The Best Gear for Running a Marathon—Top Picks From a Running Coach

Best Running Shoes

Brooks Men's Ghost 14

4.7

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A pair of running shoes is the most important piece of gear you’ll need to train for a marathon. While it’s important to choose the right running shoes for your foot type and gait, the versatile Brooks Ghost 14 is a popular, well-rounded pick among marathon runners.

The shoe’s exceptional comfort, lightweight feel, and ample support make it an ideal shoe for neutral runners. With high-energizing cushioning, it provides responsive bounce back and good shock absorption with each step, so it can go the distance with you.

While it’s a dependable shoe for long runs, the Ghost’s flexibility and grippy outsole also make it an asset when speedwork is on the training schedule. Plus, it has a lightweight and breathable mesh upper, which can help keep your feet comfortable and blister-free. Available in various colors, the Ghost shoe comes in narrow, medium, wide, or extra-wide widths in both men’s and women’s sizes. If you use insoles for flat feet, make sure they will fit when wearing the shoe.

Price at time of publication: $110

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: DNA Loft foam |  Closure: Lace-up}

Best Foam Roller

TriggerPoint CORE Foam Roller

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A foam roller is a very effective recovery tool that marathoners can use to massage and stretch post-run. Marathoners love the performance and durability of TriggerPoint's CORE foam roller, which can be used for self-massage and improving flexibility. Made with a solid core and EVA foam, it’s more durable than basic foam rollers that can quickly break down and become soft.

The CORE foam roller also features TriggerPoint’s Grid pattern technology that’s designed to provide targeted compression to massage tight muscles, knots, and kinks. At 12 inches long, the roller is the perfect length to work most muscle groups, especially the IT band, calves, quads, and hamstrings, which can be problem areas for marathon runners.

Price at time of publication: $23

Best Handheld Water Bottle

Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Water Bottle

4.6

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Known for their well-made, high-performance bottles for running, Nathan provides marathoners with a great option for training and racing with their SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask. The fully adjustable hand strap with a thumb hole allows for a comfortable, grip-free hold, even when you’re hitting double-digit miles on your long run. And marathoners will appreciate that the double-wall insulated flask keeps fluids cool for longer in the warm weather and prevents them from freezing during winter runs.

At 18 ounces, this BPA-free bottle won’t weigh you down, but it also holds enough fluid that you don’t have to frequently stop and refill. With an easy-to-use cap, you can quickly sip your fluids by just squeezing the bottle.

Designed for running, the bottle features some reflective materials for increased visibility. There’s also plenty of room for your phone, keys, and other essentials in the expandable, zippered pocket.

Price at time of publication: $37

^{Key Specs:
Materials: BPA-free plastic, Polyethylene | Type: Handheld | Storage: Zippered pocket}

Best Socks

Feetures! Performance Ultra Light Running Socks

4.7

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One of the best ways to avoid blisters, a common affliction among marathoners, is to have the right pair of running socks. “Having a layer of absorbent and wicking material between your skin and your shoe can lower friction and help to avoid hot spots,” says Paul Ronto, ultra-runner, gear expert, and chief marketing officer for RunRepeat.com. Cotton socks hold in moisture, which can lead to blisters and chafing, so you should look for socks made of synthetic wicking materials.

These Feetures High Performance Cushion running socks are constructed from a blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex, so they keep your feet cool and blister-free. The lightweight fabric and seamless toe also prevent uncomfortable bunching and rubbing. The tab in the back protects your skin from shoe irritation, while targeted compression in the arch area delivers support where you need it the most. Feetures stands behind the quality and durability of their socks with a lifetime replacement pair guarantee.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, nylon, spandex | Length: No-show  Quantity: One pair | Care: Wash gentle cycle cold, tumble dry low}

Best Sunglasses

Goodr Sunglasses

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Most marathoners have at least one, more likely two or three, pairs of running sunglasses to shield their eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays on the run, as well as provide protection from wind, debris, and glare. Stylish, durable, and extremely affordable, the goodr OG sunglasses are perfect for stocking up to make sure you always have a pair of shades in case you misplace one. Despite their low price, these sunglasses are polarized, scratch-resistant, and glare-reducing.

Goodr sunglasses are also well-known for their outstanding fit and feature a snug, lightweight frame that’s designed to prevent bouncing. They also have silicone inserts with a special grip coating to prevent slippage when sweating. Plus, these sunnies look chic enough to take you straight from your Saturday morning miles to a post-run, outdoor brunch.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Coating: Polarized, UV protection, scratch-resistant | Materials: Copolyester | Shape: Full-frame}

Best Sunscreen

ThinkSport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

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Not only is sunscreen one of the most important marathon essentials, but it’s easily one of the most forgotten. Wearing sunscreen provides protection from harmful UV rays and running without it even for a short run can lead to a sunburn.

Made with natural ingredients, this sunscreen from Thinksport uses zinc oxide to deliver broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection and is a great option for runners who want a mineral-based sunscreen. The formula doesn’t have an unpleasant chemical scent and contains no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, or toxic chemicals.

Lightweight and fast-absorbing, the sunscreen doesn’t leave skin feeling oily or sticky, which is a common complaint about some sunscreens intended for athletes. However, it’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. That's better than nothing, but considering many long runs go two hours or more, you might want to carry the bottle for reapplication on sunnier outings.

Price at time of publication: $22

^{Key Specs:
Sunscreen Type: Physical | SPF: 50+ | Water-resistant: Yes}

Best Arm Band

RevereSport Waterproof Running Armband

4.6

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While many marathon runners like to carry their phone during runs and races, it can be a safety hazard to hold it in your hand. “Being able to focus on the run and not on the object in your hand is important,” Ronto says.

An armband is a great option to keep your phone safe and secure, so you don’t get distracted or damage your phone by dropping it or soaking it with sweat. Made from soft, chafe-free Lycra material with a waterproof coating, this phone holder from RevereSport will protect your phone from rain and sweat. It features a zip-seal and a snap-lock closure to provide a dependable barrier between your phone and water.

A touchscreen plastic cover allows you to take calls, change your playlist, and use your apps without taking your phone out, while the adjustable strap allows for a comfortable, secure fit. Additionally, a small key pocket is ideal for storing cash, credit cards, and an ID.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Storage: Waterproof phone pocket, key pocket, slot for cash, and credit cards | Fastener: Velcro | Care: Machine wash and air dry}

Best Running Belt

FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt

4.8

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A popular training accessory for marathoners, the FlipBelt is an easy and comfortable way to carry long run essentials. It has a continuous main compartment, with three openings in which you can stash your phone, nutrition and fuel, or other items for easy access on the run. Plus, it has a zippered pocket that can securely hold money, keys, or other valuables.

Sleek and streamlined, the FlipBelt doesn't ride up or bounce as you’re running. It’s constructed from a high-quality, breathable micropoly and Lycra fabric, so it quickly wicks away sweat and moisture, helping keep you dry and chafe-free.

The belt stretches and pulls on like a pair of pants, so you can wear it wherever it feels comfortable on your waist. It’s available in various neutral and fun colors and seven different sizes that fit waists from 18 to 48 inches.

Price at time of publication: $39

^{Key Specs:
Storage: Four pockets, one with zipper | Care: Machine wash and tumble or hang dry | Fit: Fits waist sizes from 18 to 48 inches}

Best GPS Running Watch

Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch with Music

4.7

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For marathoners who like lots of feedback about their training and racing, the Garmin Forerunner 245 is a sturdy, reliable, and high-performance option. The watch lets runners track the traditional metrics, such as pace and distance, but also offers more precise data, such as stride length, calories, ground contact time, and vertical ratio. Marathoners can analyze their stride patterns and make small adjustments for more efficient running.  

Beyond tracking key stats, the Forerunner can also help you take your training to the next level with the Garmin Coach feature, which creates adaptive workout plans, including both cardio and strength training, like using a balance board to work your legs and core. Whether you want to train by heart rate or pace, there’s a training plan for you. You can also use it to sync your favorite music apps like Spotify to boost your motivation while running.

From heart rate alerts to sleep tracking, the watch provides important health data that could affect your marathon training. It also helps keep you safe with the incident detection feature, which sends your real-time location to pre-selected contacts if an accident occurs. Plus, the watch connects to your smartphone, so you won’t miss any text alerts.

Price at time of publication: $350

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: Up to seven days as a smartwatch, six hours with GPS and music | GPS: Yes | Waterproof: Up to 164 feet | Other Features: Syncs with Spotify, advanced training data, incident detection, connects to smartphones}

Best Reflective

Illumiseen LED Reflective Belt

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With so many miles on their training schedule, most marathoners end up running some miles in the early morning or evening, in low-light conditions.

Visibility products, such as this reflective belt, can help keep you safe and seen by drivers, bicyclists, and other runners on the road. Lightweight and durable, this belt has both reflectivity and LED lights, so it can greatly increase your visibility to oncoming traffic. The lights can be used in steady or flashing mode and you can switch back and forth with a click of a button. The belt also comes with a rechargeable battery that gives up to 20 hours of illumination in flashing mode.

Designed to be worn comfortably around the waist or over the shoulder, it has an easy-to-use buckle and adjustable straps that can accommodate waist sizes from 31 to 43 inches. In winter, when it gets dark early, the belt is a good addition to your outdoor safety gear, like shoes for walking on ice, when walking outside.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Visibility: Reflectivity and LED illumination | Fastener: Buckle | Storage: None | Battery Life: Up to 20 hours in flashing mode}

Best Headphones

Beats Powerbeats Pro

4.8

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Designed with athletes in mind, these high-quality, totally wireless earbuds from Beats can handle all the sweaty miles and lengthy workouts that marathon runners throw at them. Lightweight and extremely comfortable, the ear hooks are customizable with multiple ear tip options for extended comfort and are designed to stay securely in place.

They produce high-quality, powerful, and balanced sound, while also offering the right amount of noise isolation to keep you focused. Each earbud has full volume and track controls, as well as voice capability, so you don't need to slow down or have access to your device to adjust your music. 

The Powerbeats’ battery life is also exceptional, with up to nine hours of listening time from a single charge, and the Fast Fuel feature gives the headphones 1.5 hours of playback with just a five-minute charge when the battery is low.

Price at time of publication: $250

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: 9 hours | Bluetooth: Yes | Water-Resistant: Yes}

Best Hat

Athleta Ultra Light Run Cap

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A running hat with a brim is a must-have item for any marathoner-in-training. “Wearing a hat while running will keep the sun out of your eyes or keep you from getting as wet when it’s raining,” says Lisa Selby, RRCA- and VDOT-certified running coach. This lightweight, breathable, and comfortable hat from Athleta makes an ideal pick for sunny or rainy runs. The brim can protect you from the sun’s rays and glare, as well as keep raindrops off your face. The durable and breathable nylon fabric also wicks away moisture from sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Whether you wear it for your long run or throw it on for a day at the beach, this stylish hat is a nice accessory to any outfit. It’s available in white or black, and the adjustable strap means it can accommodate all size heads.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Ripstop nylon | Closure: Adjustable back strap | Care: Hand wash and hang dry}

Best for Electrolyte Replacement

Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets

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When running for more than two hours, marathoners need to replace electrolytes lost through sweat to maintain their electrolyte levels, optimize performance, and facilitate their recovery. These popular and convenient Nuun tablets mix easily with water in your sports bottle to create a tasty beverage that supplies the sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium that marathoners need for balanced hydration and nutrition. With just one gram of sugar and only 15 calories, they provide an electrolyte boost without a lot of extra calories.

Sweetened with Stevia and made with no artificial colors or flavoring, Nuun tablets are also certified non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan. Every box comes with one tube of four fruity flavors, including lemon-lime, tri-berry, citrus fruit, and orange. The tubes contain ten tablets, which are easy to stash in a running shorts pocket or running belt for on-the-run electrolyte replenishment.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium | Flavors: Lemon Lime, Tri-Berry, Citrus Fruit, Orange | Calories per serving: 15 | Sugar per serving: 1 gram}

Best Long Run Nutrition

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel

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Marathoners need fuel during their long training runs and the race itself to help keep from the dreaded bonk. A long-time favorite in the sports nutrition market, GU energy gels offer quick and convenient energy that marathoners can consume on the run.

They contain carbs in the form of maltodextrin and fructose, offering a very fast-acting, easily digestible source of energy. Each packet, which can be easily stashed in a pocket or running belt, contains 100 calories and essential electrolytes. With more than 25 flavors to choose from, there’s an option to please every runner’s taste buds. Like everything else related to marathon running, you shouldn’t try anything new on race day, so it’s a good idea to experiment with different gels and flavors to avoid potential digestive issues.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Calories Per Serving: 100 | Carbs Per Serving: 21 to 23 grams}

Best Anti-Chafing

BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm

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Chafing can happen when your skin rubs against your clothes as you’re running, so marathon runners definitely need to have a dependable anti-chafing product in their arsenal. A tried-and-true favorite among distance runners, Body Glide is an allergen-free, no-petroleum stick that can be used on areas that are prone to chafing or irritation.

BodyGlide is not greasy or sticky and it goes on like a deodorant stick, so it’s less messy and easier to apply than creams, gels, and powders. It’s also resistant to sweat and water, so you can be confident that it will keep working when you’re soaked from sweat or rain.

“You should apply it to any area that will receive friction from your clothing such as feet, armpits, around your sports bra, and waistline,” says Whitney Heins, founder, and VDOT certified running coach at The Mother Runners.

BodyGlide comes in a few different sizes, including a small 0.8-ounce stick that can easily fit in your pocket or running belt for mid-run or race applications.

Price at time of publication: $23

^{Key Specs:
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ozokerite Wax, Glyceryl Behenate, Stearyl Alcohol, Allantoin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | Scent: None}