TCS London Marathon: the key to success with rep Padraic

Meet Padraic, Sports Tours International rep and marathoner. Padraic brings a wealth of knowledge, with a deep passion for one of his all-time favourite races – the TCS London Marathon. Now, he’s here to share his knowledge and insights to help you make the most of your marathon experience.

A race like no other

I was lucky enough to run the TCS London Marathon in 2024 after narrowly missing out the year before and it was everything I had hoped for and more. The electric atmosphere, the roar of the cheering crowds and the perfect running conditions made the miles fly by.

The weather provided perfect running conditions, and the course – fast and flat, was a joy to run. But it’s still a marathon and fatigue started during the closing miles. But passing landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace gave me a boost to finish strong, and those all-important finish line photos made the effort even more worthwhile!

Fuelling and preparation tips

Fuelling is a personal strategy, but for me, it starts days before the race with proper hydration and nutrition. I focus on quality sleep leading up to race day, as that sets the tone for everything. On race morning, I stick to my tried-and-tested routine: a bowl of porridge with honey, a few slices of bread with jam and some water or Lucozade Sport up to 90 minutes before the start – avoiding unnecessary bathroom breaks mid-race. During the marathon, I take a gel every 30 minutes, totalling around 60g of carbs per hour, which works perfectly for me.

The key to a successful marathon isn’t just in the distance; it’s in the pacing. Going out too fast and trying to “bank time” early is a common mistake that can cost you later. Instead, start conservatively, find your rhythm, and trust your training. 26.2 miles is a long way, but if you respect the distance, you’ll enjoy the experience.

Lessons Learned

Since my first marathon in Dublin 2013, I’ve learned so much about the distance and about myself. Every race teaches something new. Not every marathon goes as planned, but when everything comes together on race day, the feeling is unmatched, and the memories last forever. Consistency is key for me. My 5:20 am alarm gets me out for a run before work, and sticking to this routine week after week has been the cornerstone of my progress.

Looking back, I wish I’d known just how incredible the London Marathon experience would be. I expected it to be amazing, but it turned out to be so much more. I can’t wait for the chance to run it again, to soak up that unmatched atmosphere.

If you ever get the opportunity to run London – don’t hesitate. JUST DO IT! And it’s not too late, you can still run the 2025 London Marathon without the needs for a ballot place or qualifying time. Find out more here.