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Friday, 12 April, 2002, 12:42 GMT 13:42 UK
Final marathon checklist
London Marathon runners
Judgement day is almost upon you but are you ready?
Running coach Bruce Tulloh tells BBC Sport Online what to do on the final day before the big race in London.

Around 32,000 runners are about to reach the moment of reckoning as the 22nd London Marathon gets under way this Sunday.

After months and months of training, those plucky souls may think they are ready, but there is a lot to remember on the eve of the big race.

Bruce Tulloh, author of the book Running Over Forty, has plenty of experience when it comes to marathons and tells BBC Sport Online his top tips for final preparations:

1. The day before: Go for a 20-minute jog in your racing shoes and racing kit, but don't exhaust yourself by walking round the streets for hours.


Get in the toilet queue well ahead of time
Bruce Tulloh
2. Check over your bag before leaving, making sure that you have:

  • A singlet for warm weather, a T-shirt , hat and gloves for cold weather.
  • A large plastic bag in case of rain just before the start.
  • Vaseline, talcum powder, nail scissors, elastoplasts, safety pins.
  • Warm clothing to change back into.
  • Racing shoes, socks, shorts, shirt with number attached.

    3. Eat a normal but not huge meal, mainly of carbohydrates (pasta, rice, potatoes) the night before, and drink plenty of water.

    4. Get an early (ish) night, but don't worry if you don't sleep. As long as your body gets eight hours horizontal, it will be rested.

    A plate of pasta
    Don't forget your carbohydrates
    5. Plan to reach the start one hour ahead of time, allowing for the fact that underground trains are packed and the walk up to the start takes about 10 minutes.

    6. Get in the toilet queue well ahead of time - you could be there ten minutes.

    If it is warm, take a good drink just before the race starts, but not half an hour before, because it will make you want to pee again.

    7. Check the exact location of the start and find your correct pen.

    8. If you are going for a time, write down the planned time for every three miles, on the inside of your forearm

    9. Confirm your arrangements for meeting friends afterwards, and have a fall-back plan if you don't meet - the crowds are incredible.

    10. Tell yourself it is going to be fun, tough but FUN with a capital F!

  • BBC Sport Online's guide to the London Marathon

    In-depth coverage

    Winners in focus

    Marathon guides

    Photo Gallery

    Marathon sportstalk

    Official website
    See also:

    09 Apr 02 | London Marathon 2002
    05 Apr 02 | London Marathon 2002
    Links to more London Marathon 2002 stories are at the foot of the page.


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