Your First Marathon

Why run the Virgin London Marathon?

Since 1981, the London Marathon has grown into one of the world's truly iconic races, offering runners of all levels an inspiring fitness challenge. Whether running on behalf of a charity, or trying to beat a personal best, there are so many reasons why you should consider running the Virgin London Marathon to enjoy a sensational and life-changing experience.

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The spectator's marathon running pace guide

If you're supporting someone on a marathon day, how are you going to pick them out during the race? Here's a marathon running pace guide, a handy chart that will tell you the estimated arrival time at various mile stages depending on the pace they expect to run.

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The dos and don'ts of running a marathon

A marathon is a difficult challenge, but running 26.2 miles is achievable with the right training, preparation and application. Here's our handy guide to the dos and don'ts of running a marathon.

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Running a marathon

Have you ever been inspired to run a marathon after seeing TV coverage of one of the big city marathons? The emotional scenes from running races like London, New York, Boston or Chicago have often been the reason for many first time runners to tackle the distance and it’s hardly surprising given the stories that emerge from these famous running events.

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Top 12 marathon race tips

You’ve done all the running training required, tapered perfectly and now you are raring to go on the day of your marathon. But before you do, read our top 12 tips on race day success to ensure you get the most out of your marathon experience.

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A beginner’s guide to the marathon

You've probably seen a marathon on TV and you may also know a few people who have successfully run one  but could you complete the great 26.2-mile marathon distance? If you've ever considered preparing for and completing a marathon, but need more of an insight into what it’s all about, check out this essential guide to running a marathon, which will answer the following questions:

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