Should Teens Go the Marathon Distance?

Advice for a 14-year-old who wants to run a marathon.

Hailey asks: I'm 13, and am going to turn 14 this year. Do you think I can run a marathon? So far, I've run up to 10 miles.

The answer to your question has many variables, and it is difficult for me to give you an informed answer based only on your age and gender, but I would give you a “qualified yes.”

There are many who will disagree with me and give you a flat “no” for an answer. In their defense, they are very worried about the potential risks you might face training for this very long distance run. Ten miles is a great start, but the next 16 are very challenging.

There are a number of 14-year-old boys and girls who have completed the Twin Cities Marathon, and we have experienced no major problems with our younger runners. However, we do not encourage youth entries and we do not keep any age-group time records. Some races do not permit any one under age 18 to participate, so you should check the race rules before you commit. And, of course, you need to discuss this with your parents. They need to be supportive and comfortable with the idea.

I believe that self-motivated adolescents like you should be allowed to participate, race administration rules permitting, as long as:

You follow an acceptable supervised training program with emphasis on fun and participation, not records and fast times.
You have no injury or pain during training. (To help you avoid injury while increasing your mileage, I recommend you strengthen your glutes—squats can help.)
You maintain normal growth in height and weight during training.
You remain healthy with good nutritional intake and good sleep patterns.
You maintain good social interaction and academic performance during training.
You maintain normal menstrual function or start your periods within a year of your mother’s onset.

Children should run the race with an adult; should consider not participating in very large events where it is easy to “get lost in the crowd;” should not enter a marathon that does not start shortly after sunrise to avoid the hottest part of the day; and should not start a marathon if the temperature is too hot (> 55-60 degrees).

If you live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, I would be happy to meet with you and your parents. It might be good for you and your parents to talk with your doctor about this.