How many people that start a marathon actually finish? How long should an average amateur finish a 42 km(26m)?

42 km (26 mile race)? The pros ususally take about 2:26:00. I wanted to take part in the upcoming vancouver marathon in 2008 and was looking for some advice. I'm 18, 6'4" and skinny. I need to work on my stamina, what would be some good exercises for that? Any suggestions (also anything to do with amateurs in marathons) would be very helpful. Thank you.

How many people that start a marathon actually finish? How long should an average amateur finish a 42 km(26m)?
The pro women may take 2:26 in a non-major marathon. A good pro time for a man is sub-2:10, for a woman sub 2:22.





The average (mean) finishing time for all participants in marathons is about 4:22. Depending on how much time you have to train and your starting point, breaking 4:00 on your first marathon should be attainable for someone of your age and build (skinny).





I don't know what percentage actually finish, but it's the vast majority, probably in excess of 95% (unless it's brutally hot like in Chicago this year).





There are two approaches to the marathon: trying to finish it and trying to race it for a fast time. Unless you have previous experience racing, your goal for your first race should be just to finish. To do so, don't focus on speed in your traning, just try to get your stamina up. Get yourself used to running for long periods. You'll need to iron out your clothing selections, shoes, hydration, eating before and during the race. For a first-timer, these are your primary concerns. Speed can wait.





That said, there's nothing left but to get out and start running. Depending on your starting point, you'll need a minimum of 4 months to get in the kind of shape where you won't feel like you've died when you cross the finish line. 6 months would be even better. You'll want to do at least two runs over 20 miles (say 32km) in the weeks leading up to your marathon.





Keeping it simple, try to run 4 times a week, with your longest run being on a weekend. Build up to where you can finish your 20-miler. You'll want to be at that point a minimum of 5 weeks before your race. Do another 20-miler 3 weeks before, then start to taper down, so your long run the weekend before your race is only around 10 miles. Then take it easy (just short runs) the week before your race and you'll be set.





Good luck.