Claire's London Marathon tips


  • Research training plans that are tailored and suit you. Make sure the training days fit in with your lifestyle.
  • Make a poster of your training plan and display clearly in your house, ticking off the days as you go. This not only allows you to plan out your week around your runs or vice versa, but you also get to tick off when done, which always gave me a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
  • Be creative. I arranged several cake sales, so even if you don’t bake, friends and family will no doubt help. I made Christmas treats and advertised them on social media. They sold amazingly well!
  • Memory Miles was a last-minute addition for me. I asked people on Maggie’s Facebook groups to "buy" a mile in tribute to a loved one with a donation to my page. I had a great response and had the names of the loved ones of those who sponsored printed on my vest.
  • My inspiration was my Dad, so I always did something on his anniversary; birthday, Father’s Day and Christmas, whether it was a run or another challenge. This year, friends and family that would have usually bought my Dad a gift donated instead. 
  • Don’t be too hard on yourself! (I have only just learnt this one!) When I did the Virtual London Marathon in 2020, everything seemed to go to plan... but in 2021 it didn’t. Don’t let it get you down! You are more than likely doing this for a loved one, so emotions can also take over on the day.
  • Keep posting your donation link and keep it up to date. Ask friends to share it and add it to social media groups in your local area. 
  • Finally, wear your Maggies vest as much as you can, especially when running in your area. People will soon start to recognise you and this can lead to conversations, awareness of Maggie’s, and in my case, additional sponsorship.


Last review: Aug 2023 | Next review: Feb 2024

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