Your first event checklist

An entry confirmation tells you that you're entered. It doesn't tell you where to park, whether walking is allowed, or how early you need to find the toilets.

Use the organiser's current information to answer those questions. The arrangements at another event may be quite different.

Before you enter

• Confirm the date, distance, location, surface, hills, and preparation time.
• Read entry conditions, age or qualification requirements, and cancellation or transfer terms.
• Check whether walking and planned walking breaks are allowed.
• Check final and intermediate time limits, including what happens if you miss one.
• Ask about accessibility, mobility aids, and support-person arrangements where relevant.
• Compare the preparation with your current ability and a suitable plan's starting requirements.

If you're looking for a first-distance schedule, Choose a plan for where you are now explains the options. Entering doesn't establish that participating is suitable for your health.

Before event day

• Confirm your start time, wave, bib collection, and any required briefing.
• Plan transport both ways, including road closures, parking, or public transport changes.
• Locate toilets, bag drop, aid stations, medical help, and the finish arrangements.
• Check what food and drink will actually be available; practise anything you'll rely on during appropriate training.
• Prepare familiar clothes, shoes, and required equipment. Read the event's headphone and other relevant rules.
• Plan medication and health support around your own professional advice.
• Agree on a meeting point with anyone coming along, including what to do if phones or tracking don't work.

Check again near the day

• Read the forecast and the organiser's latest heat, storm, smoke, or cancellation updates.
• Recheck transport, the kit list, and the time you need to leave.
• Decide your intended effort and walking approach within the event rules.
• Make room afterwards to collect belongings, eat, drink, and get home.

On the course

Give yourself room to settle instead of letting the crowd choose your pace. Follow course signs, marshal instructions, and event rules.

If exercise causes pain or concerning symptoms, stop and get help. Know how to reach the event medical team. In Australia, call triple zero (000) for a medical emergency. Finding your feet in the early weeks explains symptoms that need attention; a medal won't make a health concern disappear.

Open the actual event information now. Make one list of unanswered questions, and ask the organiser before relying on an assumption. Getting those answers is part of being ready.