Hi Martin, I usually work back from the 'gun' time dependant on race distance and quantity of people, etc. Rule of thumb is allow 20-25 mins warm up and stretching before start, 5 - 10mins for final prep, toilets, racing gear adjustments, 10 -15 mins before that to familiarise yourself with race control, location and any admin arrangements.

So for example after parking up 1 hour before the off would leave you comfortable to prepare yourself properly, some of the large attended events (1000+ runners) may affect some effective warming up runs and you may only be able to do some 'on spot' warming up due to the crowding.

The main thing is don't get there too late so you are having to rush around doing stressful admin stuff or trying to get your bearings, if you can have a go at slowly trotting around part of the route to get a feel of it, especially from the start where you can 'map' in your head what to do when it all kicks off.

Hi Martin,

I would have to agree with derek. I normally turn up an hour before a race, just to settle have a look round and soak up the atmoshpere. Nothing worst than arriving late and then be in a panic. I think being there with the crowds is all part of the fun. Good luck for your run.

John