir sehr viel gebracht und das Ergebnis ist - nach über 30 Jahren nur noch dümpeln - vielversprechend. Mehrfach habe ich danach "unseren" See kraulend (mit Pausen) überquert und war ganz stolz, das wieder zu schaffen. Ich werde noch einen weiteren Kurs belegen. Die Schwimmgruppe war zudem überaus sympathisch, dadurch hat es mir auch noch richtig Spaß gemacht.
  
 
      Gepostet auf Google  
   
   Dominik P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist. Cooles Coaching inkl. Videoanalyse, Nachbereitung und Shirt.

Antwort des Eigentümers
Na, wenn schon, denn schon! Dann lass es krachen in den Laufschuhen :)
  
 
      Gepostet auf Google  
   
   Stefan D 
 
 
 
 Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist. Stefan ist ein ruhiger, geduldiger und rundum positiver Trainer. Mein Ziel war es mit der Zeit, die ich auch bisher schon ins Training gesteckt habe, durch Verbesserung der Trainingsqualität vielleicht etwas bessere Ergebnisse zu erzielen. Ich habe zuerst eine Laufanalyse/Techniktraining bei ihm gemacht, was alleine schon Wirkung gezeigt hat. Danach habe ich mit seiner Unterstützung für einen Marathon trainiert. Im Anschluß daran kam noch die Vorbereitung zu einem Mitteldistanz-Triathlon. Ich habe mich in den Wochen und Monaten nicht nur durch Steigerung des Trainingumfangs, sondern v.a. durch die optimierte Trainingsqualität, in allen Disziplinen deutlich verbessert. Ich habe viele gute Tipps erhalten, abwechslungsreiche Trainingseinheiten über Trainingpeaks geschickt bekommen und in wöchentlichen Videos hat er mir die Trainings erläutert und Feedback zu meinen absolvierten Einheiten gegeben; deren Daten er auch über Trainingpeaks erhalten hat (Trainingpeaks in der Zusammenarbeit inklusive). Für meine geplanten Wettkämpfe, hat er recherchiert, wie das Streckenprofil ist und wo die Verpflegungspunkte sind, um das zu Infos und verschiedenen Strategienvorschlägen für den Wettkampftag zusammen zu setzen. Ingesamt habe ich mit über 50 Jahren schon im Training diverse neue persönliche Bestleistungen aufgestellt, die teilweise schon 10 Jahre bestand hatten. Wer mit seiner Trainingszeit tolle Ergebnisse erzielen möchte, ist bei Stefan auf jeden Fall richtig. Das Ganze passiert dazu noch in einer super angenehmen und motivierenden Atmosphäre im Kontakt mit ihm.

Antwort des Eigentümers
Du hast halt auch alles super umgesetzt! Es war ein Vergnügen, mit einem so disziplinierten Sportler wie dir zusammenzuarbeiten, und dein Erfolg spricht für sich. Da trafen ein gutes Konzept und ein motivierter Mensch zusammen.
  
 
      Gepostet auf Google  
   
   Muhammad A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist. 
  
 
      Gepostet auf Google  
   
   J B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist. Fantastischer Trainer! Ich habe bei Stefan einen Kraulkurs besucht. Ich hätte nicht gedacht, dass ich in so kurzer Zeit so große Fortschritte mache. Stefan hat die Technik klar und strukturiert von Grund auf vermittelt. Er hat für jede Situation eine passende Übung und für jedes Problem einen guten Tip parat. Dazu immer wieder interessante Geschichten und Hintergrundwissen rund ums Schwimmen. Dank seiner ruhigen und sympathischen Art fühlt man sich sofort wohl, und er motiviert einen mit positivem Feedback.

Ich hatte vorher eine ungefähre Vorstellung, wie Kraulschwimmen geht, aber konnte es überhaupt nicht umsetzen, nach 8 Stunden Kurs schwimme ich jetzt mehrere hundert Meter mit kurzen Pausen, und ich habe einen klaren Fahrplan bekommen, wie ich allein weitertrainieren kann.

Ich kann Stefan zu 100% weiterempfehlen!

Antwort des Eigentümers
So soll es sein! Viel Spaß im Wasser mit deinem neuen Schwimmgefühl :)
  
 
      Gepostet auf Google  
   
   Janos E 
 
 
 
 Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist. Seit Januar 2026 trainiere ich unter Stefans Leitung für meinen ersten Triathlon in der olympischen Distanz. Als Hobbyläufer mit langjähriger Marathon-Erfahrung hatte ich schon lange den Wunsch, einmal einen Triathlon zu absolvieren. Gleichzeitig hatte ich großen Respekt vor dem Schwimmen und war mir nicht sicher, ob Triathlon nicht doch eher etwas für jüngere Sportler ist und ob ich mir dieses Ziel überhaupt noch zutrauen kann.

Stefan hat mich mit sehr strukturierten, abwechslungsreichen und fordernden Trainingsplänen hervorragend vorbereitet. Besonders wertvoll waren für mich sein wöchentliches Feedback und die flexible Anpassung der Pläne, auch kurzfristig bei Zeitproblemen, Reisen oder wenn die Motivation einmal nachließ.

Die klaren Ziele und der schriftlich fixierte Trainingsplan haben mir sehr geholfen, konsequent dranzubleiben und Schritt für Schritt Sicherheit zu gewinnen.

Am 4. Juli 2026 war es dann soweit: Ich habe den Werbellinsee Triathlon erfolgreich absolviert. Der Wettkampf hat riesigen Spaß gemacht, ich habe mich sehr gut vorbereitet gefühlt und war im Ziel einfach nur zufrieden und stolz. Der Respekt vor dem Schwimmen war zwar noch da, aber ich wusste, dass ich auch auf diese Disziplin gut vorbereitet war. Genau dieses Gefühl hat mir sehr geholfen, die Herausforderung ruhig und konzentriert zu meistern.

Ohne Stefans Training und Betreuung hätte ich das wahrscheinlich nicht durchgezogen. Dafür bin ich ihm sehr dankbar.

Stefan ist meine klare Empfehlung für alle, die ein sportliches Ziel strukturiert, motiviert und professionell erreichen möchten.

Antwort des Eigentümers
Danke für diese ausführliche Beschreibung unserer Zusammenarbeit. Du als fleißiger und zielstrebiger Athlet hast natürlich auch einen großen Anteil daran, das war eine klasse Leistung von dir! Und im Wettkampf hast du dich dann angemessen für dein ganzes Training belohnt :)
  
 
      Gepostet auf Google  
   
   Kalaitzoglou K 
 
 
 
 Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist. I had the pleasure of having Stefan as a trainer in my effort to improve my swimming technique and my overall relationship with the water. Stefan has a calm personality that makes him ideal for a swimming teacher. Additionally, his arsenal includes many cues that can help you nail every aspect of the movement that you strive to achieve. I would wholeheartedly recommend both him and his school.

Antwort des Eigentümers
Thank you so much for this feedback, I wasn't sure you're talking about me! Happy to hear that it helped you so much, happy swimming now :)
  
 
      Gepostet auf Google  
   
   Manuela C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist. AMAZING
thanks to Stefan’ amazing teach in techniques, I was able to learn how to swim from scratch and one year later I completed my first sprint triathlon with open water swimming

I highly recommend - I learned how to swim and I lost my fear of water

Antwort des Eigentümers
My pleasure, well done braving the outdoors! Always so nice to see the confidence boost 🙂
  
 
      Gepostet auf Google  
   
   Joshua F 
 
 
 
 Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist. Ich bin sehr zufrieden mit dem Klaultechnik-Kurs von Stefan.
Ich bin als absoluter Kraul-Anfänger in den Kurs gestartet und nach den 8 Sitzungen nun definitiv in der Lage gut zu kraulen. Auch auf die persönlichen Präferenzen/Ziele der Teilnehmer wurde super eingegangen, so gab es für mich auch gute Tips für das Schwimmen im Triathlon. Kann ich nur wärmstens empfehlen!

Antwort des Eigentümers
Du gehst jetzt richtig ab im Wasser, viel Eefolg beim Triathlon!
  
 
      Gepostet auf Google  
   
   Milena M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist. My husband and I couldn’t swim at all when we started swimming lessons with Stefan. With Stefan’s training, guidance, and our own practice outside the lessons, we passed the German Bronze Swimming Badge exam (Deutsches Schwimmabzeichen Bronze)!

Stefan is very kind, patient, and has a great approach to teaching. He also gives very helpful guidance and tips to improve technique, which made a big difference for us. Thanks to his support, we overcame our fears and can now swim confidently.

Antwort des Eigentümers
You've come a long way this year, and I'm so proud of your progress and newfound confidence in the water. Happy swimming!
  
 
  
  
 
 
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Your Marathon Coach

Stefan

I’ve been running and doing triathlons for many years. My first official race was the City Run Eberswalde in 2008 with the school relay over 7km. Since then, endurance sports have captivated me.

Every day, I optimize my training methods based on the latest standards and my own experiences. My specialty is the mental imagery I give my clients for their technique. My analytical eye misses nothing, and I always explain logically why something works for you.

Nothing makes me happier than the performance improvements and growing self-confidence of my athletes. I am only satisfied when you have reached your goal. Just like when I completed the Mammutmarsch 2018 (100km walk).

Still racing today, I know exactly how it feels to push your limits again and again and deal with that little voice in your head, just like I did at my ultramarathon finish (50km in 5:15 hours).

Any Questions?

Can the running form check only take place in Berlin?

No, we offer online running analyses as well, so you can benefit from it all over the world. You can submit a video of your running, and we'll have a detailed analysis of your running technique–uncovering areas for improvement.

How does the Marathon Coaching work?

The training is tailored to your needs and usually includes technique workouts, strength training, endurance training, recovery, nutrition advice, and race strategies. We create an individualized training program just for you and your goals. The coaching can take place in person as well as online.

What happens if I get injured?

If you hurt yourself during the training, we'll support your quick and effective recovery. Of course we'll also work on finding the root cause of the injury, in order to avoid future injuries.

What do I need for the Marathon Coaching?

You need motivation, a goal, running gear (clothing and shoes), and an internet-enabled device for our communication and online content. That's all!

If you want to gain maximum insight into your workouts, we recommend a running watch. We'll gladly give you advice on different manufacturers and models out there.

Where can I train with you?

Basically, you can participate in training anywhere in the world. Personal running training currently takes place in southwest Berlin.

Some examples of training locations:

Tiergarten
Tempelhofer Feld
Dominicus Stadium Schöneberg

We are happy to answer any other questions in the consultation call.

How much time do I need per week?

Depending on your ambitions, somewhere between 2 and 6 hours per week. That will be decided by your personal situation, your work routine, and your goals. At the core of our philosophy, we believe that sports should complement your life, not rule it!

How do I sign up for the Marathon Coaching?

You can either sign up directly via the relevant option by clicking the "Get Started" button, or we can have a consultation call beforehand.

In either case, we will make sure that your needs align with our approach. If you identify with the descriptions on this page, you’re in the right place.

What if I start the training and then don’t follow through?

You won’t, that's a promise. If you can identify with our method and are ready to make a change, we can help you. We’ll support you through the ups and downs of recovery after injury and are always here for you with any questions.

We ask only two things from you: that you follow our plan, and that you give us regular feedback.

Whether you need to vent or share successes, we are here for you.

Will the Marathon Coaching work for me?

Why not? We've guided more than 500 people to their endurance sports goals, from finishing a 5k to completing a long-distance triathlon.

We'll work with what you bring, and with flexible training and efficient running technique we'll get the optimum from your time! At the center is our ambition for you to understand and be aware of your body.

Take me back to the training options

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