First time doing a long race

[Brotherton Lad]

and if it looks like it's going to be hot, I'd take on as much fluid as you can during the morning and right up to the start

Seconded, if you're not weeing in the bushes 5 times in the last half hour, you're not drinking enough.

[Flopsy]

I'd definately try to run with a loaded bum bag beforehand

I have tried loads of different types of bum bags but I get tummy ache running with them so I stick to small backpacks now (unless the bum bag is really light)