The top 5 marathon race tips
- By Jack Preston -
- Feb 04, 2013
Are you busy preparing for the race of your life this summer? Across the globe hundreds of thousands of runners are currently training for the Virgin London Marathon and similar events over the next few months.
There’s a lot to contend with once the bang of the starters gun goes, especially for those who are taking part in a long distance race for the first time. Even simple tasks such as working out where the finish line can become troublesome once fatigue sets in, for example - if marathon and half marathon runners are competing on the same course, one group may need to finish on the left and the other on the right.
Following on from our top 5 marathon preparation tips, we present some nuggets of advice that should get you round the course with as little hassle as possible.
• If you’re running in a group, be aware of people behind you who may need to get past. Try to run in single file rather than across the width of the road. If you’re overtaking someone else, make sure you leave plenty of room before you move across in front of them.
• Try to avoid stopping suddenly during the race. For example if you need to tie your laces, move towards the side of the road and find a safe place to stop first.
• Be aware of other people at drinks stations, and take your turn if there’s a crowd. Avoid running out in front of others to take your drink, and only take as much as you need. Also, use the bins provided for empty water bottles – other runners might trip over them if they’re left on the floor.
• Don’t let friends who aren’t taking part in the race run or cycle alongside you. It can cause problems for the other runners and you may be accused of having a ‘pacer’ which is banned at most races.
• Listen carefully to any instructions you’re given by the race marshals and remember to thank them for their help – most marshals are volunteers who have been kind enough to give up their time.
If you’d like to find out more about race etiquette, head over to the Virgin London Marathon website.
By Jack Preston. Content Executive. Tweets at @JackPressedOn
