At the Seville Marathon 2026, we witnessed one of the most thrilling finishes in recent years. Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata and his compatriot Asrar Hiyrden crossed the finish line almost simultaneously, both clocking 2:03:59, in a dramatic outcome decided by photo finish. The race gathered more than 17,000 runners and produced standout performances, including a Finnish national record by Alisa Vainio (2:20:39).
This kind of finish highlights the importance of having a strong finishing kick — a decisive sprint that can make the difference when every runner is already exhausted. But how do you train that final burst without compromising the endurance needed for long-distance racing?
In this article, we explain why you should train your finishing sprint even for marathons and half marathons, what workouts help you develop it, and how to integrate them into your training plan. We also break down key lessons from the Seville photo finish so you can apply them to your own races.
Why is the finishing sprint so important?
Many runners think sprinting has no place in long-distance racing, but the finishing kick is much more than just speed. It’s the ability to change pace under fatigue, recruiting fast-twitch muscle fibers when your body is already pushed to its limits. This not only helps you overtake competitors in the final meters but also improves running economy and lactate tolerance.
The Seville 2026 photo finish showed exactly that. Kitata managed his effort perfectly, stayed with the lead group, and saved enough energy to unleash a decisive sprint in the final meters. That ability comes from both physical and mental training — because maintaining form and pushing through pain is just as important as speed.
Training keys for a powerful finishing sprint
Below are some of the most effective workouts to develop your finishing kick. Introduce them gradually and always prioritise quality over quantity.
1. Speed work and intervals
Short intervals are essential. Workouts like 8–15 repetitions of 200 meters or sets such as 8×100 m with short recovery improve your anaerobic capacity. You can also include fartlek sessions, alternating easy and fast paces over 20–30 minutes.
Another effective session is 400 m repeats: run 5–8 intervals at a fast pace (around your 3K pace) and push even harder in the final rep. This simulates the feeling of sprinting at the end of a race.
2. Progressions and strides after long runs
Progressive long runs mimic race conditions. Add 30-second accelerations at near 5K pace followed by 30 seconds easy during the final part of your long run.
Complement this with strides: 4–6 accelerations of around 100 meters after easy runs, reaching about 90% of your maximum speed. Focus on technique and efficiency.
3. Hill sprints
Hill sprints are one of the best ways to build power. Perform 6–8 repetitions of 150 meters uphill at 85–90% effort, recovering on the way down. This improves strength and your ability to generate speed when fatigued.
4. Plyometrics and strength training
A strong finishing sprint depends on muscular power. Include plyometric exercises such as jumps and bounding drills, combined with strength training like squats, lunges and deadlifts. Don’t forget your core, which helps maintain posture during high-speed efforts.
5. Mental training
The final sprint is also mental. Train yourself to stay focused under fatigue and use visual cues (another runner, the finish line) to push harder. Simple cues like “stay tall” or “drive your arms” can help maintain form when it matters most.
How to integrate sprint training into your marathon plan
A simple structure is to include one specific session every 7–10 days:
- Monday/Tuesday: easy run + strides.
- Wednesday: interval training (200 m or 400 m).
- Friday: strength and plyometrics.
- Sunday: long run with a progressive finish.
Adjust volume depending on your level and avoid excessive fatigue. Consistency is key.
Lessons from the Seville 2026 photo finish
- Smart pacing: saving energy for the final stretch is crucial.
- Running economy: efficient technique leads to fresher legs at the end.
- Mental toughness: handling discomfort is essential.
- Specific training: speed, strength and strategy must work together.
No matter your level, mastering the finishing sprint will boost both your confidence and your performance.
Beyond the clock: enjoy the process
Working on your finishing kick will make you a more complete runner. You’ll improve your technique, coordination and anaerobic capacity — and build the mental strength needed to finish strong.
If you want to structure your training and track your progress, try SnapRace. It allows you to log workouts, monitor your pace and see your improvements over time — so when race day comes, you’ll know exactly how much stronger your finishing sprint has become.
See you at the finish line!