Do you want to run a marathon this year or the next?
Running a marathon isn’t by any means an easy feat and if you manage to tackle it, you’ll be in the top 0.17 per cent of people across the globe who have achieved this impressive goal.
If you feel ready to take on the 26.2-mile race, you’ll be pleased to know that there are more than 800 full marathon events that take place across the world each year, from Bosnia to Brazil and Tanzania to Thailand, that you can take part in. So, you can combine this amazing race with a trip to a stunning destination and enjoy some respite in a beautiful setting with your loved ones after you’ve completed your impressive feat.
From fundraising to training and choosing where to participate, there’s a lot for you to think about, an event like this will be handled by experienced mass participation sports organisers, so all you have to do is consider what you need to do in the lead up to the big race. Here, we share our knowledge on everything you need to know before you take the plunge.
Choosing your marathon
As mentioned, there are hundreds of full marathon events that take across the world each year, meaning that you can choose from an array of interesting destinations, with various climates, landscapes and so much more to consider.
If it’s your first full marathon, then you’ll likely want to choose an event that won’t challenge you too much, in terms of heat, cold, hills, and the like, as you’ll already be challenged enough with the amount of miles you’ll have to cover over the course of the race.
Do your research, pick a country that you’d love to visit and check out the route to see if you think it’ll be suitable for you. You don’t have to default to completing your marathon on home turf, why not make the most of it and pick a place you’ve longed to visit?
Training
The most crucial aspect of a marathon, or any sporting event for that matter, comes down to the training. It is said that most people need four to five months of training to work up to a marathon, but we’re all different and so you may find that you need more time, especially if training is hampered by an injury, or less if you’ve done this type of race before.
It’s wise to seek out the best running attire to make you aerodynamic and, ultimately, comfortable during your training and on the day. Lightweight, breathable clothing is best, and running shoes that are suitable for your foot shape will be a God-send when you’re putting the miles in.
Seek out the help of a personal trainer who can help you with a plan for training and rest days and also give advice about your diet leading up to the race, on the day and afterwards. You may also want to take part in some shorter distance races to get a feel of how the events work, so you feel more assured when the big day arrives.
Fundraising
Many participants choose to, or have to, fundraise for a charity to secure their place in a full marathon, and the charity you get on board with will likely have a certain amount of money they’d like you to raise in order to compete for them. You’ll get support from the charity on fundraising ideas, but it is ultimately up to you to raise those funds, and as a result, spread awareness about the charity.
First of all, it’s advisable that you approach a charity that has some meaning for you as you’ll then be able to speak from the heart about why you need support from doners. Don’t simply rely on the fact that you’re running a marathon in order for people to offer financial support for the charity in your name, think bigger and aim high.
There are plenty of ways in which you can fundraise for a charity, from arranging a gala dinner to a quiz night to a charity car wash, asking for support from businesses and individuals to offer services or raffle prizes and so much more. Play to your strengths and you’ll no doubt be inundated with support. All that will be left to do will be to make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared for the big day itself. Good luck!
