The Gold Coast Marathon is one of the best events of the year, and preparation is key to making your race day as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
1. Prepare your race gear the night before.
Lay out everything you plan to wear and use on race day. This includes your shoes, socks, singlet, shorts, hat, sunglasses, and even your sunscreen. Double-check the weather forecast and adjust your gear if needed. Having everything ready to go means one less thing to worry about when you wake up.
2. Organise all your nutrition in advance.
Have your energy gels, Drink mix, electrolytes, or whatever fuel you’ve trained with ready and packed. Stick with what you’ve tested during your long runs — race day is not the time to experiment.
3. Pin your bib to your race singlet.
Secure your race bib the night before using four safety pins so it stays flat and doesn’t bounce or flap around.
4. Know your wave start time and location.
Every runner is assigned a wave based on predicted finish time. Familiarise yourself with your start zone and be there early to avoid unnecessary stress.
5. Plan your arrival and parking.
Race morning traffic can be hectic for you and the 30 000 other people entered across the weekend. Know where you’re parking, allow extra time for delays, and be aware of road closures.
6. Decide on what you are doing with your extra clothes at the start line.
If it’s chilly at the start, wear clothes you can discard or use the official gear drop service. Donated clothes are often collected for charity.
7. Charge your watch!
A fully charged GPS watch helps you pace properly and track your achievement — don’t forget it!
With a bit of planning, you’ll set yourself up for a fun and successful race day. Good luck and enjoy the run!
Written by APA Physio Luke Graves
