You’ve signed up to a big distance! Whether you’re experienced or a newcomer it’s still a long way to run! At this stage you probably don’t need to be doing any event specific training, but it’s always good to be keeping a solid base level of fitness.

It might be a good time to be thinking about your goals for the event. If you want to be smashing some PB’s maybe look at speaking to a coach about setting a plan up for you (I can personally recommend Josh Merrett Strength and Fitness as someone who has helped me). Although you wouldn’t want an event specific plan to be starting quite yet, by the time you make contact and get everything sorted you might be getting towards the time you’d want a plan to start.

If the event is a long way from home do you need to sort out accommodation? Check the start times and calculate when you might finish. If you’re going to be finishing late having spent 10 hours on your feet is it wise to drive hours home? These are your decisions of course but start planning for them now.

The earlier you book the cheaper your rates and you’ve got time to plan if there happens to be a big conference on locally and hotel space is difficult. Don’t leave it to the last minute!

A pre-event visit to the venue can really help. The routes for all of our events are on the relevant event page. Just visiting the venue, getting a feel for the place, where the toilets are, parking etc really helps settle any anxieties for some.

Maybe get some friends to come along and help you along too. It can be really helpful to understand the terrain and have a bit of knowledge of the route beforehand.

I’ll always set up so it’s easy to spot us and we’re more often than not next to a toilet block but if it makes you feel better why not do it!?

Most of the venues also have a very nice café too so a coffee and cake treat post run is always good.

If you’re looking to get a real understanding of a Big Bear event why not see if you can volunteer in the coming months? The best way to know how the set up works is to be part of it! It also means when you’ve got that finishers high in 5 months you’ll be able to go home and sign up for an event for free with your volunteer credit! Double winner!!

All of our weekend ultra events have mandatory kit lists. You must carry the m in full for the event. They aren’t onerous at all but you’re going to need a pack of some sorts to carry them.

Of course there are some fundamentals you’ll need too. Trainers, shorts, top etc. You need to make sure you are comfortable in this kit - it’s going to be on for a long time!

We stock some branded kit here (soft flasks, collapsible cups etc) but for more specialised pieces of equipment our friends at Coventry Runner can kit you out. Supporting your local running shop is really important, there aren’t many left. Luckily ours is also great!

5 months is also plenty of time to badger your mates in to joining you. Running with friends is always great so get them to sign up too! It can also help with motivation in training as it keeps you accountable.

I would never suggest running for an ultra distance with a friend the whole way. You need to be clear form the outset how much you’ll run together and when you can separate. Many a friendship has been spoiled by not setting these out beforehand!

There is nothing better than both sitting in the pub (or McDonalds drive through at the services!) post-event with you medals having both smashed a huge goal though!

I’ve tried my best to answer any questions or queries you might have here. Everything from toilets, to parking to food. It’s a bit of a read (grab a cup of tea!) but there is lots of detail in there that will hopefully help alleviate some stress’ and anxieties. I want to you to come to the event feeling ready to run/walk - not fretting about where you’re going to park!