In the days leading up to a race, something always shifts. Even if you’ve trained with intention, even if you know exactly what you’re doing, there’s a moment when it hits you: this is it. It’s no longer a plan—it’s happening. Everything you’ve done so far has brought you right here, just a few days (or hours) from the starting line.
That’s exactly when you need to pause for a second, breathe, and take care of the final details—the ones that make the difference.
Here are a few suggestions to help you get the most out of your experience at the PolimiRun, one of the most loved, attended, and shared races of the season. It’s not just about running. It’s about being part of something together. Because in Milan, during this event, you run as one. But more than that—you feel the atmosphere: motivation, shared energy, and stories weaving together.
The Running Lab: The Best Place to Start
Not every race starts at the starting line. Some begin days earlier, in a place where you really step into the spirit of the event. At PolimiRun, that place is called The Running Lab: the adidas space inside the Expo Village, fully dedicated to you and your run.
Here you can get a gait analysis, talk to a specialist, and try out the shoes that suit you best. It’s the smartest, most practical way to understand how you move—and how to do it better. But it’s also more than that: The Running Lab is a chance to soak in the energy of the race, meet fellow runners, find inspiration, and fine-tune the small things that can change everything.
Whether you’re tackling your first 10K or chasing a new PR, stopping by here is an act of awareness. It’s about choosing the right shoes—and giving deeper meaning to your whole journey.
Pacing: Start Smart, Finish Strong
PolimiRun is a fast course—but that doesn’t mean you can go out recklessly. The golden rule? Run your pace. Start in control, let your body settle into its rhythm, and only then start pushing.
It’s easy to get caught up in the buzz of the crowd early on, but a steady first half means you’ll have the clarity and strength to finish well.
If you’ve worked on pacing in training, trust your feel. If you haven’t, follow your instincts—but don’t overdo it. It’s way better to finish strong than to hit a wall halfway through.
Nutrition: Stick to What You Know
In the days leading up to race day, keep your diet familiar. No surprises, no experiments. Eat clean, balanced meals with a good mix of complex carbs and light proteins.
The night before: rice, pasta, potatoes, some cooked vegetables.
Race morning: toast with honey or jam, a banana, maybe some yogurt (only if it’s part of your usual routine and won’t upset your stomach).
The goal is to start the race with energy—without feeling heavy. Every body responds differently, and this isn’t the time to test its limits.
Mindset: Stay in the Moment
Good running isn’t just about strong legs—it’s about being present.
During the race, check in with yourself. Stay connected. Every breath can bring you back into your body. Every cheer from the crowd can lift you. Every glance you exchange along the route is a little jolt of energy you can choose to absorb.
Don’t underestimate the crowd’s power: PolimiRun is lined with people. And even if they don’t know you, in some strange way, they’re rooting for you. Let that in. Let it carry you when things get tough.
Last-Minute Reminders
- Shoes: if you’ve trained in a certain model and it feels right, stick with it. Still looking for the perfect match? Swing by The Running Lab and get expert help tailored to how you run.
- Warm-up: 10 easy minutes and a few strides are all it takes to get your body ready without draining energy.
- Clothing: check the weather and dress accordingly. Bring an extra layer you can shed at the last minute if needed.
- Hydration: sip small amounts up to an hour before the race. If it’s warm, plan to hydrate during the run too.
An Open Invitation
PolimiRun is more than a race. It’s a project, a symbol, a vibrant collective moment. Running is always a personal act—but doing it in a setting this meaningful changes everything: your motivation, your joy, your energy.
If you’re showing up, embrace it all the way. If you’re still on the fence, remember: every race is a chance to learn something about yourself.
