“Race day: the grand finale of your marathon saga, where preparation meets panic, and kit choices suddenly seem as complicated as quantum physics.”
Congratulations, marathon warriors! You’ve made it to the final countdown. With the Dublin Marathon just around the corner, the heavy lifting (and running) is done. Now, it’s all about making sure you arrive at the start line feeling calm, collected, and kitted out like the running pro you are. In other words, it’s time to talk about gear, logistics, and those inevitable last-minute adjustments.
Because let’s face it: no one wants to be that person, standing at the start line wearing two left shoes, or worse, those chafe-inducing shorts that turn your thighs into a human cheese grater. So, without further ado, let’s break down the essentials for race day: gear, logistics, and those inevitable last-minute adjustments.
Choosing the Right Kit: Shoes, Clothes, and Accessories
You know that dream where you show up to an important event completely starkers? Now, unless you fancy going viral as Dublin’s first “nude marathoner”, and trust me, nobody wants that—let’s ensure your kit’s sorted well in advance
- Shoes: At this point, you’ve likely already got your trusty pair of marathon shoes. (And if you don’t, please, for the love of god do not buy new ones less than two weeks before the marathon). Stick with the shoes you’ve been training in, unless, of course, you enjoy the sensation of your feet slowly disintegrating . They’ve moulded to your feet, they’ve been through the good runs and the bad, and they know your deepest and darkest secrets. Swapping them for a brand new pair will you give more blisters than a Pfizer factory.
- Clothes: Comfort is key. You want to choose something that won’t chafe, ride ya, or leave you feeling like you’re dying a slow painful death at mile 10. This is not the time to debut your fancy new running gear unless you’re auditioning for a sadistic sequel to Braveheart. Stick with what you know works: a well-fitting, moisture-wicking top, breathable shorts or leggings, and of course, socks that you’ve put through the paces (That pun was a 100% intended).
- Accessories: Think about the practical bits:
- Race belt for your gels and phone? Check.
- Hat or sunglasses if it’s sunny? Check.
- Anti-chafe cream in all those eh ‘critical’ spots? DOUBLE CHECK.
The marathon is hard enough without a surprise friction burn making things worse.
Reviewing the Race Route and Hydration Stations
Knowing the Dublin Marathon route isn’t just for the navigationally challenged, studying it beforehand can help you feel more confident and prepared on race day. We will bring you a full course breakdown on Tuesday but here's a summary of what you should keep an eye out for:
- Elevation Changes: No one likes a surprise hill at mile 18, so take a good look at the course profile. The Dublin Marathon is relatively flat (praise be the Lord!), but there are some sneaky inclines to watch out for. Familiarise yourself with where they are, and be ready to adjust your pace when you hit them. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Well, it doesn’t. But it might keep you upright.
- Hydration Stations: The Dublin Marathon has hydration stations spread throughout the course, so plan ahead for when you’ll be grabbing water or electrolytes. Take note of the mile markers where these stations pop up, usually every 3to 4 miles and figure out your strategy. Will you carry your own water, or rely on the stations? Will you need gels at mile 10, 16, and 22, or just one big sugar hit at the halfway mark? Whatever you choose, just don’t go full toddler with it, sticky hands are no fun at 26.2 miles.
- Portaloos: Let’s not beat around the bush here, nature calls, even during a marathon. Scope out the locations of the toilets along the route so you’re not caught off guard. It’s better to plan a quick pit stop than to risk a mid-run panic.
Travel and Logistics for Dublin on Race Day
Ah, the logistics. If marathon running is like orchestrating a symphony of torture and triumph, then getting to the start line is the bit where you make sure the conductor hasn’t forgotten their baton. Here’s how to make sure everything runs smoothly on the big day:
- Plan Your Travel: Dublin’s marathon starts at Fitzwilliam Street Upper, which, on any other day, would be a lovely place to meander. On race day, it’s a chaos magnet. So, plan your route in advance, factoring in road closures, traffic, and the fact that every other person in the city will be doing the same. The Luas to St. Stephen’s Green? Brilliant choice, but double-check the marathon website in case Dublin Transport decides to play a little prank on you.
- Start Time and Waves: The marathon is set up with four different start waves depending on your expected finish time. Make sure you know which wave you’re in and what time it starts, so you’re not doing an accidental sprint warm-up just to make it on time. Trust me, that’s not how you want to start your race!
- Bag Drop and Meeting Points: If you’re planning to leave a bag with spare clothes, snacks, or that all-important post-race phone, suss out where the bag drop locations are and how to get there. Likewise, arrange meeting points with friends or family beforehand, as the last thing you want after finishing is to be wandering aimlessly through a sea of runners like a lost marathon zombie.
Last-Minute Adjustments: The Devil’s in the Details
We’ve all been there—the last-minute panic of “Have I forgotten something?!” But don’t worry, it’s totally normal. Here are some final adjustments to help you stay cool, calm, and collected in the lead-up to race day:
- Weather Check: Irish weather is like a toddler with a crayon—you never know what it’s going to do next. Check the forecast. Whether it’s raining, sunny, or one of those common Irish “four seasons in a day” situations, plan your race gear accordingly. A light rain jacket or a bin bag (yes, really) can be a lifesaver if the skies open up, and layering options are always a smart choice.
- Pace Plan: Revisit your race-day pace plan. You’ve already calculated your ideal pace (thanks to an earlier article in this series, no need to thank me), but now’s the time to lock it in. Write it on your hand, stick it on a wristband, or program it into your watch. Don’t get carried away in the early miles when you feel like a superhero. You’re not. Sick to the plan, especially in those early miles when you’re feeling fresh and tempted to go faster. Patience, grasshopper.
- Race Day Breakfast: By now, you should have practised your race-day breakfast routine. Whatever worked for you in training—whether it’s porridge, toast, or something else entirely—stick with it. This is not the day to experiment with a trendy new smoothie or risk anything too exotic. Keep it simple, keep it safe.
- Sleep: You’re probably not going to sleep the night before. Nobody does. Especially before their first marathon. So focus on sleeping well in the week before.Remember, the key to success is convincing yourself you’ve had enough rest, even if you’re lying through your teeth.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a foolproof guide to surviving your final days before the Dublin Marathon with the confidence of someone who’s remembered their lucky socks and knows the exact co-ordinates of where each hydration stations are.
As race day approaches, focus on getting your logistics in order, sorting your gear, and making any final adjustments. Stay calm, trust your preparation, and resist the urge to overthink everything (you’ve already done the hard part, remember?). The next time we meet, it’ll be race day, and you’ll be lining up with thousands of others, ready to take on the streets of Dublin.
Make peace with the fact that something is bound to go wrong. But hey, at least you’ll have a cracking story for the post-race pub sipping Guinness. Cheers to that!