Seven hundred and twenty first-time marathon runners were enrolled in this randomized trial comparing a self-directed 12 week strength training program and no prescribed strength training prior to the race. The outcomes of interest were the incidence of stopped training due to overuse injuries, as well as the rate of race completion. Results revealed no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of stopped training due to any cause (overuse injury, non-overuse injury, illness, personal reasons, unable to maintain training plan, other). The rate of race completion was similar in both groups.