It is the responsibility of the runner to be fit to compete on the day of the race. If you have any medical issues which you think may put you at risk when running a half/full marathon, see your GP prior to commencing on a training programme. Runners who should seek medical advice from their doctor include those with existing medical problems or symptoms/signs as follows:

1. Heart disease
2. Asthma
3. Diabetes
4. Epilepsy

You should also see your own doctor if you have had any signs or symptoms of heart disease, such are chest pain or chest tightness on exertion, shortness of breath, or palpitations that is out of context of the physical exertion. You should discuss any relevant family history such heart disease or sudden collapse. Once you have obtained consent from your doctor to start your training programme, you are required to declare any serious medical issues/conditions that might require special attention to the Race Organisers before the event. In addition, any medical condition needs to be declared on your race number. The Medical Director may wish to discuss, in confidence, any condition with your own doctor. Please note that the event medical team cannot give individual advice. I stress again, it is your responsibility to be fit on the day, do not ruin it by becoming a medical casualty.

Please note:
As part of your structured training plan, you should be able to comfortably run the following. ‘Comfortable’ meaning that you must feel as though you could still run more at the end of the distance. These distances are minimum targets to ensure that you can enjoy your event in safety and enjoy the experience. If you can complete them it doesn’t mean that you can stop your training, you must keep following your training plan up to the race.

· 15 miles continuous training run, comfortably one month before a marathon

· 8 miles continuous training run one month before a 13 mile race

· 6 miles continuous training run one month before a 10 mile race

· 4 miles continuous training run one month before a 10 km race

If you cannot, you will not manage your event in safety and are unlikely to enjoy it. Please do not run on this occasion, even if you have raised money for charity - it will be better to give yourself more time and take part in another event.

Some races may have a deferral policy if you are unable to race; it's worth checking the conditions of entry or contact the race organisers.