Top Marathon Running Gear

I’m going to start off by reiterating something I’ve already covered. The realisation that marathon running is a feat that’s as much about mental endurance, as it is about physical stamina. But what sometimes is overlooked, is how critical wearing the right gear can be in getting you across the finish line.

It’s not just about looking the part, it’s about choosing suitable kit that will see you go the distance, ensuring comfort and preventing injuries. If you’ve managed to compile a list of essential running gear, you’re sure to have set yourself up for success long before race day arrives.

So, let’s consider the must have items every marathoner should include in their armoury, from custom fit running shoes to moisture absorbing performance wear.

Don’t worry too much about getting everything right first time. You can always make adjustments as you feel necessary, because your first marathon isn’t likely to be your last.

Being more specific, your feet are your foundation, so investing in a ‘top of the range’ pair of running shoes should be your priority. I’m going to cover this in depth in the next section, where I’ll guide you through selecting the ultimate footwear tailored for those relentless miles.

Footwear Fundamentals: Choosing the Best Marathon Shoes

So let’s look at one of the most crucial components of your marathon gear, and that is your running shoes. Imagine the miles you’ll be putting on them during training and on race day. That’s why picking the most suitable pair should never be questioned.

Choosing the right marathon shoe though isn’t just about comfort. More importantly, it’s about preventing injuries, ensuring proper form, and sometimes, it can be the difference between ‘hitting the wall’ and ‘breaking’ through it.

When you’re considering which characteristics are best suited for the ideal pair, then,

• Cushioning
• Support
• Stability
• Weight
• Fit
• Comfort

offer a perfect balance of features that can help you maintain energy while you clock up those miles.

It’s true to say that everyone’s feet are unique and as such, your perfect fit might be somebody else’s blister nightmare. So, to find the best pair that suit your running style and preferences, bear in mind the aforementioned attributes. Additionally, getting properly fitted at a specialty running store can help ensure you find the right shoes for your needs.

You can always adjust any unsuitable features as you progress, but for now, focus on finding shoes with the best reviews from fellow marathoners. Consider some of the brands that are regularly seen in a marathon line up. These are often a safe bet because they’ve been tried and tested.

The top 5 brands known for their long distance running shoes:

1. Nike: Nike offers a range of running shoes designed for long distance running, known for their cushioning, responsiveness, and durability. Popular models include the Nike Zoom Pegasus, Nike Zoom Vomero, and Nike Zoom Structure.
2. Adidas: Adidas is a well established brand in the running shoe market, known for their comfort, support, and performance. Models such as the Adidas Ultraboost, Adidas Adizero, and Adidas Solarboost are popular choices for long distance runners.
3. Brooks: Brooks specialises in running shoes and has a strong reputation for designing high quality shoes that cater to different running styles and preferences. The Brooks Ghost, Brooks Adrenaline GTS, and Brooks Glycerin are favourites among long distance runners.
4. Asics: Asics is known for its innovative technologies and cushioning systems that provide support and comfort for long distance runs. The Asics Gel Nimbus, Asics Gel Kayano, and Asics GT series are popular choices for runners seeking stability and cushioning.
5. Saucony: Saucony offers a wide range of running shoes designed for various types of runners and distances. The Saucony Triumph, Saucony Guide, and Saucony Kinvara are popular models known for their comfort, flexibility, and performance on long runs.

Running Apparel for All Weather: What to Wear Marathon Day

Now that you’ve chosen your ideal running shoes, it’s also very important to consider what running attire you’re going to feel the most comfortable wearing. The right clothes can make a huge difference in your performance, especially as you’re tackling those long miles. It’s about choosing gear that will help you cope with all weather conditions.

When selecting marathon running apparel, look for garments made from technical fabrics and technologies to ensure optimal performance, comfort, and moisture management during training and on race day. The right combination of technical fabrics can enhance your running experience by providing the support, breathability, and moisture wicking properties to help athletes stay dry and comfortable throughout their runs. On marathon day, this could mean the difference between feeling fresh or fatigued at mile 20.

Some common technical fabrics associated with marathon gear: 

• Dri-FIT: Dri-FIT is a moisture wicking fabric developed by Nike that helps pull sweat away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric where it can evaporate, keeping runners dry and comfortable during long runs.
• CoolMax: CoolMax is a breathable, moisture wicking fabric that helps regulate body temperature by pulling moisture away from the body to keep runners cool and dry. It is often used in marathon running apparel to enhance comfort during intense training sessions.
• Climalite: Climalite is a lightweight fabric developed by Adidas that wicks sweat away from the body to the fabric’s surface for quick evaporation, helping runners stay dry and comfortable during long distance runs.
• VaporWick: VaporWick is a moisture wicking technology used by The North Face in their apparel to draw moisture away from the skin and promote quick evaporation, keeping runners dry and focused on their performance.
• PowerGrid: PowerGrid is a fabric technology by Saucony that provides lightweight cushioning, support, and moisture management for greater comfort and performance during long runs, reducing fatigue and enhancing endurance.
• Thermoregulation: Some technical fabrics are designed for thermoregulation, helping to regulate body temperature by providing insulation in cold weather and breathability in warm conditions. These fabrics offer comfort and support for marathon runners in varying climates.
• Mesh Panels: While not a specific fabric, mesh panels are often incorporated into running apparel to improve ventilation and airflow, keeping runners cool and reducing moisture build up during long runs.

Layering is a strategy I like to employ, given the variations in climate I’ve encountered during the series of marathons I’ve competed in. I start with a moisture wicking base layer that sits comfortably against the skin, then add a thermal layer if it’s chilly, or a windproof and waterproof jacket for inclement weather.

Technology and Tools: Boost Your Marathon Performance

It’s fair to say that technology has revolutionized the way we train for marathons. The devices and tools available today do more than just track our progress, they can significantly enhance training and race day performance.

Essentially, a dependable GPS watch is a must. It will help you keep accurate tabs on pace, distance, and routes. Some even offer customised coaching programs. Heart rate monitors and fitness trackers can also yield valuable insights into your physical condition, enabling you to train efficiently and effectively.

When selecting a GPS watch for marathon running, consider factors such as GPS accuracy, battery life, advanced metrics, comfort, ease of use, and compatibility with your training goals and preferences. It’s essential to choose a GPS watch that meets your specific needs and helps you track and improve your performance during long distance runs.

Some of the best GPS watches suitable for marathon running:

1. Garmin Forerunner 945: The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a top of the line GPS watch with advanced running metrics, built in maps, long battery life, and excellent tracking features that are ideal for marathon training and racing.
2. Suunto 9 Baro: The Suunto 9 Baro is a rugged GPS watch with an exceptional battery life of up to 120 hours in GPS mode, accurate tracking, navigation features, and a durable design that can withstand long distance running.
3. Polar Vantage V2: The Polar Vantage V2 is a premium multisport GPS watch with advanced running metrics, accurate heart rate monitoring, recovery tracking, and personalized training guidance suitable for marathon runners.
4. Coros Apex Pro: The Coros Apex Pro features a long battery life, accurate GPS tracking, advanced running metrics, altitude monitoring, and a durable design that can handle the demands of marathon training and racing.
5. Apple Watch Series 7: The Apple Watch Series 7 offers GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, training apps, and smartwatch features that can benefit marathon runners looking for a versatile wearable device for tracking their runs and activities.
6. Garmin Fenix 6: The Garmin Fenix 6 series is known for its rugged design, long battery life, advanced running dynamics, navigation features, and multisport capabilities that make it a top choice for marathon runners and outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Coros Vertix 2: The Coros Vertix 2 offers a durable design, long battery life, advanced tracking features, altitude monitoring, and innovative training metrics that can help marathon runners optimise their performance and recovery.
8. Suunto 7: The Suunto 7 is a versatile GPS watch with smartwatch features, offline maps, health tracking, and accurate GPS tracking that can support marathon runners in their training and racing endeavours.

As we know, hydration can’t be overlooked. When choosing a water carrier for running, consider factors such as comfort, capacity, stability, ease of access, and durability to ensure it meets your hydration needs without slowing you down during your runs. Hydration packs, belts, and handheld bottles are all designed with runners in mind. Experiment with different options to find the water carrier that best suits your running style and preferences.

Hydration packs, belts, and handheld bottles suited for running:

Hydration Packs:

• Osprey Duro 1.5 Hydration Pack: This lightweight and comfortable hydration pack feature a 1.5L reservoir, adjustable harness, and multiple pockets for storage, making it ideal for long distance running.
• CamelBak Ultra Pro Hydration Vest: The CamelBak Ultra Pro hydration vest offers a secure fit, front pockets for easy access to water bottles, and a 1.5L reservoir for staying hydrated on the go.

Hydration Belts:

• Nathan Trail Mix Hydration Belt: The Nathan Trail Mix hydration belt features multiple bottles for hydration, storage pockets for essentials, and an adjustable fit that won’t bounce during your runs.
• FlipBelt Water Bottle: The FlipBelt water bottle is a convenient hands free option for carrying hydration, featuring a 11oz BPA-free water bottle that fits securely into the belt for easy access.

Handheld Bottles:

• Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Bottle: The Amphipod Hydraform handheld bottle is designed for comfort, featuring an adjustable hand strap, a leak proof bottle, and pockets for storing essentials like keys or gels.
• Ultimate Direction Handy 20 Handheld Bottle: The Ultimate Direction Handy 20 handheld bottle offers a functional design with a 20oz bottle, adjustable strap, sweat proof insulation, and a zippered pocket for storage.
• Hydrapak Soft Flask Handheld Bottle: The Hydrapak Soft Flask handheld bottle is collapsible, lightweight, and easy to carry, making it a versatile option for runners looking for a compact hydration solution.

Once the marathon is over, your recovery should be your main focus. Tools like foam rollers and massage guns can help soothe sore muscles. Recovery sandals or compression gear may also speed up the process, getting you back on your feet quicker.

Incorporating these marathon recovery tools into your post race routine can help you recover faster, reduce post race soreness, and get you back to training feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Tools that can help to speed up marathon recovery:

Foam Rollers: Foam rollers help release muscle tension, improve flexibility, and increase blood flow to promote recovery. Popular options include:

• TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller
• RumbleRoller Deep Tissue Massage Roller
• LuxFit High-Density Foam Roller

Massage Guns: Massage guns provide percussive therapy to target sore muscles, reduce muscle tightness, and improve circulation. Some recommended massage guns include:

• Theragun PRO
• Hyperice Hypervolt
• ExoGun DreamPro

Recovery Sandals: Recovery sandals provide cushioning and support for your feet to reduce impact and promote foot recovery. Recommended recovery sandals include:

• OOFOS OOahh Sport Slide Sandals
• HOKA ONE ONE Ora Recovery Slide
• Adidas Adilette Comfort Slide

Compression Gear: Compression gear helps improve circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, and enhance recovery post marathon. Popular compression gear options include:

• CEP Compression Calf Sleeves
• 2XU Compression Tights
• Zensah Compression Leg Sleeves

Stretching Straps: Stretching straps can aid in deep stretching, improve flexibility, and alleviate tightness in muscles and joints. Recommended stretching straps include:

• OPTP Stretch Out Strap
• Theraband Stretch Strap
• Vive Stretch Strap

Cold Therapy Tools: Cold therapy tools such as ice packs, ice baths, or cryotherapy devices can help reduce inflammation, numb pain, and speed up muscle recovery. Popular options for cold therapy include:

• KT Tape Ice/Heat Massage Ball
• Hyperice Ice Compression Device
• Pro Ice Cold Therapy Wraps

Equipping yourself with the right technological tools just might prove to make the difference you’re looking for as you consider your preparation for future marathons. Try incorporating them into your training disciplines and see the difference for yourself. After all, your first marathon doesn’t need to be your last, and any advantage you can secure along the way is worth considering.

If you have any questions about any of the above information, I would love to read them and get back to you. Please leave them in the comment section below.