Sanlam Cape Town Marathon: 7 pre-race tips to keep you going on Sunday

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is fast approaching.

On Sunday (20 October), runners from around the world will gather to complete the 42.2-kilometre-long world-renowned race.

Running conditions will be good, with a minimum of 12°C and a high of 18°C expected. A south-south-easterly wind of up to 19 km/h is forecasted.

Van der Westhuizen got some tips from Lloyd Marlowe, a performance coach from Fitness& and a six-time Comrades Marathon finisher, and Mark Dingle from Benoni Northern Athletics Club to explain their pre-race day top tips:

Mentally prepare:

Visualise your race day success, picture yourself crossing the finish line, taking that post-race selfie and finally saying to yourself that you did the thing you've been training for, says van der Westhuizen.

Don't change your pre-race meal:

Fuel yourself before a marathon - eat what you are used to and ensure you stay hydrated with more than water about two to three days before the race.

On the morning of the race - eat a good breakfast to stay nutritionally sustained throughout the race.

Pace yourself:

The first 10 kilometres are downhill so that's where you want to hold back and preserve all your energy.

The last 10 kilometres is where the hills climb so it's what you need all your energy for and be ready to start running at the 30-kilometer mark.

Never try anything new on race day:

"If you haven't trained with it, don't use it on race day," say the experts.

Wear a comfortable kit:

Shoes, meals, drinks, socks - ensure you are comfortable and will stay that way for the race.

Use water points wisely

Pre-pack your running bag:

Have all the things you need to bring along with you like your running number packed and ready to go before race day so you don't forget anything important.

Overall, the fitness trio agree that the golden rule is: 'Stick to what you know.'