’re a first timer, I suggest you focus on finishing the race feeling good. The marathon can be a humbling distance, so be prepared for whatever the day, the weather and the course throw at you. Having an absolute time goal can be a recipe

, attracts thousands of first-timers.5 Ballycotton 10, Cork, March It’s obvious which word we have to use to sum up this fantastic Irish event: it really is a great ‘craic’.

-to-rate list of race series and multi-stage events. 1 Race For Life Series, from MayWith over 300,000 runners, many first-timers and £17.5 million raised, Cancer Research UK Race for Life is the best thing to happen in running over the last decade.2 Cancer

and sweet - great for summer5K - for first-timers and fast-timers alike10K - the UK's favourite distance10-mile - the classic mix of speed and enduranceHalf-Marathon - premium and normal schedules hereMarathon - our enormous marathon menu--Mile Races

if you are a first-timer without a long background in running. You’ve invested a great deal of energy, both physical and mental, and a great deal of time in your marathon debut.Running such a long way will have taken a fair toll on your body

Half-marathon Looking for a tough, but satisfying endurance event? The half-marathon could be just the thing, and with ten-week, twelve-week and Garmin-ready plans, we've got a schedule for every runner. Find a half-marathon scheduleMarathon Whether you're a first-timer

: words from the wise Fail-safe advice for marathon first-timers, written by our forumites.Race-day Preparation Guide Full of tried and trusted tips, it's what we learned the hard way! BIG Marathon IndexFinally, our one-stop marathon shop contains

’ll enjoy it most if it’s within your capabilities. That’s not to say it should be easy. But we do want you to finish it feeling fired up.Look for a 5K race, ideally – that’s five kilometres, or 3.1 miles. It will take most first-timers 25-40 minutes

first timer’s question. I’ve only trained to 20 miles and now the extra six loom quite large (and seem to be getting larger). It’s not helped by the fact that people say half the race battle is to get to 20 miles, then it really begins. I know I need

.The waiting gameYou could also try waiting. This can work for first-timers or those anxious about the prospect of being kicked. "It is worth waiting a minute, especially in an Ironman, for clearer water so you can settle into your stroke and rhythm," says