The Ultimate Marvel Marathon is finally upon us.

11 movies.

27 hours.

For the lucky fans who get to attend this exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime event, the Ultimate Marvel Marathon will not only be a celebration of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but an epic test of human endurance that knows no equal. 

The Star Wars saga? Maybe if you waited until Episode IX and threw-in a couple standalone movies for good measure.

The Lord of the Rings/Hobbit double trilogy? Even with the extended versions, you’re looking at a run time of only 21 hours and 2 minutes.

Heading into this unprecedented event, we thought it would be wise to put our heads together and offer up some tips based on a long collective history of attending movie marathons.

Who knew they’d all just be training runs for the main event?

1. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself.
- Yes. Popcorn is a delicious and wonderful food group especially when eaten in mass quantities but take your time. A nibble here, a nibble there, just enough to keep you running at a nice steady pace.

2. Stay hydrated but not too hydrated.
- Unlimited free refills are an amazing thing but you don’t want to end up running a real marathon dashing and forth to the bathroom. 

3. Save the Sour Patch Kids until you really need them.
- Think of them as the NOS of the concession stand. Might want to wait and flip the switch on those bad boys and girls until Ultron is about to make his appearance on the big screen.

4. Pack a tooth brush and toothpaste so you can stay minty fresh.
- Do this one for yourself and those sitting around you.

5. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes and socks.
- If there were ever a time to wear sweatpants in public, the Ultimate Marvel Marathon is it. A hoodie isn’t just a piece of clothing. It is a veritable Swiss Army Knife that allows for temperature regulation and can be balled up into a pillow and if you really need to take a nap, you can wear it backwards and use the hood as a face-sized sleeping mask. Go for sneakers that are easy on and easy off so. While they may not be the most fashionable, compression socks will help keep that pesky deep vein thrombosis at bay. 

6. Power napping during the credits is your secret weapon.
- If you’ve ever experienced the utter agony of trying to “hold it” just so you can see a post credits bonus scene, then you know exactly how long a Marvel movie’s credits can be. Add them all up and you’ve got a solid hour of napping.

Any tips we missed? Feel free to add yours!

And remember, nobody gets a medal at the start of the marathon. You’ve got to stay for the duration to get yours.