runner wearing the New Balance TCS London Marathon kit

Training

30-11-2022
4

mins

Essential kit for marathon training

runner wearing the New Balance TCS London Marathon kit

Official kit by New Balance

Check out the official TCS London Marathon clothing and footwear range from our partner New Balance – it's ideal for both your training runs and the big event itself.

What to look for in your kit

When training for and completing long distances such as a marathon, it's important you wear fabrics that can wick away sweat and other moisture so you avoid the discomfort of wet kit. But that's not all – there are some other things to consider when choosing your training gear...

  • Socks: basic sports socks will absorb sweat but may move about in your shoes, which can cause blisters. Investing in some running-specific socks that are anatomically fitted (in other words, left- and right-foot specific) should reduce the risk of blistering.

  • Shorts and T-shirts: non-technical garments tend to be heavy and can feel even weightier if they get sodden by rain or sweat. So, instead, choose kit made from wicking fabrics that effectively draw away sweat and offer extra ventilation at the key body zones.

  • Tights: many people choose to wear running tights, especially when running in cooler temperatures. Lycra tights support the major muscle groups and prevent the chafing that may come from wearing shorts.

  • Jackets: quick-drying, lightweight fabrics are the key things to look for in running jackets. As much of your marathon training will take place in the darker months, reflective materials are also a must. Our partner New Balance has several jackets in its official TCS London Marathon range that feature pockets, reflective panels and wind- and water-resistant materials, making them both versatile and stylish pieces of kit. 



Dressing for Marathon Day

On the big day, it's important you wear comfortable clothes that you’ve already worn during your marathon training. 

But, in addition to your own personal needs, the weather will also play a key factor in your choice of apparel. If you’re planning to be on your feet for some time, you'll be exposed to the elements for a prolonged period, which means your body temperature could fluctuate along the way. Here are some things to consider:

  • In mild weather, consider wearing some lightweight cover-up pieces, like a long-sleeved T-shirt.

  • If it’s due to be very hot and sunny, consider wearing a T-shirt instead of a vest, as well as a cap, to avoid the risk of sunburn – especially if you expect to take five or six hours to complete the distance. If you're a quicker, sub-four-hour runner, you will prefer to wear lighter, minimal kit as you'll be running more intensely for a shorter period.

  • If it is unseasonably cold, faster runners should consider wearing slightly warmer layers, while slower participants should consider tights and lightweight jackets that can be zipped and unzipped en route. The pockets in running jackets are useful for carrying nutritional snacks.

  • A pair of lightweight gloves in cold and even mild weather is a good choice for any runner, as chilly hands can be a very uncomfortable distraction and affect your overall body temperature. If it gets warmer, you can easily remove your gloves and stash them away.


It’s never been easier to stock up on running kit and the official TCS London Marathon kit from New Balance is a great place to start – so start shopping now!