Runners are set to lace up their trainers and take part in the 2026 Jersey Marathon, and with less than two months to go, training is certainly ramping up.
As one of the Island’s biggest annual sporting events, this year’s race is expected to welcome more than 2,000 marathoners – some chasing fundraising targets while in weird and wonderful costumes – on the 4 October.
Henry Baye, CEO of sponsors Standard Chartered Jersey, said the most special part of the race is how “it brings together people from different backgrounds” as they take on the challenge.
“Every participant has their own story, whether they are aiming for a personal best, raising money for charity, running their first marathon or supporting a cause close to their heart,” he said.
One runner, Jon Strong, from Tyne and Wear, UK, is amongst those registered in this year’s marathon, and is set to complete his challenge of running ‘A-Z of marathons’, with J as his final letter.
So, with race day fast approaching, Anna Harding, experienced marathon runner and host of The National Running Show, has shared some of her top tips for runners entering their final weeks of training.
TOP TIPS…
- Consistency beats perfection: not every session will go the way you hoped and missing the occasional run won’t ruin your marathon. What matters most is being consistently good, rather than occasionally brilliant.
- Practice your fueling strategy now: experiment with different energy gels, chews, sports drink or real food now and work out what works best with your stomach. Remember: nothing new on race day!
- Don’t neglect hydration: over the summer months, warm weather can dramatically increase your fluid needs. Take fluids with you or plan routes that allow you to stop for water. The course will have 12 water stations alongside chances for you to refuel.
- Strength training matters: It’s easy to put off a strength session, but it can help reduce injury risk and improve your running overall. Even one session a week is better than none!
- Run easy on easy days: These runs should feel easy. If you can hold a conversation and finish feeling like you could have kept going, you are doing the right thing!
- Respect the long run: This is the most important session of the week. Not only are you building your physical endurance, this is your chance to rehearse everything you will do on race day – even the kit you plan to wear.
GET INVOLVED…
Islanders considering to take on the 26.2 miles, or get involved with the Relay Race and the Marathon mile, should visit the website here.
