If you're a runner or an avid Reddit user, you might have come across the question: "How long is a long run?" The answer can vary greatly depending on your fitness level, training goals, and the definitions you adhere to. Let's delve into this topic, exploring different perspectives from the Reddit community and the broader running world.
Understanding Long Runs
In the running community, a long run typically refers to the longest run you do in a given week of training. It's a key component of most training plans, helping to build endurance, improve fat burning, and prepare your body for the demands of a race. However, the definition of "long" can vary significantly.
Different Perspectives from Reddit
Reddit, with its diverse user base, offers a range of opinions on what constitutes a long run. Here are a few perspectives:
- Half Marathon Distance and Beyond: Some users consider any run over 13.1 miles (21.1 km) to be a long run. For them, a long run could be a half marathon distance or even longer, up to marathon distance or even ultra-marathon distances.
- Time-Based Definitions: Others define long runs based on time spent running, rather than distance. For instance, a run lasting over 2 hours might be considered a long run, regardless of the distance covered.
- Progression-Based Definitions: Some users define long runs based on their progression in training. For example, if you're training for a marathon and your longest run is 18 miles, then any run over 18 miles would be considered a long run.
Long Runs in Training Plans
Training plans often have specific guidelines for long runs. For instance, many marathon training plans suggest that your longest run should be around 20-22 miles (32-35 km), while half marathon plans might cap long runs at around 10-12 miles (16-19 km). However, these are just guidelines and can vary depending on the plan and the individual runner.
Long Runs in the Context of Race Distances
Long runs can also be defined in relation to race distances. For example:
| Race Distance | Long Run Distance |
|---|---|
| 5K | Anything over 3.1 miles (5 km) |
| 10K | Anything over 6.2 miles (10 km) |
| Half Marathon | Anything over 13.1 miles (21.1 km) |
| Marathon | Anything over 26.2 miles (42.2 km) |
Of course, these are just rough guidelines. Your long run distance might vary depending on your goals, your current fitness level, and your training plan.
Why Long Runs Matter
Regardless of how you define a long run, these workouts play a crucial role in your training. They help to:
- Build endurance and stamina
- Improve your body's ability to burn fat for fuel
- Prepare your body for the demands of race day
- Provide a mental challenge, helping you build resilience and determination
So, how long is a long run? The answer is: it depends. It depends on your goals, your current fitness level, and your training plan. The most important thing is to listen to your body, progress gradually, and find what works best for you.
More Details
27.04.2022 ... A long run is 2-4 times longer than a typical run. Typically, it is at least 3 hours, but occasionally 5 hours or even longer.
27.08.2022 ... I've always heard 2 hour minimum, 3 hour max. Time spent between hours 2 and 3 is more about mentally preparing for running on tired legs.
30.10.2025 ... Are you at a point where your body is fairly adjusted to this? I'd say I could comfortably run 20-30k at pretty much any point, but any more ...
12.11.2024 ... A long run for me is generally 16k / 10 miles or more. That will take around 1:30 at an easy pace. Long runs are more about time than distance to be honest.
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18.09.2023 ... I'm wondering how long my longest run should be? I've read that it shouldn't be more than 3 hours but I don't feel like that would benefit me.
06.07.2024 ... In the off season when I'm not marathon training, a long run is 8-12 miles. I will very rarely go over 12 miles unless I decide to race in the ...
10.02.2025 ... If you're running 500km you don't need to do a 250km training run. There's no ratio that scales appropriately when the distances get big ...
26.04.2022 ... For me, anything under 2 miles or twenty minutes is a short run. Anything longer than 45 minutes or might strain an average person I consider a ...
22.06.2016 ... People have been telling me easy runs (for my goals) should be ~7 Minute pace and long runs about ~6:40 pace. Also, what is a tempo run and when ...
03.07.2024 ... The 2.5 hour thing is nonsense in trail running, just my 2 cents. On mountain trails that can be 13-15 miles for many. You show up to a 50 or ...
14.04.2020 ... My long runs normally range from 12-14 miles but every now and then I'll do a 16 mile run as my long run.
09.06.2015 ... Long runs have to be slower. Some people consider anything above 26.2 miles to be a “long” run. Ran 3 miles without stopping for the first ...
25.05.2021 ... For general fitness and a busy schedule, 30-60min is usually ideal. The general population doesn't start gaining any cardiovascular benefit ...
10.02.2026 ... A good training plan will have you gradually ramping up your up your mileage from your current level, and giving you some down weeks to rest a ...
13.08.2025 ... I run 7-10 miles for my long run, and 3-6 miles the other 6 days. Usually end up just north of 30 miles/week.
05.02.2026 ... You're going to run 26.2 miles or 42.2 km in your marathon, but how far should your longest training long run be before a marathon?
05.05.2025 ... Long run I was listening to a podcast about long runs and training etc. For a 100 miles race, they were saying no longer than 5 hours of running ...
06.11.2024 ... For anyone running ~80+mpw with any kind of consistency, the ~20-mile/2h+ long run should be relatively simple to schedule, because it's at most ...
26.07.2025 ... I think it depends on the structure of your plan as a whole, not just the length of your long run. I've done multiple marathons using a Hansons ...
20.06.2025 ... Esteemed coach Jack Daniels believes that long runs should comprise 20-25% of your total weekly volume. By his formula, a runner who puts in 40- ...
