This week I'm discussing three of the hot topics in big marathons that has divided opinion.

Dublin marathon has changed its general entry process to ballot only, Paris has announced no cups or bottles on course and Cape Town, the 8th candidate major was cancelled at the weekend.

I give my view on each highlighting how marathons have changed and are continuing to change and how you can try to prepare yourself for these changes or disappointments.

I also talk about what 2026 marathons are available to enter and how far ahead of time you need to be thinking about them.

You can get help with your upcoming race with the master the marathon course or a personal race prep call at ⁠⁠⁠www.therunningrules.com/services