WHETHER YOU’VE SPENT the past few months lacing up your runners in an effort to go from couch to 5k or you’re striving to beat your personal best, finding new, safe ways to keep active is more important than ever.

If you’re looking for a challenge, the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon Series is the perfect opportunity to test your fitness in a fun, innovative way.

This year, the Race Series is taking place over the October Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday 24 to Monday 26. Runners can choose to complete a marathon, half-marathon, 10km or 4 mile run, meaning there are lengths for all abilities. 

A highlight of the running calendar, this year’s KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon might not see crowds lining the streets to cheer you on, but you can still put your training to good use, raise funds for charity and feel the unbeatable high that comes with completing those miles.

To help you prepare, KBC Dublin Marathon Race Director Jim Aughney shared his tips for enjoying the event safely and sensibly. On your marks, get set…

1. Be safe (in every aspect)

Runners are urged to be responsible and safe, and to adhere to all Covid-19 restrictions that are in place in their local area. “If you’re running solo, make sure someone knows your route other than you,” says Jim. 

Jim shares another smart tip for safe running: “Just like a live race, you should have an emergency contact located on you in the event that it is needed.” If you’re running with others in a training pod, ensure you keep 2m distance and stagger your start times so as not to crowd pathways or trails.

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2. Plan your route 

As your own race director, you get to design your own course – but there are a few things to consider first. “When deciding which route you’re going to take, try to follow a looped route that’s ideally located close to home,” says Jim. It’ll allow for pit stops, if you need them, and means your family can come out to cheer you on.

If that’s not possible, check out a local park or green space which is both safe and accessible. “Limit road crossings, so you don’t have to stop and start, and avoid busy paths,” says Jim. “Picking a runner-friendly route is safer, more considerate, quicker and, ultimately, more enjoyable.

Just think that for once you’ll get to avoid the pain of the hill at Roebuck Road!

3. Do not run the actual route

While you might want to recreate the marathon by following the same route it usually carries, that’s not an option for this year’s event. Roads won’t be closed, meaning you’ll be starting and stopping at road junctions throughout. Plan your own route and save this one for next year, advises Jim. 

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4. Don’t forget to hydrate 

Without hydration stations to keep you topped up with water and energy drinks, you will have to think smart and plan your own hydration stations during your run. An easy way to do this, according to Jim, is to plot a lapped route and leave your bottles of water or sports drinks at your home. “If you want to take it a step further, have a support person located at the pre-determined location of your looped route to supply hydration. They can also act as your cheer squad to help keep you motivated.”

5. Start your run with a positive attitude

When you are standing at your start line, try not to think about the full 26.2 miles distance that you are about to tackle. This can be quite daunting, and you might feel overwhelmed. Instead, follow Jim’s advice: “Try to break the miles into manageable chunks, like where your hydration stations are located. It’s a lot easier to think about reaching the end of one five-mile distance at a time than it is to think about how far you’ve got until you hit the 26.2 mile mark.”

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6. Record your run on the app

Before you set off, be sure to download the Dublin Marathon app to record your time and distance. Your phone will track your progress on the virtual route, while live tracking means people will know where you are for safety reasons – and can cheer you on from home. 

You have from October 24 to 26 to select the KBC Virtual race you have entered and, remember, runners must complete the distance in one go. Like to get out to run but not ready for a marathon just yet? Sign up to walk, jog or run one of the KBC Virtual Dublin Race series events here.  Share your success on social media by using the hashtags #RunYourTown and #KBCVirtualDublinMarathon throughout the weekend.