Paris Marathon: Mile 21

The course cuts back on itself to make up the distance before heading into the park for the final few miles

The Paris Marathon is predominantly flat, with a few relatively gentle inclines. Nothing too serious. However, you’re going to be faced with a hill of sorts here in the final climb of the race. After 20 miles, it’s time to steel yourself up for the final push. If you’ve still got some, take a swig of your energy drink and give the hill a kick.

It might not look like much, but it'll punch above its weight when you get to it.

The most effective way I’ve found of running up a hill is to lean forward from your feet to give you some of the benefits of gravity. (Granted, this could be a little too close to falling over for some people’s comfort levels.) Look down and watch your feet, or look a very short distance in front of you. It might sound strange, but it will stop you focusing on how long a hill is – or even that it’s a hill.

Once you’re at the summit, it’s more or less a gentle downhill for the rest of the race.