Olympic sports psychologist to share top tips ahead of Brighton Marathon with free runner webinar

With the Brighton Marathon weekend fast approaching, University of Brighton is bringing together leading experts in sport psychology and podiatry to support runners with a free lunchtime webinar, providing practical, evidence-based training advice designed to help them prepare confidently for race day.

Scheduled for Tuesday, 7 April, the session will be given by Dr Anastasiya Khomutova, a chartered sport psychologist and Course Leader for Sport Coaching BSc(Hons) in the University’s School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences, and will focus on mental readiness in the crucial final week before race day. The 45-minute webinar will start at 12:30pm, with runners attending given the opportunity to submit questions in advance.

Dr Khomutova, who has supported athletes preparing for major international competitions including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, explains that the final month of training is often more psychologically challenging than physical.

She said: “There is something unique about the last few weeks before an event, Physically, most runners are ready, but mentally, this is when doubt, restlessness and uncertainty can creep in. Understanding that this is a normal part of the process is key.

“This stage is not about building new fitness, it’s about consolidating what you’ve already achieved and allowing your body to recover. Confidence should come from the consistency of your training, not how you feel on a single day. And on race day, trust the work you have put in, rather than trying to compensate during the taper period.”

Dr Khomutova also encourages runners to reconnect with their original motivation for taking part, shifting focus away from pressure and outcome-based thinking.

“Sustainable motivation is rooted in meaning. Remind yourself why you signed up in the first place and focus on the experience as much as the result.”

“It’s easy to forget that race day is not just a performance test, but an experience. Take time to appreciate the atmosphere, the journey you’ve been on, and the achievement of reaching the start line.”

The free webinar, Mental readiness ahead of the Brighton Marathon Weekend, will be delivered on Tuesday 7 April at 12.30pm via Microsoft Teams. Participants can register in advance and submit questions to be addressed during the session.

As a partner of the Brighton Marathon, the University of Brighton continues to support runners and the wider community through its teaching, research and professional expertise in sport, health and performance.

Staff related to this story

Dr Anastasiya Khomutova

Senior Lecturer – School of Education, Sport and Health

Sport and Leisure Cultures Research Excellence Group