16 tips to prepare for your event day

The events team share a selection of their best advice for preparing for event day – from deep heat to chocolate to safety pin planning!

Lizee's tips

1. Have breakfast early in the morning on days where you're training, because on race day you're going to have to get up early to get to the start line. This will get your body used to eating a couple hours before you run. 

2. Bring something to keep you warm at the start line – you could go to a Marie Curie Shop and buy a big jumper that you're happy to leave at the start line (check which races recycle these).

3. No new shoes – it's not worth the blisters! Make sure you wear shoes that you've already worn in.

4. Lay kit out the night before, that way you don't have to go looking for safety pins early in the morning!

Jim's tip

5. In those moments during the event where you need to dig deep, try to remember why you're taking part and challenging yourself for Marie Curie.

Matt’s tip

6. If you’re prone to muscle cramps in your leg (like me!) stick a deep heat roll in your bumbag or have your supporters keep one for you at cheer points to apply when the cramps kick in.

Kate’s tips

7. Work out in training what distance you hit the wall, then arrange with your supporters to be there cheering you on.

8. Pack your favourite treat/chocolate bar in your bag, so you have an extra reward at the end.

Constance's tips

9. Prep your kit bag the night before - they’re usually big enough for some spare joggers/top to change into after you finish.

10. Set a spot for meeting up with family and friends after the event as it can be busy.

11. Pack some spare tissues for if you need to use the portaloos.

Helen’s tips

12. Make sure you’ve tested what snacks you’ll need to fuel you through the challenge and how you’ll carry them.

13. Make sure you go to the loo before you get to the start line area – the queues can be HUGE just before you start!

14. Check your travel plans ahead of time – you don’t want road closures, train delays/repairs etc. to stress you out before you even start your challenge.

Holly’s tips

15. Send your family/friends a picture of you in your running vest so they can spot you in the crowd easily and cheer you on just when you need it.

16. Prevention is best when it comes to chafing! Wear sweat wicking fabrics, with the least amount of seams possible and cut out the tags in your clothing. There are also lots of balms and lubricants to help prevent chafing and plasters or nipple guards are really useful too.