Complete race novice noob questions

pug_

Hi Folks,

I've entered the Adidas race series in preparation for the Dublin City Marathon this year. I have never entered a race before in my life, and have never taken part in any kind of competitive sport at any stage of my life either, so just thinking about it now there are a number of really simple things I have absolutely no idea about.

First up, I'm getting the train in to Dublin, so should I just wear my ordinary clothes and change there, or should I wear my running gear in on the train and brave the odd looks from fellow passengers?

Secondly what should I be bringing with me, just a change of clothes, and a towel? or should I bring some ID or anything else with me?

What time should I get there at? the race starts at 10 but there is probably some kind of registration before hand, does it take long or could I arrive at 9.45 and still be in plenty of time?

There are probably other questions, but those are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head

Rusty Cogs 08

Personally, I'd wear my running gear under a tracksuit of some kind. There are no (private) changing facilities that I'm aware of (CIIW) so you'll want to just strip down to your running gear al fresco. After the race you'll be putting these cloths back on so better keep to loose fitting clothes.

Bring a spare T-shirt/socks so you can take off the one you'll wear for the race after.

There'll be a bag drop off point at the race start for this gear, it's left at your own risk so don't bring valuables (wallets, house keys, phone) if you can help it.

You can't register that morning AFAIK so you'll have your number with you so no registration needed. You should try and get there at least 45 mins before the start to give you time to change, warm up, soak up the atmos etc.

good luck

daheff

Try and get there about an hour before the race. You will leave your bag up on merrion square and then need to come back down to grafton street (along with 10,000 others!)

the last thing you want is to be rushed getting to the start line.

pug_

Cheers for that. My number came in the post there last week, I just kind of assumed there was some kind of sign in process or something, I don't know, like I said I'm a complete noob.

Also it's for the 5 Mile race in Phoenix park this weekend I was wondering about should have been clearer.

daheff

same would probably apply....better to get there too early than too late

I'm doing 5 miler...and will prob get there about 9/ 9.15 and mosey about/ warm up/stretch

menoscemo

If you are going to or plan to run fast (let's say sub 40 minutes) get nearer the front of the queue on the start line, If you are at the back it will take you ages to pass walkers and slow joggers and it will affect your time. If you are going to run/walk slow please line up further back as it is not fair on people trying to set a PB

BeepBeep67

menoscemo wrote: »

If you are going to or plan to run fast (let's say sub 40 minutes) get nearer the front of the queue on the start line, If you are at the back it will take you ages to pass walkers and slow joggers and it will affect your time. If you are going to run/walk slow please line up further back as it is not fair on people trying to set a PB

Only go near the front if you plan to run sub 30, otherwise you will get trampeled and will probably start off too fast - the difference between the front and the 40mins group will be about 40 secs in the 1st 400mts.
Line up about mid way.

menoscemo

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Only go near the front if you plan to run sub 30, otherwise you will get trampeled and will probably start off too fast - the difference between the front and the 40mins group will be about 40 secs in the 1st 400mts.
Line up about mid way.

Yeah I meant nearer to the front not exactly at the front. I did the 5 mile classic a few months ago and started from right at the back (noob mistake) and must have lost a minute negotiating traffic- and there were only about 500 in that race. I checked last years finishers and saw that less than 30% went sub 40 minutes http://dublinmarathon.ie/results.php?search&race=13&sort=finish&from=890 I plan to hopefully do around 38 minutes which would put me in the top 20%.

If you look through those results you will see many of the runners from 36-42 minutes have several minutes difference between chip time and clock time, so must have started very far back, whereas some of the walkers at the back have only a few seconds difference so must have started up at the front. I Just think that people should line up according to approximate finishing positions.

BeepBeep67

It's a good point when a race reaches a critical mass, there should be some segregation based on time. The Women's Mini Marathon do this based on the colour of your number and to get in the runners section you need to fill out a previous event where you have broken 60mins.

Peckham

menoscemo wrote: »

I Just think that people should line up according to approximate finishing positions.

Here we go again! Cue stories of groups of women walking arm in arm with bags of sandwiches at the start of X race.......

menoscemo

Peckham wrote: »

Here we go again! Cue stories of groups of women walking arm in arm with bags of sandwiches at the start of X race.......

I wouldn't know, I'm a noob too, only ran one race before. I hope this doesn't happen on saturday :eek:

Peckham

menoscemo wrote: »

I wouldn't know, I'm a noob too, only ran one race before. I hope this doesn't happen on saturday :eek:

Well, there may not be the sandwiches on Saturday, but there will be plenty of walkers/slower runners up the front of the field. Regardless of whether they put signs up saying where you should stand based on your predicted finish time, or how many announcements they make, inconsiderate people will push their way to the front to ensure they have clear road in front of them at the start. Also quite dangerous...both for themselves and other runners.

A uniquely Irish concept too I think! :rolleyes:

rainbow kirby

Peckham wrote: »

A uniquely Irish concept too I think! :rolleyes:

Not necessarily - if you read the race reports on the Runners World forums it seems to happen everywhere, and it *is* mostly female walkers that do it.

Krusty_Clown

Hi Pug, eat a good breakfast a few hours beforehand. Make sure you're well hydrated, but only sip a drink during the last hour before the race starts. There will be portaloos, but usually the queues are quite big.