For distance running enthusiasts everywhere, there’s one challenge that stands out as the ultimate test, head and shoulders above all others. The marathon. It’s 26.2 miles of physical and mental torture, but the sense of achievement when you cross that finish line is difficult to replicate in any other walk of life.
Are you taking on a marathon this year? Perhaps it’s your first, or maybe you’ve completed so many that you’ve lost count? Whatever your situation, running in one of the ‘Big 5’ is a major pull for novices and veterans alike and, for many, it’s something to be ticked off the bucket list.
So, what are the Big 5, why are they so popular, and what can you do to prepare for them?
What are the Big 5 marathons?
The quintet has been established as some of the highest-profile marathons around the world, with three of them taking place in the United States and two in Europe. Tokyo has recently been added to form part of the World Marathon Majors, but the original five are as follows:
- London: Will celebrate its 40-year anniversary in 2021 and has become arguably the world’s most famous marathon.
- Chicago: During the 2019 race, Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei set a new women’s world record over the distance, crossing the finishing line in 2:14:04 – that’s a little over five minutes per mile.
- New York: Approaching its 50th anniversary, this race takes runners through the five boroughs of the Big Apple and passes some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
- Boston: One of the longest-running marathons, tragedy struck during the 2013 race when two bomb blasts killed three people and injured more than 260 others.
- Berlin: Known as a famously fast route, each of the last seven men’s world records have been set on this course, most recently by Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge with a time of 2:01:39 in 2018.
How should you prepare?
Plan the financial side
Taking on one of the Big 5 abroad – especially those in the United States – can represent a significant financial commitment. So, it’s important to consider all your funding options before you decide to take on the challenge and think about whether you can afford to commit.
Set up a training plan
Once you’re organised on the financial front, it’s time to get your training under way. Most marathon training plans span around four months, and there are plenty of free mobile apps designed to help you. By entering a few simple details such as your age, usual running pace and date of the race, you will be provided with a tailored plan that’s perfectly suited to you.
Don’t be discouraged
There’s no substitute to getting the miles in your legs, and you need to prepare your body to continue to operate even when it’s tired, so try not to shirk any training runs, even if your motivation occasionally wanes.
Don’t over-stretch yourself
However, if you feel like you’re over-training and you might be risking an injury that could set you back weeks, listen to your body. Don’t set targets that might prove unrealistic – remember, just completing a marathon is a huge achievement in itself.
Figure out what works for you
Every runner is different – some prefer to train in the mornings, some in the afternoons; some like to run to music, others like listening to podcasts, and there are those who enjoy the silence. The important thing is figuring out what makes you tick, and then you’ll be well set to go out and pound that pavement!
