The world of distance running has changed with the pandemic, but runners everywhere are training with as much dedication as ever. Whether you’re running a virtual marathon or following a marathon training schedule to reach new personal best, the right gear can help you take those 26.2 miles in stride. So how do you know what to wear on the day of the race?
Marathons, half-marathons, or shorter races: they happen no matter what the weather. Rain or shine, your race day clothes should keep you dry and comfortable mile after mile.
WHAT TO WEAR DURING A MARATHON: TRAIN LIKE IT’S THE BIG DAY
When you’re training for a marathon, you can be extra prepared by training in similar conditions that you expect for race day. If your race has hills, train with hills. If there could be rain, run in the rain.
ESSENTIAL MARATHON RUNNING GEAR
Keep our list of basics handy for building out your running wardrobe rain or shine. The key is having lightweight tech layers that can come off before the race, or during, and be packed or transported easily while you run.
BEFORE AND AFTER RACE ITEMS
- Bag for your gear
- Sunscreen
- Jacket/warmups before the race begins
- Body Glide
- Supplements and or a pain reliever
- Water or drinks with electrolytes
- Towel
- Bandages
MARATHON GEAR OR LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING GEAR
- Own the Run short-sleeve tees – Bergeron’s favorite
- Own the Run long-sleeve tees – Bergeron’s favorite
- Sports bra
- Sweat wicking running tights
- Running vest, shell or jacket
- Sweat-wicking running shorts
- Sweat-wicking, lightweight socks
- Adizero Boston Running shoes – Bergeron’s favorite for training
- Adizero Adios Running shoes – Bergeron’s recommendation for race day
- Billed hat or beanie
- Hydration pack or fanny pack with water
RAINY DAY MARATHONS
“I love running in the rain,” says Pete Bergeron, a color and materials designer for the Running category at adidas North America HQ in Portland, Oregon. Bergeron runs marathon distances of 20-40 miles per run every week. A lighter drizzle, in moderate temperatures is common in the Pacific Northwest and can help to lower body temperature, which typically rises 10-15 degrees while running. If you run long-distances in the cold and rain, your body will eventually start losing heat production as you become more tired. That’s where smart choices in the type of clothing and layers can preserve heat, avoiding a longer recovery or the risk of hypothermia. Wearing performance, sweat-wicking fabrics moves moisture away from the body creating a pocket of air next to the skin that retains warmth.
For cooler, wet climates Bergeron says he starts his layers with “a t-shirt up top, as long as it’s not cotton, I’m good. I wear Supernova most [of the] time. I prefer really soft loose-fitting t-shirts.” He wears a beanie and running tights when it’s 35°F or below for warmth and doesn’t recommend waterproof running shoes when running for long distances in the rain. As a running materials expert, Bergeron explains that you don’t want to accumulate water in or around your shoes because it can add weight to your long-distance run. Extra weight can slow you down.
TIPS FOR PRE-MARATHON RUNNING
People getting ready for their first marathon commonly want to know:
Once you cross the finish line, it’s time to celebrate your success and recover. If you’re training for a race, share your marathon pictures with us by tagging @adidasrunning on Instagram and Twitter.