The weekend programme: Saturday - The WRP Race Clinics
Where? In your own Novotel
Location? Look for details at the WRP REgistration desk in each hotel
Time? 17.00 hrs. Please be punctual
Duration? About 40 mins – but often followed by a demonstration of how to put your timing chip onto your running shoe
Cost? None – it’s a complimentary part of your tour package
Tickets? None – but do be on time; all clinics must be under way by 17.05 hrs latest!
It was the first year my fiancé has run and he really appreciated the support given at the race clinic the night before. RR For first-timers the clinic was invaluable and your staff member proved his expertise by handing down tips that I would never have considered. JL The WRP Race Clinic is a must for all first timers. Found the Run Text 83322 a great way for supporters to track the progress of their runner – and I only found out about that at the Clinic! (SIA)! Although I have run the London Marathon previously I attended their Race Clinic and was delighted to learn a number of new and valuable things. Well done! Very helpful pre-race clinic. Would use you again – well done! (Parkinsons) Geoff’s Saturday Race Clinic calmed my nerves and his detailed yet gentle approach was perfect and I loved my “26 Mile Street Party!” Thank you. (Children with Leukaemia) |
These pre-race clinics were a trial innovation back in 2002 but have become so popular that they just have to be retained! There is at least one in each hotel but in some we may simultaneously conduct 2, 3 or even 4 clinics.
Whilst these are primarily designed for either first time marathoner, or first time “London”, runners, as you may see above, we get plenty of regulars popping in to see if there are any new tips or ideas to speed them “home”.
A typical clinic will begin with a short presentation of the very latest information about the race, expected weather, etc. and then we go though essential safety and “survival” techniques. This really is the important bit! The third section is a question and answer session allowing you to resolve any last minute problems or worries. The clinics often conclude with informal displays of how to correctly fit the timing chip onto your shoe.
Some ideas or suggestions we offer do raise a few eye-brows whilst others lead some to question our sanity but, in another context, if someone doesn’t show you how to swim then the chances are you will sink.
Almost anyone should be able to get to the 18, 19 or 20 mile mark.
What is vital is having the knowledge/ expertise to allow you to stretch that fitness over a further 10,000m.
Actually we don’t mind the “Saturday doubters” because so often on the Sunday afternoon these self-same runners will come back with a medal around their necks and a big smile… and not infrequently admit that……“Yesterday I thought you were mad - but then reckoned that you might just know what you were talking about so followed your idea. Thank goodness I did for if I hadn’t I would have died out there… half this medal’s yours!”
Each clinic will be taken by an experienced marathon runner – they have been there and done it… sometimes on good days, sometimes on bad days. Even when the so-called “elite” line up at the start, despite how well or poorly their training has gone, they have no idea how they will perform. The same will be true for you so it’s important to know of different strategies to deal with different situations as they emerge during the race.
Though structured the clinics are always very informal and we try to answer all questions. Those taking the clinics are resident in your hotel so should there be something that you would rather raise in private, have a word with then earlier in the day or later – they are available for one-to-one discussion if that is what you would prefer.