The London Marathon: Advice & Travel
In Advance
- Ensure that you have done the proper training with sufficient mileage. Poor training can lead to problems in the race or very bad times.
- Ensure that you have a good nutritional diet. A marathon takes a lot out of your body.
- Experiment with the London Marathon's choice of power drinks. You'll be able to take the energy drinks throughout the race without any stomach upsets.
- Collect you Race Numbers early from the Exhibition. If you can go on Wednesday or Thursday there will be less crowds. Also see if you can club together and get arrange for a couple of people to collect everyone's race numbers.
- Make sure you get plenty of rest in the few days before the race. No endurance or speed can be gained or lost in the few days before the Marathon.
- Never wear any new clothes or trainers on the day, therefore plan your running kit for the Marathon day. Ensure that it has all been worn in and comfortable.
- Put your name in large letters on the front of your running vest. The crowds will call out you name and give you that extra encouragement!
- Pack your kit bag the night before. Don't forget any old clothes or bin liner to keep warm before the race, ready to be deposited. Also don't forget some goodies for when you finish the race.
- If you are feeling unwell or have just been ill - DON'T RUN! Most medical emergencies in the Marathon are with people who have just been or are unwell. The London Marathon organisers can hold your entry to the following year in this case.
Travel Arrangements
Providing that enough members are interested, a coach will be arranged between Stowmarket and the starting areas for the London Marathon. The coach will have a number of pick-up points through Stowmarket and one in Needham Market before heading down the A12.
Families and spectators for our runners are welcome too. The coach will drop off runners at the start. Spectators and supporters will be dropped off in a central location handy for access to the route. From here you choose your own way.
At an agreed time later in the afternoon, everyone meets up at Cleopatra's Needle along the Embankment to catch the coach back to Stowmarket.
Surprising as it sounds, it's a tiring, though enjoyable, day for the spectators too. Remember to dress appropriately and bring plenty of refreshments.
Places on the coach MUST be booked well in advance and priority goes to club runners and their supporters. Download an application form to book your place(s) on the coach.
The Run
- Don't be tempted to start the race quickly or waste energy weaving through the slower runners. However many you overtake, there will be many more in front of you - all for a few yards. It is better to go slow for the first mile and use this as a warm up.
- Don't go to the first toilets, they'll be far too crowded. Wait for less crowded toilets later on - unless it is urgent!
- Keep well hydrated by drinking lots. Don't wait until you are thirsty, it'll already be too late.
- Most of all ENJOY IT!
The Finish
- Replace lost fluids and energy as soon as possible. Drink plenty and try to eat foods with plenty of carbohydrates: banana's, pasta, bread...
- Keep warm, remember to pack a fleece or jumper.
- The finishing area is mayhem! Know exactly where you are meeting friends and family!
