First time runner? Here’s our guide to Great Run Series running events.
So you’ve signed up for your first Great Run Series running event – huge high five! You’re probably buzzing with excitement, and with good reason – there’s *so* much to look forward to. But if you’re feeling some first-time nerves? Don’t worry, this blog post is especially for you.
Your first running event is definitely a milestone worth celebrating, but feeling a bit jittery is also completely normal. We’re here every step of the way to help guarantee a truly Great run, from the all-important pre-race prep all the way to that glorious finish line flapjack. Ready? Let’s go!
Part 1: Pre-race run-up
Race number. Your race number (which contains your timing chip) will be sent out in the post a week or two before the event. And your event guide – which contains everything you need to know – will land in your inbox at a similar time. Read it, study it, treat it like a holy text.
Late or overseas entry? You’ll need to pick up your race number from one of our information points on the morning of – or, even better, the day before – your run. See the event guide for locations and timings.
Pasta panic. Nutritionally, it’s best to keep things simple before your run. No panic-buying pasta or inhaling entire lasagnas the night before – just normal, familiar meals with perhaps a slightly higher carb ratio. Your stomach will thank you later.
Hydration stations. The official recommendation is that adults drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Use the urine test (pale, straw-coloured wee? Bingo) to check you’re getting enough water. Avoid alcohol for a couple of days before your run and make sure you arrive at the start line hydrated. No water – we repeat, no water – is available at the start line to help us cut down on plastic waste. There are refill stations, if you choose to bring your own water bottle. More hydration tips here.
Kit List
Essentials:
- Runner number (with built-in time chip) and safety pins
- Comfortable running shoes (tried and tested, not brand new) and socks
- Race day outfit – fancy dress optional 😉
- Bank card for public transport or travel wristband
- Baggage bus label
- Fully charged phone
Nice to haves:
- Hat/visor, sunglasses, sunscreen – although these become essential if temperatures rise
- An extra layer you don’t mind chucking at the start line if it’s cool – charities collect these afterwards so nothing goes to waste
- Vaseline or anti-chafing stick
- Snack – again, go for something familiar, like a banana or cereal bar
- Headphones if you’d like to listen to your own music or track your splits
- Water bottle – water will be available on the course, but there are refill stations at the start & finish
Leaving a bag with the baggage bus? You might want to include:
- A change of clothes or a warm top layer
- Comfy shoes like sliders in case of blisters
- A hand or travel towel
The night before
Gather everything together and take a photo of your #runnerflatlay. Post online or send it round your friends and family – it’s a great way to get some last minute support or donations. And finally: aim for a good night’s sleep. Sweet dreams…
Part 2: Race Day
Getting there
Any Great run event involves a lot of travel info – road closures, parking, public transport changes etc. Check your event guide ahead of time and plan your journey to the start time in advance. Allow plenty of time for the bag drop, toilet queues and those essential start-line selfies – vital for a ‘before’ and ‘after’ social media drop!
And don’t get stuck – make sure you also think about how you’re going to get home.
The start area
Your assembly area depends on your wave colour, so pay attention to the coloured signs. Expect music, excitement and plenty of portaloos, although be warned – the queues build up quickly!
Your wave
The event guide will tell you what time you need to be in your wave area, so make sure you take note. Once it’s closed, it’s closed. Don’t miss out. Waves are assigned based on your expected finish time. Remember, you can go backwards to a different wave, but moving forwards is a big no-no.
On your marks, get set, go!
After the warm-up, the elites are off, then other waves are released one by one. Remember these tips for making your run a Great one:
Pacing. Start slow. It’s tempting to pound it at your first race, but resist the urge. You’ll be glad when you hit mile 10.
Highs and lows. Be ready for the highs and lows. Get to know your route ahead of time (you’ll find maps with elevation on each event page).
Hydration. Check out the water station locations in your event guide. Not too little, not too much – after all, no one wants a sloshy belly. Remember: drink, drain and drop your bottle into one of the recycling bins.
Aches and pains. Got a stitch? Slow down and take some deep breaths. Legs aching? Hey, walk if you need to. There’s no judgement here.
Mental tricks. Enjoy the bands or focus on getting to the next landmark. Hand out some high fives or tap one of the ‘power up!’ signs. It’ll all help get you to the end.
Part 3: To the finish line…and beyond!
The final stretch. Soak up the moment, feel the emotion and maybe give the cameras a wave! Once you pass the finish line, keep moving – no one wants their moment of glory made memorable for all the wrong reasons (i.e. a runner pile-up).
Medal moment. One of our team members (and signs) will guide you to collect your hard earned finisher’s pack. If you’ve opted to receive a finisher t-shirt, you’ll get that here too. Wear it with pride.
Après Party. The Après Zone is the perfect place to meet up with friends and family and celebrate your run. There’s live music, food, a beer tent and more to enjoy. There ain’t no party like an Après party.
Welfare first. Make sure you do some stretching, drink some water and refuel with a light snack. Pop on an extra layer and step into your sliders if you’ve got them.
Enjoy the moment. It’s time to bask in the afterglow. Before you head for the car, bus, Tram, Train, or Metro, make sure you kick back, relax and snap a selfie (or ten). And finally…maybe it’s time to plan the next one?
Ready to run? You’ll find detailed information on all of our events here.
