By Chris Charles

Ah, those hilarious costumes

It's been 24 years since someone first thought putting on a chicken suit and running around London would be a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

You'd think by now people would have wised up - but these days you need to be on a waiting list just to be in with a chance of competing.

Fortunately some of us are blessed with a little more sense and would rather spend our time sitting in a pub than jogging past one.

But there is a way to enjoy your own marathon session - without breaking sweat. Read on.

THE TRAINING

Make regular visits to the pub and see how many pints you can put away in one sitting. Initially aim for a low figure, say half a dozen, and gradually build up your stamina over the coming weeks, until you are confident of hitting the magic number.

Preparation is very important

THE PREPARATION

Buy in several crates of beer and arrange in a hap-hazard fashion on the kitchen floor. Make sure the table is close enough to the sofa for feet to be placed on and remote control is within easy reach. You are now ready to begin.

THE START

Invite a few mates around to your house on the morning of the race. Leave them all huddled in the porch and don't let them in until just before the action starts on TV - causing a mad dash to get a good position on the sofa.

REFRESHMENTS

Station one member of the party in the kitchen, telling them to stand up holding out tinnies. Whenever a can is empty, simply stroll in and grab one while passing by. Open en route back to the lounge - tipping lager over your head is optional.

No more, please!

HITTING THE WALL

There comes a point in the traditonal marathon where body and brain are almost on the verge of giving up.

To simulate this at home, lock away all beers and turn over to Songs of Praise. See how long you can last before feeling you can't go on.

THE FINISH

Hurrah! If you reach this far, you will by now have drunk a whopping 26 cans and produced 385 yards of dribble. Your final task is to grab the tin foil from the kitchen and wrap it around you and your friends.

After 26 cans, this task could prove quite taxing and you will probably all end up in a fight.