Most marathon mistakes don’t happen on race day—they happen in training. Wearing the wrong gear, bad pacing, or going out too fast aren’t just accidents. They’re the result of not practicing race-day execution ahead of time. That’s where a well-executed marathon simulation run can save you.
It’s not about running the full distance—it’s about rehearsing the details that can make or break your race. You want to catch problems now, not at mile 18 when your stomach revolts, your shoes start rubbing the wrong way, or you realize you’ve been pacing all wrong.
Here’s how to structure your simulation run, what to fine-tune, and why this single workout could mean the difference between crashing at mile 20 (or mile 10 for half marathoners) or cruising to the finish.
- Finding the Perfect Distance for Your Simulation
You don’t need to run the full marathon or half in training—that would take too long to recover from. Instead, the best marathon simulation runs are:
Marathoners: 16-20 miles
Half Marathoners: 8-11 miles
This is long enough to test your strategy but short enough to recover from quickly. The goal is to finish your run feeling like you could run further, not like you barely survived.
- Start at the Same Time as Race Day
The JC Marathon on April 13th starts at 7:00 AM, therefore your simulation run should start at 7:00 AM. Why? Because your body needs to:
- Get used to early fueling (what you eat at 5 AM matters)
- Adjust to race-day conditions (morning temperatures, light, humidity)
- Time bathroom stops (avoid mid-race surprises)
Treat this like the real race—wake up at the same time, eat the same breakfast, and warm up just like you will on race morning.
- Run at Your Goal Pace
A common mistake among runners is doing long runs too slow or too fast. As a marathoner or half marathoner, you should work race-pace miles into your simulation run to ensure you can maintain your goal speed even as fatigue sets in.
- Run the first half of your run at an easy pace
- For the second half, switch to your goal race pace
- During the final mile, try to finish strong
This teaches your body how to handle goal pace on tired legs—the most race-specific training you can do.
- Choose a Route That Mimics Race Day
Going into race day without knowing the route is like taking a test without looking at the questions beforehand. It’s not just about navigation—it’s about strategy. This is where our interactive race map comes in. Use it to study the elevation profile and key turns so that on race day, nothing catches you off guard. The more familiar the course feels, the more confident you’ll be when the miles get tough.
Find our interactive map here: https://jerseycitymarathon.com/course/
- Run in Full Race Gear
Nothing new on race day. That means your:
✔️ Shoes are broken in (but not too worn)
✔️Clothes don’t chafe after an hour of running
✔️ Fuel belt, armband, or pockets stay put
✔️ Socks won’t cause blisters
Marathon and half marathon success comes down to preparation, not luck. A well-executed simulation run isn’t just another workout—it’s your chance to eliminate race-day surprises and step to the start line with confidence. Most runners do one or two simulation runs in the final weeks.
The more you test now, the smoother race day will feel. And don’t forget—our interactive race map is here to help. Study the course, learn the key turns, and prepare for the elevation so you know exactly what to expect when the gun goes off.
Now, get out there and run your best rehearsal!