Mara Yamauchi, Dr Charlie Pedlar and Bud Baldaro confirmed for Marathon Development sessions

We are delighted to announce that Britain's second fastest female marathon runner Mara Yamauchi, leading physiologist Dr Charlie Pedlar and one of Britain's best endurance coaches Bud Baldaro will be involved in England Athletics' marathon development activity this winter. Mara, Charlie and Bud will be attending the first marathon development weekend this winter and then Mara and Charlie will have further involvement in the workshops and masterclasses to be held later this winter.

At the weekend from 30 November to 2 December Charlie will present on physiology of the marathon and include a case study of Mara’s progression as her physiologist for much of her career. Mara will chat about her running, sessions, lifestyle and more. There will also be an athlete interview later in the day also. Bud Baldaro will once again be involved in the first marathon weekend and be available to speak to athletes and coaches.

These weekends and workshops are part of England Athletics' marathon development work and will once again provide a tremendous opportunity for athletes and coaches looking to develop their performance level at the marathon.

The Marathon Performance Weekends will once again take place in the Forest of Dean and are happening on Friday 30 November to Sunday 2 December and Friday 1 to Sunday 3 February. These events are open to athletes who are realistically aspiring to run a sub 2:28 for marathon or sub 68min for a half (men) or a sub 2:55 marathon or sub 80min for a half (women) and their coaches.

Marathon Programme lead Nick Anderson said, “We are delighted to be able to confirm the involvement of Mara, Charlie and Bud. Last winter, as well as Bud, we had the likes of Prof Andy Jones talking about his work on the Breaking2 project and with Paula Radcliffe, London Marathon winner Mike Gratton giving his insights, and Renee McGregor being very practical about the nutritional needs and challenges of athletes at this level.

"Having Mara, Charlie and Bud confirmed at this stage continues that high level of speaker, and we know they are all very practical and helpful in the way they present their extremely high levels of expertise and experience. Mara was involved as an athlete in previous marathon development work and seeing how she developed through that time was tremendous and a great inspiration to many athletes. That means we are particularly pleased to welcome her back in this role. Both Bud and Charlie have also had previous involvement in similar work and we are very appreciative of their ongoing support to athletes and coaches in this way."

This year the weekends will look at performance physiology and recovery strategy, looking at best training practice and injury prevention.

Nick said, “We will be looking at how athletes and coaches can create the ideal performance package to progress to racing effectively at championships level. We are encouraging the coaches of eligible athletes to attend along with their athletes. I would also be interested in hearing from coaches who are likely to be working with athletes within the criteria for the weekend in the years ahead.”

In addition to the Marathon Performance Weekends there are three Regional workshops to be held in January covering training physiology and nutrition. These events are suitable for those targeting the level of Championships or Good For Age entry at the London Marathon or equivalent.

Charlie will also present on Wednesday 9th January at St Mary's for the Regional Marathon Workshop & Masterclass there, before both Mara and Charlie will then be part of the Birmingham University session a week later on the Wednesday 16th January.