What to Wear to Run a Marathon: Essential Kit for Running 26.2 Miles

I’ve run 21 marathons, and I like to think that I know a thing or two about what to wear to run a marathon. I’ve made some big kit errors along the way (that time I ran a flooded Venice Marathon in a storm in shorts and a vest), but I’ve learnt from them.

If you’re training for a marathon, you should be testing out your kit on your long runs to find what works for you. After all, we’ll all have individual preferences and we all have different body shapes. But here are my tips for what to consider and what you’ll want to pack for after the race.

Essential marathon running kit

Marathon running shoes

While carbon plated running shoes like the Nike Vaporfly or Hoka Rocket X 2 have been making headlines, these certainly aren’t essential for running a marathon. The most important thing to look for in a marathon shoe is on that is comfortable for you. 26.2 miles is a long way to run in a shoe that rubs or is too tight. You should have completed at least a couple of long runs in your shoe before race day.

Running sports bra

Running is a high impact activity, so you need a sports bra designed especially for running. Like running shoes, running bras need looking after – follow the instructions on the care label when washing them and buy a new pair when they start to loose their support.

I recommend:

Running shorts or leggings with pockets

What do you want to carry with you on race day? For me, I carry my phone and gels and the best way to do this is by stuffing them in the pockets of my shorts (or leggings if it’s colder).

Recommendations

Socks

It will surprise you how much it’s possible to pay for a pair of socks. I haven’t found expensive socks to be that much better than an average-priced pair of running socks. I buy Karrior running socks myself. You do, however, need a pair that are designed for running and are definitely not made of cotton. Synthetic fabrics will allow sweat evaporate to help prevent blisters.

Vest or t-shirt

If you’re running for a club or charity, they will probably have a vest for you to wear which can be a great way to get additional cheers. But don’t feel obliged to wear these. It’s more important that you wear something that you feel comfortable in. If it’s going to be very sunny, you might want a little extra coverage. Choose materials that are wicking to help get rid of sweat and prevent chaffing.

Hydration vest

Some runners prefer to have their own hydration with them rather than relying on race drink stations. In big races like London there will be plenty of water (every mile from mile 3) so you don’t NEED to take your own, but sometimes runners like to do so anyway. Many have gotten used to taking it with them in training or want to use their own energy or electrolyte drink.

A hydration backpack (I haven’t used this exact one) is probably the easiest way to carry your own fluid. Some are ‘unisex’ which we all know usually means designed for me, while some are tailored to women’s bodies.

Energy Gels

You’ll need to take on some extra energy during your marathon in order to make it to the end of the race. That doesn’t have to be gels, you could use sweets, chews or drinks, however gels are often the most convenient way to get extra calories into your body on the go.

A lot of this comes down to personal taste – which you prefer the taste of – but some runners find their stomach can be sensitive to some gels, so try them out in advance. I’ve used Science in Sport Energy Gels many times over the years and they’re easy to find in bigger supermarkets.

Essentials pre-race

Extra items you’ll need at the start:

  • Bin bag – to keep you dry while waiting for the start. Remember to poke a hole for your head and arms obviously.
  • Throwaway warm top – raid your old clothes or the local charity shop for an old jumper or hoodie to wear at the start. Most races collect them up after the start and donate them to charity.

Post-race marathon essentials

Things you might want to pack in your bag for after you cross the finish line:

  • Flip-flops for your sore feet. You won’t want to put your trainers back on once you remove them.
  • Wet-wipes – wipe the sweat, snot and tears off your face.
  • Something warm – even on a warm day you’ll get cold quite quickly after you finish.
  • A beer/chocolate/crisps – whatever it is that you’ll be looking forward to when you’re running.

If you need help with your marathon training, check out my How to Run a Marathon training guide.