Train Smarter. Race Stronger. Never Prepare Alone.
The complete 16-week coaching program built specifically for Los Angeles Marathon runners
You'll receive a proven training plan, weekly coaching, race-specific strategy, and an entire community preparing for the exact same finish line
✓ Know exactly what to run every week for the next 16 weeks
✓ Never spend another week wondering if you’re doing the right workout
✓ Train alongside runners who will keep you accountable every week
✓ Show up on race day knowing exactly how to pace, fuel and execute
Training starts November 15th - Limited spots available
Marathon Training Is Better With Structure, Coaching and Community
Most runners have questions every single week during marathon training.
Am I running too fast?
Should I adjust my long run?
What do I eat before race day?
How do I pace Los Angeles?
That's exactly why this team exists.
What’s Included?
Know Exactly What To Run Every Week
Follow a complete marathon progression designed around the demands and timing of the Los Angeles Marathon.
Three Ability Groups
Choose the plan that most closely matches your current experience, training volume and goals.
Weekly Live Coaching
Attend a 60 minute virtual coaching session each week covering training, fueling, recovery, pacing and race preparation.
Get Expert Answers Before Mistakes Become Setbacks
Bring your training questions to each weekly session and receive practical guidance throughout the program.
Stay Motivated With Runners Chasing The Same Goal
Connect with runners pursuing the same race, share progress, navigate challenges and celebrate milestones together.
Race-Specific Preparation
Learn how to approach the Los Angeles course, race-week logistics, pacing, fueling and potentially warm race-day conditions.
Is the Los Angeles Marathon Race Team Right for You?
This program is designed for runners who:
Are registered or planning to register for the 2027 Los Angeles Marathon.
Can run consistently before the program begins.
Want more support than a downloadable training plan provides.
Value structure, accountability and education.
Are comfortable following one of three group plans.
Want to train alongside other runners preparing for Los Angeles.
This program is probably NOT for you if:
• You want individualized daily coaching
• You dislike following structured plans
• You're not training for Los Angeles
Foundation
The 3 Training Groups
This level may be appropriate when:
This is your first marathon
Your recent running has been relatively limited
Your primary goals are consistency and completion
You need a schedule with fewer running days
You benefit from a more gradual progression
You want to build confidence without unnecessary complexity
Performance
This level may be appropriate when:
You have completed a marathon or several longer races
You already maintain a dependable running routine
You are comfortable with regular long runs
You can manage structured workouts
You want to improve your previous performance
You have sufficient time to recover between key sessions
Elite
This level may be appropriate when:
You have a substantial history of consistent training
You are accustomed to higher weekly mileage
You recover well from structured workouts
You have experience with long marathon-specific sessions
You understand the importance of restraint on recovery days
Your schedule supports the demands of the plan
You will receive guidance before training begins to help you select the most appropriate group.
Sixteen Weeks of Coaching - Not Just a Training Calendar
🏃 Weeks 1–4: Build the Foundation
Understanding effort and training intensity
Easy running and recovery
Establishing sustainable routines
Strength and mobility
💧 Weeks 5–8: Develop Marathon Fitness
Long-run execution
Threshold and marathon-specific training
Hydration and fueling practice
Managing fatigue
🧠 Weeks 9–12: Prepare to Perform
Race-pace strategy
Mental preparation
Course-specific considerations
Adjusting training when life intervenes
📈 Weeks 13–16: Taper and Race
Final long runs
Tapering correctly
Race-week preparation
Pacing, fueling and race-day execution
All calls will be recorded for members who cannot attend live.
Meet Your Coach
Benji Wetli is the founder of Wetli Athletics and spent 14 years coaching NCAA Division I cross country and track and field. During his collegiate coaching career, he worked with NCAA champions, All-Americans, World Championship team members and athletes who went on to become Olympians.
Benji holds a master’s degree in kinesiology with a specialization in exercise physiology. After his NCAA coaching career, he realized most adult runners weren't failing because they lacked talent, they lacked coaching that fit their real lives.
Through Wetli Athletics, he now helps runners with careers, families and demanding schedules prepare consistently for ambitious endurance goals.
The Los Angeles Marathon Race Team brings his coaching experience into an accessible group environment built around structure, education and shared preparation.
REAL RUNNERS. REAL PROGRESS.
Hear from athletes I’ve coached at every level
“I am so thankful I came to Wetli Athletics for my marathon training plan. He took all the guesswork out of my training and I’ve never had such a smooth build up. The workouts were challenging but doable and made me feel the strongest I’ve ever felt. I ended up with a 13 minute PR on my marathon and couldn’t have done it without Benji!”
Heather
Marathon Athlete | Wetli Athletics
“Benji was super methodical and data-oriented, always keeping a close eye on where I was and how I was progressing. Benji also made the effort to check on me as a person, not just an athlete, and those conversations meant a lot.”
Jonathan Shields
Former NCAA athlete | 13:38 5k
“Benji was a thoughtful and analytical coach, and I loved working with him. He always had a deep understanding of how I was progressing, drawing on workout data and race analysis. His insight helped me build real confidence and shaped a training approach that really worked for me. He also invested time in getting to know me outside of running and used that understanding to support me to become a better athlete.”
Charlotte Taylor
NCAA Champion | World Championship Qualifier
“I’ll always remember how Benji believed in me from the beginning and always encouraged me to set my goals high. I improved as a racer and as a competitor because of the knowledge and insights that he was always quick to share. I appreciated the level of detail Benji provided and how his coaching was the right balance between data-driven and instinctual. Benji made a tremendously positive impact on my running career and I’ll always be thankful for that.”
Austen Apperson
Former NCAA Athlete
“Benji gives everything—heart, mind, and energy—to his athletes. He knows exactly how to fire you up before a race and how to lift you up after a tough session. He always highlighted the importance of progress, and it truly paid off. Training with Benji isn’t just effective—it’s inspiring, and anyone would be lucky to have him as a coach.”
Weronika Pyzik
National Record Holder
Why Wetli Athletics?
Thousands of runners download generic marathon plans.
Very few have someone helping them adapt those plans when life happens.
With Wetli Athletics you'll have
✓ Weekly coaching
✓ Live feedback
✓ Race-specific strategy
✓ Accountability
✓ Community
✓ Education
Everything You Need for a Focused 16-Week Build
Complete 16-week marathon plan
Choice of three ability-based groups
Weekly 60 minute coaching call
Weekly questions and answers
Call recordings
Private online community
Los Angeles course and race preparation
Marathon pacing and fueling education
Race-week strategy session
Access through race day
Program begins: November 15, 2026
Race day: March 7, 2027
$399 for the complete 16 week program
Less than $25/week
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Members follow one of three ability-based group plans. The weekly calls and community provide education, accountability and opportunities to ask questions, but the program does not include continuous individual plan adjustments.
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Calls will be recorded and added to the member community.
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Before training begins, you will receive guidance to help you select the group that best matches your recent training, experience and goals.
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No. Registration for the Los Angeles Marathon is separate and must be completed through the race organizer.
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No. Wetli Athletics is an independent coaching business and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon or its organizers.
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Members should already be running consistently before the 16-week program begins. More specific readiness guidelines will be provided before enrollment.
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Training questions can be discussed generally, but the program does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment or rehabilitation. Injured runners should seek guidance from an appropriate healthcare professional.
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Immediately after joining you'll
• receive group invitation
• receive training questionnaire and liability form
• receive group assignment worksheet
• have access to additional training information
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Late entry may be available briefly after the start date, but joining before Week 1 provides the best experience.
Your Los Angeles Finish Line Starts Here
16-weeks of marathon training will bring difficult workouts, long runs, schedule challenges and moments of uncertainty. You do not have to navigate them alone.
Join runners preparing for the same race and train with the structure, coaching and community needed to reach Los Angeles ready to perform.