Help! First Aid Training's Race Day Tips; Clothing, Fuel and First Aid

You may have spotted on our social media that our very own Director, Craig, has signed up to take part in the iconic Great North Run. 

This came as a bit of a surprise to the Help First Aid Training team – let’s just say Craig hasn’t always been known for his love of long-distance running! 

With this in mind, we thought that this would be the perfect time to share some helpful tips for Craig, and anyone else preparing to tackle this incredible event that raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity every year.

What to Wear

As County Durham locals, we know that the weather can be anything and everything all at the same time! The Great North Run takes you from Newcastle, to South Shields, via Gateshead, and you could quite easily experience everything from sunshine to coastal breezes along the way.

To stay comfortable;

• Bring an old top to wear at the start that you can discard before the run begins – these are collected and recycled.
• If it’s sunny, some sunscreen and a cap to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion are a must. See our recent blog https://helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk/news/how-to-treat-heat-exhaustion-heatstroke-and-sunstroke
• Have some warm clothes ready at the finish line – it can get chilly near the coast and you'll cool down quickly after your run.
• If you’re buying new gear (trainers, socks, or running clothes), do it at least a month before the run and wear them during your training. This helps prevent rubbing or blisters on the day. 
• If you're prone to soreness or hotspots, consider using blister plasters or anti-chafing cream – and pack supplies or a small first aid kit just in case.
• If you’re running in fancy dress, we salute you! Just make sure your outfit won’t slow you down or cause you to overheat – comfort is key when it comes to crossing the finish line.

Food and Hydration

• Eating and drinking the right things can make a huge difference on the day.
• Take on some carbohydrates the night before – a bowl of pasta is a great choice.
• On race morning, have a breakfast that provides long-lasting energy – porridge is ideal.
• Carry a water bottle with you so you can sip regularly and refill at hydration stations.
• Keep sipping throughout the day, but avoid gulping too much water all at once.
• If you're running for over an hour, a sports drink can help maintain your energy and electrolyte levels.

Top tip: Avoid alcohol in the days leading up to your run and steer clear of any foods you're not used to – now’s not the time to experiment with your diet!

Know the Route

At Help! First Aid Training we always say that preparation is key and long distance running is no exception to this – get familiar with the course before race day:

• Check where the hydration stations are.
• Know where the first aid stations are – if you feel unwell, don’t push through. Stop and seek help.
• Fill in your emergency contact details on your race number, just in case.
• Arrange a meeting point with friends or family at the finish so that you can bask in their admiration for the maximum amount of time!

On the Day

Here are a few last-minute tips to help things go smoothly:

• Set off early so you’re not rushing to the start line.
• Do some gentle stretches or a light warm-up before you begin.
• Most importantly – enjoy the experience! The atmosphere is like nothing else, and the support from the crowd is pure Northern magic.

The team at Help! First Aid Training would like to wish Craig and anyone else taking part in the Great North Run the very best of luck.

Whether you're chasing a PB, raising money for charity or just aiming to finish, we’re cheering you on every step of the way. 

At Help! First Aid Training, we believe that knowledge is power, preparation is key and confidence in your skills is everything. That’s why our courses include hands-on, practical training with experienced, qualified instructors who are there to support and guide you.

Book Your Training Today

If you’d like to learn more or book a course, we’d love to hear from you!

We run regular open courses at our Shildon Business Centre in County Durham, and we can also deliver onsite training at your location. We cover Bishop Auckland to Barnard Castle, Richmond to Redcar, Hartlepool to Houghton le Spring and everywhere in between.

If you're an employer in the construction industry, don’t forget — CITB grants may cover up to 70% of your training costs.

Email: info@helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk 

Call us: 01388 417303
Website: www.helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk
CITB Info: www.citb.co.uk