Warm Weather Guide

Please follow our advice, below, to ensure you have the best experience at the Big Half.

Slow your planned pace and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Big Half, rather than target a personal best or fast time. If you were planning to run in fancy dress, please think carefully whether that is still appropriate in the conditions.   
 

This should ideally be lightweight moisture-management clothing designed for use in warmer conditions (but remember that new clothing can chafe if it hasn’t been worn and washed).  

If you feel thirsty, drink water. If you feel overly tired, slow down. If you feel unwell in any way, visit one of the First Aid Stations on the course. If you feel unwell before Event Day, please do not run – you can find medical advice to help you make the right decision on our Medical advice page.

Be careful not to overdrink – drinking too much water can be dangerous. There is water available at Miles 3, 6, 9.5 and 11, plus Tap Water Refill Stations at Miles 4.5, 7.5 and 12, and sports drink at Mile 8.5.  

When you take water, drink if you feel thirsty, douse your head and the back of your neck (check if other participants would like to do the same if you have any water left), drain your bottle by squeezing out any unused water then drop it into one of our recycling bins. Please do not drop your empty bottles on the floor.

There are showers along the Big Half course, which will be turned on as the day heats up. Run under these if you need to cool down.   

It will be in cups at Mile 8.5 and Mile 11 to help you cool down. Use the ice on the back of your neck and under your armpits or around your groin, where possible. 
 

Wet running clothes may cause chafing. Consider taping sensitive areas such as nipples and using petroleum jelly to help prevent chafing.  
 

You may be out in the sun for several hours, so remember to apply a good-quality sunscreen to all exposed areas before you leave home.