Speed
Remember to run at maximum speed when approaching the jump; the faster the rate of speed of your character, the better.
The Art of the Jump
While your character's speed is important, the most important aspect of the long jump is the jump itself. Do not jerk hard when performing the jump as you will either jump too far or will land a very short jump. The trick is to time your jumps and find a "sweet spot." By doing so, you will jump at exactly the right time and will land a successful long jump.
Practice
Chances are high that you will not master the long jump on your first try. As with all things, practice is the best way to get better. If you are having trouble and want to become better, keep trying the event over and over.