Bergen City Marathon 2026 Training Plan – 16 Weeks, Bergen-Adapted
16-week training plan for Bergen City Marathon. Adapted for Bergen's topography with Fløyen and Ulriken as training resources. Tips for rain, because Bergen is Bergen.
The Bergen advantage
Bergen runners are naturally better hill runners than runners from flatter cities. Use Fløyen and Ulriken for hill intervals — it makes you stronger on race day and superior on every other course.
16-week training plan
Prerequisite: you can run 5–8 km and train 2–3 times per week. For those preparing for the 2027 edition.
| Week | Long run | Total vol. | Quality session |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 km | 28 km | Easy run along harbour |
| 2 | 12 km | 32 km | 5×200m hill intervals |
| 3 | 14 km | 35 km | Tempo 20 min |
| 4 | 10 km | 26 km | Recovery week |
| 5 | 16 km | 38 km | 6×200m hill intervals |
| 6 | 18 km | 42 km | Tempo 25 min |
| 7 | 20 km | 45 km | 8×200m hill intervals |
| 8 | 14 km | 32 km | Recovery week |
| 9 | 24 km | 52 km | Tempo 30 min |
| 10 | 26 km | 55 km | 10×200m hill intervals |
| 11 | 28 km | 58 km | Tempo 30 min |
| 12 | 30 km | 60 km | Peak week |
| 13 | 20 km | 44 km | Taper begins |
| 14 | 16 km | 36 km | Light tempo 20 min |
| 15 | 10 km | 24 km | Marathon pace 15 min |
| 16 | RACE DAY | 42.2 km | Enjoy Bergen! |
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FAQ
What makes Bergen City Marathon unique to train for?
Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains and offers some of Norway's best hill training routes. Fløyen (320m) and Ulriken (643m) are popular training destinations. For an otherwise relatively flat city course, Bergen runners are well prepared for hills because they train them daily. Bergen's weather (50% chance of rain in May) means you should train in rain — it builds mental strength.
What are the best places to train in Bergen?
Bergen offers fantastic running options: the harbour promenade (flat, 3km through the city centre), Fløyen trails (steep, perfect hill training, take Fløibanen down), Ulriken (extremely steep, for experienced runners), Byfjellene loop (15–25km nature trail around the mountain), and the Nordnes peninsula (flat loop in the city centre, 3–4km). For long runs, Nordåsvannet or Bymarka trails are recommended.
How do I train in rain — Bergen tips?
Bergen runners have perfected rain training culture. Key tips: use waterproof Gore-Tex shoes for long runs (but light and breathable for intervals where you generate enough heat), always have a light water-resistant jacket, avoid cotton clothes that hold water, and let your feet get wet — don't try to jump over puddles. Rain doesn't make you slower, it tests mental strength. Race day might be rainy, train in rain.
Is hill training needed even though the course is relatively flat?
Yes — even though the Bergen City Marathon course is relatively flat through the city centre, there are short climbs that can surprise unprepared legs on race day. Also, hill training builds general running strength in quads and calves that improves performance on flat ground. Bergen's natural topography makes it easy to include hill training — use it as an advantage.