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Marathon Development Weekend building momentum – February bookings now open

World class British marathoner Mara Yamauchi and leading physiologist Dr Charlie Pedlar were among the speakers at the latest England Athletics Marathon Development Weekend and bookings are now being taken for the next weekend in the Forest of Dean early in 2019.

The next weekend takes place from Friday 1 – Sunday 3 February and will once again include a mixture of group runs and training sessions, presentations and practical sessions with top experts, and time for coaches and athletes to network and discuss ideas.

Click here for more information and to book on the February event.

England Athletics marathon programme lead Nick Anderson said, “Once again the latest weekend provided great opportunities for coaches to learn and share new ideas and take a deeper look at some of the elements that are fundamental to preparing for a marathon.

“It’s invaluable for people to not just hear Mara talking about how she progressed to running a 2:23:12 marathon and Charlie explaining some of the physiology behind successful marathon preparation, but for them to also be able to ask questions and engage around all the subjects raised.

“Having Dan Robinson then also doing physiological testing on runners throughout one of the sessions was superb in then making some of the topics covered thoroughly practical and relevant to the athletes and coaches there.

“I’m really looking forward to the weekend in February where we will be able to look at how athletes can be well conditioned and resilient enough to train and race at their best. The athletes and coaches at the December event told us this was something they wanted. Being able to provide support, advice and practical sessions on what the athletes and coaches involved feel will benefit them the most is a fundamental part of what the programme is about.”

Among those presenting on the February weekend with be physio Chris Bramah who has worked with British athletes at events including the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2017 London World Championships. Chris works with numerous elite endurance athletes and has carried out research on the biomechanics of running related injuries and biomechanical differences between elite and recreational runners, and co-authored a number of peer reviewed articles on running biomechanics. Also presenting will be Gareth Walton, England Athletics’ technical lead for Physical Preparation.

Click here for more information and to book on the February event.

Also on the way in January are a series of workshops on marathon training, physiology and nutrition. These are being held at St Mary’s University College in Twickenham on Wednesday 9 January, Birmingham University on 16 January and Leeds on 23 January. Presenters will include Dr Charlie Pedlar, Nick Anderson and other guest presenters to be confirmed.

Click here to find out more about upcoming coach development opportunities including other workshops for those interested in the marathon.