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

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

Online Run Academy

11.99 € / month
more info

Our proven method to optimize your running technique, now available online:

  • Built from more than 20 years of experience in track & field and distance running
  • Extensive video lessons in simple terms, easy to follow along
  • Comment and feedback system for your success

 

Fix common mistakes by yourself:

  • Run faster using technique, not effort
  • Apply your full biomechanical potential
  • Mobility for more speed
  • Injury prevention in just 10 minutes
  • Long distance efficiency through increased tautness

 

An active community to support you:

  • Get help in our forums
  • Regular livestreams on requested topics
  • Community events, such as social runs and workshops, in Berlin

 

Training plans to take it further:

  • Improve your running performance on any distance
  • Technique drills for speed and endurance
  • Interval structures that put the fun in the training

 

You'll even get our Swim Academy on top – for free!

 

Price:
11.99 € per month

Try our platform (1 month free trial)

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 20:00)

  • 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 Swim & Run 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 Online Run 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

Unlimited Marathon Coaching

6,498 €
more info

The worry-free package that guarantees you reach your goal – perfect for ambitious goals like a sub3 hour finish

 

We guarantee:

  • Unlimited personal training sessions at our locations in Wilmersdorf and Potsdam
  • Nutrition support adjusted to your current training block, ensuring your optimum recovery

  • 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

  • Detailed training data review – you'll be able to feel and measure your progress

 

Your benefits with us:

  • 2 performance diagnostics (spirometry) included (worth 338€)
  • Check-up with our physio partner included (worth 280€)
  • 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

 

Your coach will accompany and support you on your big marathon day:

  • One day of full-service support at a running event of your choice in Germany, travel costs included
  • Depending on availability, your coach will act as pace-maker, cheering squad, or personal soigneur at the race

 

Price:
6,498 €, payable in monthly installments
(other payment terms on request)

Fixed duration of 6 months

Get our full support, every day

Need more info?

Frequently Asked QuestionsContact us directly

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.

What’s the benefit of the Online Run Academy?

This platform is the knowledge base for our coaching.

Everything we explain to you in personal training is detailed here: biomechanics, posture, technique for different paces, breathing, gear – just everything.

You can teach yourself good running technique with the platform, or we can support you in doing so. The choice is yours.

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 costs should I expect?

The costs depend on your individual needs and goals. We offer 4 options for you to choose from.

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 optionsStill have questions? Contact us directly

Stefan Helwig

run faster | swim better

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