Marathon boom – How to choose the right one: Reasonable planning on registering for a marathon

The fascination of a marathon captures more and more runners every year. Ambitious athletes all over the world aspire to experience the illustrious discipline of running. Increasing attendance figures and the variety of marathon events prove the ongoing boom. Nowadays, almost every big city organises a run; the choice of which to attend is immense. But not only the venues are wide-ranging; the types of marathons differentiate as well. From mountain, desert and night marathons to “normal” city runs – the individual performance can be tested on different terrain and in different countries. The planning on participation should be made thoughtfully. An individual guideline prior to registration helps to make the final decision.

Top-act or intimate?

From less than 1,000 participants to big events with almost 50,000 starters – the attendance numbers vary considerably. When making a decision on a certain marathon, every athlete needs to consider the advantages as well as disadvantages of both larger and smaller events. Big ones, such as the Marathon Majors Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York, are perfectly organised, ensure the best support for participants and are accompanied by thousands of enthusiastic spectators along the track. The runner competes with national and international top athletes; an additional challenge for ambitious runners.
Smaller marathons, however, offer the appeal of a more “intimate” atmosphere. No high prize money, no top runners, a smaller field of participants, less competition pressure which results in less spectators. On the plus side, these events often include tracks through charming villages and a patriotic local audience, who do not forget to cheer for their regional heroes. Shorter times of travel to and from, lower registration fees and the possibility for a “training marathon” are more advantages.

Near or far?

Popular marathon destinations in the UK, such as London, Edinburgh or Glasgow, are highly frequented and guarantee unforgettable running experiences as well as an international field of competitors. Those who seek the athletic challenge beyond their own country’s borders are again confronted with plenty of opportunities. A marathon in a foreign region offers runners with itchy feet the perfect chance to realise long-planned trips. In that case, more questions emerge. Are there entry regulations and / or deadlines to consider? Are additional vaccinations or any prophylaxis necessary, and do I have enough time for that? Does the marathon organisation demand a medical (do I have one and how old is it)? How safe is the current political situation in the country? Do I have to exchange money and how much am I allowed to bring? Am I informed about the general import and export regulations (stay away from forbidden “souvenirs”!)? Do I organise everything by myself or is it better to hire a travel agency? Is the marathon trip compatible with my general vacation plan for the year? Do the dates of arrival and departure take my personal adjustment to different time zones into account? Can I afford the additional costs in regard to my yearly budget? Are the climatic conditions at the time of the marathon also appropriate to go sightseeing? Did I make a tour plan including all sights (possibly with opening hours and dress regulations)? Was I able to check the classification of my hotel (star ratings in foreign countries do not necessarily meet the standard at your home country)? How far is my hotel from the start and finish lines?
If these issues are sorted out, the running experience in Rio, Dubai or the Sahara can get started.

Beginner or advanced?

The decision on whether to attend a certain marathon is chiefly based on each individual’s performance level and competition experience. Everybody who takes part in a marathon for the first time should not run the whole distance, but choose the 10km or half marathon alternative. Besides the 42km, many events also offer the shorter distances. Thereby, runners can test their competition performance and get accustomed to the experience of a professionally-organised run. “Extreme” events, such as a mountain or desert marathon are only suited for runners with broader experience.
In order to keep track of the personal performance, the usage of running tools for support in training as well as in competitions is especially helpful. Easy-to-use running computers like the JogStyle from Omron reliably provide essential data, such as current and average speed, distance and time. Thanks to the 3-D sensor technology and memory function, users can analyse and improve their individual performance curve. Thus, runners are able to control their training efficiency, and will know which marathon is the right choice.

More information about several running events and the general topic “healthy running” are available on www.myjogstyle.com.

Publication free of charge. Specimen copy requested.

About Omron Healthcare
Committed to improving people’s lives, OMRON Healthcare provides clinically proven, innovative medical equipment for health monitoring and therapy. Our product portfolio includes blood pressure monitors, respiratory therapy devices, electronic fever thermometers and activity monitors as well as body composition monitors and professional medical devices.
OMRON Healthcare Group is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. OMRON Healthcare Europe B.V. is the healthcare division for Europe, Russia, Middle East and Africa, and provides service to customers in more than 60 countries through a powerful distribution network.

For more information, please visit www.omron-healthcare.com.

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