Beyond the running part of running a marathon

As it turns out, there’s more to covering 26.2 miles in an organized event than just putting one foot in front of the other. If you’re reading this I’m assuming you’ve already identified your first marathon, have started or are well into your training, and are now looking ahead to the event itself. (If you haven’t, there’s plenty available on that aspect.) I want to talk about the logistics - aid stations, gear check, getting your bib, the expo... Everything else beyond just running.

Don’t let this part worry you - there’s nothing frightening here. But knowing is half the battle as they say, and having knowing the various moving parts will help you quite a bit - and hopefully settle some anxiety. So let’s talk logistics.

Read that fine website

There’s a derisive phrase in tech, RTFM, which stands for “read that fine manual” (or a different f-word if you so desire). In this case the manual is the race website. There’s tons of information available to you, which you should definitely peruse. To use the Detroit Free Press Marathon as my example, there’s a fantastic FAQ which covers quite a bit about how things are run. Start with the race website when you have any questions or concerns, as chances are what you need to know is right there.

Race expo

Save for smaller races races, say fewer than 1,000 participants, will have some form of an expo. This is where you’ll go to pick up your bib and (if you’re like me) spend too much money on swag. Your primary goal is to pick up your bib. The primary goal of everyone who’s staffing a booth is to sell you things. It can be a great opportunity to see what’s available, and maybe try on a new pair of shoes. Just remember - nothing new on race day! So as sleek as those new shoes might look, leave them in the box until you finish.

For larger races the expo will span multiple days and get quite busy. I strongly suggest going in the afternoon on the first day (or second if it lasts for more than two days). While there’s a chance the swag selection might dwindle, the crowds will have done the same. People love to get there early to beat the crowd, which in turn creates a crowd.

Get your bibs here!

Timing chips

Unless you’re an elite runner (in which case you probably don’t need this blog), you won’t be crossing the line right as the gun goes off. To ensure everyone is timed fairly, chips are used. The chip will typically be on the back of your bib (which you’ll get at the expo) or a separate device you’ll lace into your shoe. The chip is read at the start and finish, and at various parts of the course. When you pick up your packet at the race expo you can ask a volunteer to find out what you need to know about the chip.

IMPORTANT: If you see a strip or piece of foam on the back of your race bib, do not remove it as it’s the chip! The last thing you want is to run your race only to not show up in the results.

Gear check

Once you’re done running you’re and the thrill of having finished your first marathon wanes a little you’re going to realize you’re getting cold or want dry clothes. Fortunately most every marathon offers gear check, where you can drop a bag somewhere before the event and pick it up the day after. For most races, you’ll drop your bag off at the start and collect it at the finish, but the procedures can vary. Additionally, save for the smallest of races, the bag to use for said gear check will be provided by the organizers. Check that fine website again! It’ll list out the procedures in place for gear check. 

Starting corrals

Most events with more than a few hundred runners will have corrals or waves, or some combination thereof. The basic goal of these corrals (the term I’ll use for this section) is to group people together by pace and spread them out. This helps avoid bunching or having runners at different speeds literally running into the back of one another. There’s typically a bit of a stagger between corrals of say a minute or two to further aid spreading out runners.

The corral you’re assigned to is based on the projected time you specified when registering for the event. You’re almost allowed to “step back” into a later corral, but stepping forward typically requires an update from the race itself and can be done at the expo. This varies, so again - read that fine FAQ!

Giving an accurate time and going with the corral which matches your expected pace can help everyone. Weaving and jostling can lead to falls, and there’s literally nothing worse than training for four months only to take a spill, injuring oneself, and not being able to finish - something I’ve seen more than once.

Staring corrals can get rather busy!

This is why it’s important to group by pace.

Staying warm before the start

Chances are it’ll be cold before the race, and you’ll want to stay warm while you’re standing around waiting. The best thing to do is stop by a thrift store and pick up some warm items to wear then shed as the race starts. The clothes you drop at the start area are collected and donated back. I’m a big fan of a warm bathrobe. It’s typically be long enough to keep my legs warm, has got pockets, is quick to shed, and is just cozy. I mean, who doesn’t love lounging in a robe?

Laying out your “flat runner” and “throw-away clothes” the night before

is a great way to ensure you’ve got everything you need.

Aid stations, hydration and fueling

When you’re covering 26.2 miles you’re gonna get thirsty and will need some form of sugar & calories in your body. The race will help support you by having aid stations at various points on the course. The exact location will vary but will typically be on the course map which can, yes, be found on that fine website!

When it comes to water, there’s often enough on the course to carry you through. If you’re not sure, or just want the peace of mind knowing you have what you need with you, you can almost always carry water. I’ve only seen one race (Tokyo Marathon) heavily restrict carrying a bottle or hip flasks, however most don’t allow backpacks/hydration packs. Check that website just to make sure what you’re allowed to wear.

Taking water from a volunteer while you’re running takes a little practice. It can also be a bit disconcerting weaving in and out, making sure you’re not bumping into people. If you can, find a local half marathon (or even a 10K) to use as a “trial run” to gain a little experience on navigating aid stations.

As for fuel, I can pretty much guarantee there won’t be enough calories on the course to have a successful race. Yes, everyone is different, but the amount of sport drink required to be consumed (assuming it’s been mixed correctly) is prohibitive. And while there may be gels on the course, again there won’t be enough or won’t be spread out enough to rely on. Plus, there’s always a chance they’ll run out, which would be tragic. Tl;dr - find a gel you like (there’s dozens on the market), and carry it with you.

Note: Remember to practice with the gels you’re going to use on race day, as different gels impact different people’s GI tracts differently. Finding out the ones you’re using don’t agree with you at mile 15 can lead to a shit day, literally and figuratively.

Celebrate!

The race is your victory lap. You’ve put in all the hard work, and the marathon is your chance to show all of that off! Take it all in!! The crowds, the emotions, everything. Add just a little bit to the time you’re spending training to make sure you’re ready for the event itself and you’ll feel far more confident toeing the line.

And remember that when you finish you’ll have a new adjective you’ll be able to use for yourself: Marathoner. 

If you found this post helpful, please consider donating to my fundraiser for the American Cancer Society for the London Marathon.

If you have any questions, or tips you want to share, share them in the comments below!!