THE countdown is on!

With less than seven days to go until the English Half Marathon, sponsored by New Balance, the company's David Gillick has provided his five top tips of expert advice to ensure you put your best foot forward on race day:

1. Stick to the shoes you know – no one wants to be let down by their footwear on race day, so make sure you wear shoes that you have trained in previously to ensure optimum comfort and performance on the day.

2. Stretch it out – minimise next day aches and pains by stretching before and after the race; focus particularly on any areas which are prone to feeling tight after running such as your calves, hamstrings and quads.

3. Fuel your run – make sure you eat before and after the race, opting for a healthy balance of carbs and protein to keep your energy levels up. Be careful not to eat too close to the race, we suggest eating at least an hour before.

4. Running for a reason – perhaps you’re running to achieve a personal goal or you’re raising money for a cause close to your heart?

Keep the reasons for your race at the forefront of your mind to help generate that extra motivation needed to complete the race within your desired timeframe.

5. Pace yourself – to conserve your energy, start by running slowly for the first few miles, build up your pace gradually and finish fast and strong! This method will serve you well in maintaining your stamina throughout the race.

We want your English half marathon experience to be a great one, so we’ve recommended some New Balance running shoes. All available from Run Geek in the town centre.

The New Balance 860v4 If you’re an over-pronator looking for a high-mileage runner, then the New Balance 860V4 stability shoe will offer you supreme cushioned comfort for race day. This shoe provides enhanced motion control, helping those in need of a little more support perform at their very best!