Walking Long Distance Walking The Right Gear to Wear on Marathon Walks By Wendy Bumgardner facebook twitter Wendy Bumgardner is a freelance writer covering walking and other health and fitness topics and has competed in more than 1,000 walking events. Learn about our editorial process Wendy Bumgardner Updated on January 13, 2020 Print IrinaBort / Getty Images If you plan to walk a marathon, you should be regularly wearing any clothing, shoes, socks, gear pack, headwear, etc., during your walks that you plan to wear during the marathon. If you have an old race number, pin that on also while you practice so you will know where you want to place it on race day. Think Sweat and Synthetics Cotton kills—it doesn't wick the sweat and you could end up with thermal problems on such a long, strenuous event. Dress in CoolMax or other synthetics from head to toe. Know the climate you will be walking in and be prepared for five to eight hours out on the course. Tips for Cold Weather Shorts may work well for temperatures down to 45 F or when there's going to be rain, but tights or pants are best for colder temperatures. A long-sleeved tech shirt is a good choice, especially with sleeves loose enough to push up if you get hot. A lightweight windbreaker can prevent getting chilled in the wind. For frigid temperatures, you may want to do a full three-layer system of a sweat-wicking shirt, insulating vest, and outer windproof jacket. Choose a hat that has ear coverings or a Buff you can use in many ways. You may want to wear gloves or mittens or carry a disposable handwarmer packet. Tips for Hot Weather For marathons in hot weather, dress in sweat-wicking fabrics from head to foot, including your sports bra, underwear, and socks. Choose shorts because capris or tights can become uncomfortably hot after the first few miles. Don't forget to wear a sweatband. Look for a hat that's very breathable and one where you can pour water over your head to do a cool down at water stops. Be sure to set out a tube of sunscreen and pack your sunglasses when you arrange your race gear the night before the race. Traveling to a Race: Planning and Packing Essentials Layering The walk will begin in the early morning and you will want a warm-up jacket. Many veteran marathoners bring along an old shirt and then simply toss it once they have warmed up. Don't litter, but if the event has a clothing donation barrel at the first water stop, this is an option. Costumes and Bling Many races encourage you to dress up and have fun. If you're on a charity team, this may get even more emphasis and peer pressure. Be sure to train with the costume and gear you will wear on the marathon. You may find that the tutu is scratchy on your arms or the tiara gives you a headache. You need to know this before you are at mile 14 on race day. Shade and Sun Protection At an endurance event, you will want to shade your head with a hat and wear sunscreen and sunglasses. Don't forget to put sunscreen where your hair parts on the top of your head if you're wearing a visor. Pack and Water Bottle Well-run marathons aim to provide for most of your needs at the aid stations, but you may want to carry your essentials along. A hip pack with a water bottle, blister kit, anti-chafing stick, and a place to store or strap on extra gear can be reassuring. You'll be glad you have your water bottle along if the aid stations run out of cups and/or water or close up by the time walkers arrive. Always practice with whatever gear you plan to wear and carry at the event. Raingear For short races, you can simply get wet if it's raining, but on a long event you may end up chilled if you let yourself get soaked. Experiment during training with various options for rain. Waterproof, breathable fabrics are best if rain is certain. For an intermittent shower, carrying a light plastic disposable rain poncho is a good option. Umbrellas get heavy and tiresome for long distances. Marathon Walking Packing List Here's what you need to pack to wear and use from head to toe: CoolMax hat with brimEarband, sweatband, or BuffCoolMax t-shirt with short sleevesSports braWindproof warm-up jacket (may give to the gear storage before start)Cheap gloves if starting temps are below 45FSpandex shorts and underwearCoolMax socksMarathon shoesSunscreen factor 30 SPF on all exposed areasBodyGlide or Sportslick on areas prone to chafingFeet well-coated with petroleum jelly or another lubricant before putting on socksWaistpack with water bottleSmall tube of petroleum jelly, BodyGlide, or another lubricantLip balm tubeEnergy gel—two packsBlister kitPlastic disposable rain poncho if there's any chance of rainRace number, ID, medical cardWatch and/or heart monitor and/or pedometer Tips for the Week Before Your Marathon Walk Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to start walking off the weight? 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