London Marathon - First timer tips

Whether you're running it for the first time or a seasoned veteran, the London Marathon is a massive event in any runner’s calendar. You've set you goal, done your training and now you’re itching to go! The moment you set foot into that expo centre, the reality of what you are about to achieve immediately sets in. I'm doing this, I'M RUNNING THE LONDON MARATHON!!

Here are a few essential tips:

Pre-race

1. Get your number early:

Avoid fetching your number on Saturday if you can. If however you don't have a choice then get there early because it gets extremely busy.

2. Don't get tempted into new/unknown things for race day:

It's easy to become overwhelmed and consumed by all the awesome stuff on offer at the Expo. Go wild but don't purchase anything you're going to use for the first time on race day. As much as you think you 'definitely need that', you don't! Try stick to gels you've tried too, some brands may make you feel ill along the way.

3. Get your name printed on your shirt:

This is an absolute must do! The crowds along the way are incredible and will shout your name and cheer you like you’re related. It's such an awesome energy booster!

There is a printing stand at the expo so drop your shirt off when you arrive and it will be ready by the time you leave. Loads of people get it done so get your shirt in as soon as you get in else you may have to what a while.

Race day

1. Queue for the loo as soon as you arrive!

It must be the nerves but on race day, EVERYONE needs to go to the toilet! Now with a field of 35,000+ runners, the queues can get quite long... Don't worry, you will get to the front before the race starts but it's an additional stress you can easily avoid. Getting this out of the way early which will give you plenty of time to find your pen and secure your spot.

2. Follow the thin blue line (if you can)

Along the route you'll see a blue line painted on the ground, this is the shortest route (the way the 42.2km has been measured). It can be very difficult to stick to this line due to the large number of people but the more you do the less additional distance you'll run. It's amazing just how much distance you can add on. In previous years I've struggled to keep to the line and it’s added on around 0.5km, that's an additional 2-4min you can whack off just with a bit of good course management!

3. Give your GPS watch enough time to link up

The London Marathon is a big event and with around 35,000 runners, most of which will also be trying to connect their watches, nervously worrying that it won’t link up in time. GPS watches struggle with signal when there are so many people all trying to link up in a small area. Don’t leave it to chance, search for a signal at least 20min before the race. If your watch connects and then goes into power save mode, it will link much quicker when you activate it again.

4. Enjoy the race

This is definitely going to be one of the best races you've done so soak up the atmosphere and enjoy every step, as gruelling as some of them may feel :)

GOOD LUCK!!

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