Marathon Running Gear Checklist

It’s important to take the time to gather the appropriate marathon running gear. Plan ahead. Make sure everything works and fits comfortably. Being ready with the recommended equipment for running a marathon can help ease your mind on race day.

Essential items for running a marathon

Even experienced runners can benefit from revisiting their marathon packing lists. Every person is different and every race is different, so the needs of each runner are likely to be different, too.

What marathon runners wear

What you wear on race day has less to do with how you look and everything to do with how you feel. Instead of cotton, consider wearing performance fabrics that keep you comfortable under any expected weather conditions. It could be chilly at the start of the race and get warmer towards the end, so it helps to be prepared for anything. Consider clothing with hidden pockets to help carry additional items. Here are some details on what to wear for a marathon.

Attire: shirts, pants, and outer layers

You’re likely to perform better when you feel comfortable. If the weather is mild, a moisture-wicking shirt can help wick away moisture and reduce chafing. When dealing with wind and rain, layer on warmer clothes and a running jacket .

For some runners, shorts offer greater freedom of movement. Others prefer the warmth of leggings and support to reduce recovery time. Tights for both women and men can reduce chafing. Be sure to select your apparel with care to ensure a proper fit. Test everything more than once during training to reduce the chance of problems on race day.

Wear comfortable marathon running shoes

Race day is not the day to try out a new or old pair of shoes. Wear shoes you’ve run in before, as this may reduce the chances of developing blisters during the race. Old or overused running shoes likely won’t be able to provide the support and cushioning you need for a long distance run.

What’s the difference between running shoes vs training shoes ? Running shoes are designed for your stride’s back-to-front movement, while training shoes are primarily for side-to-side movement. Running shoes are essential for a marathon.

Food and drinks to pack for a marathon

Food is an essential part of your marathon gear checklist. Experiment with a diet that works best for you during training and stick to it until race day.

Essential food for running a marathon

To help reduce the risk of fatigue, try eating carbohydrate-rich foods, particularly at kilometres 21 and 32 . Examples include energy bars, gels, oranges, bananas, dehydrated fruits and tapioca. Eating these carbohydrate dense foods can help you maintain your pace without depleting your system of energy.

How to hydrate for a marathon

It’s critical to replenish your body with water lost from sweating. Some athletes stick to drinking only water, while others also rely on sports drinks to replace salts and minerals consumed during a run.

Essential marathon packing list

Before running a marathon, pack a phone and headphones. Gather personal care items like anti-chafing sticks, sunblock and lip balm. Other items to add to your marathon essentials kit may include extra pins for your bib, pens and plastic baggies.

When choosing your equipment for running a marathon, consider packing post-race supplies, too. You might want comfy flip-flops for your sore feet, baby wipes to remove sweat and cozy apparel for post-race recovery. Give the post-race items to friends at the finish line.

Race-day items for a marathon

Lay out these essentials when packing what to bring to a marathon. Pack these items ahead of time.

• Bib number
• Timing chip
• Race entry information for locations, number pick-up, etc.
• Identification
• Passport
• Cash
• Phone

Technology and gadgets for your marathon

Tech gadgets can help you track your performance, as well as keep your energy and focus high. An app like ASICS Runkeeper can help you train, connect with a teammate and keep you on track come race day.

• A running watch
• ASICS Runkeeper app
• A pair of headphones
• Heart rate monitor

Personal care during your marathon

Here are some health and wellness marathon items that you may want to consider adding to your packing list.

• Vaseline and other anti-chafing products
• Tissues
• Band-Aids
• Massage oil
• Pain relievers
• Lip balm
• Moisturiser
• Muscle ache salve
• Baby wipes

Post-race essentials

Though you may want to start celebrating as soon as your race is complete, these post-race items may be worth adding to your marathon packing list:

• Extra set of clothes
• Foam roller
• A warm blanket
• A change of shoes
• Cozy jacket
• Compression socks

Additional items to consider

While you don’t want to overpack, some weather-related items may be worth considering.

• Hat
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Wind jacket
• Wet cooling towel

More resources for marathon runners

You don’t need to pack much equipment for running a marathon. Some racers are minimalists, packing only what they’ll need during the race. For most competitors, testing during training and using a marathon gear checklist will go a long way.

Want other ideas to make the most of your race? Explore these options:

• Good Marathon Time
• Marathon Training Plan
• Reasons To Run A Marathon