Marathon: Get set to smile as you cross the line

Gabrielle O'Rourke suggests wearing something that will keep you warm before the race. Photo / File

What advice do you offer to people running their first marathon?

Liza Hunter Galvan, 42: You have put in the work - believe in yourself. Respect the distance. Pace is crucial. Running with a group reduces your effort, and makes the distance and time pass quicker. Keep your eye on the prize - the finish line. Finishing your first marathon will rank up there with the great accomplishments in your life so be sure to smile at the finish line. Finally, be ready to walk "funny" for five to 10 days post-race - enjoy and milk it for all it's worth because you earned it.

Gabrielle O'Rourke, 44: Be prepared for the conditions. It's looking to be a cool, crisp morning. Wear gloves and maybe an old long-sleeved top you can throw off part-way through or a pair of arm warmers. Otherwise at least take a rubbish bag with a hole cut in the head to wear as a poncho for when you're waiting at the start.

Don't do anything different a day or two before the race that you wouldn't do before a long training run (like eat something new or wear new shoes on race day). Make sure you have a supply of Vaseline for race morning and perhaps some blister spots for your heels or any areas where you might blister.

While some people might think that because elite runners are so fit and aren't out there as long as the masses that the marathon isn't as hard for them, that's not the case.

We too play mind games with ourselves and can often go through patches where we wonder if we'll make it around the course.

Try to think strong thoughts when you go through these phases. Think of the hard work you've put into preparing for the event, the hours you've spent training, the sacrifice and patience of any friends and family who've had to put up with your constant talking about your training, the aches and pains you have, the good and not so good sessions, the weekends planned around your long run ... and best of all, think about that elation you will feel when you cross the line and the well-earned break from training for a little while as you plot your next marathon effort.

Chris Cox, 58: Be prepared. Come out to the course [today] and drive it so you know where you are going and landmarks for certain distances. Pack your gear the night before and know when you are going to park and how long it will take from there to the start line. There will be 4500 people on Sunday morning so you need to be ready for that crowd. Eat plenty of carbs the day before and drink a lot of water. Don't drink too much on the day of the race as you will be over-hydrated.