Wearing the right marathon clothes can improve your comfort levels as you run, your motivation, and, more importantly, your race time.
Whether you’re running your tenth track race of the year or preparing for your first half-marathon, the clothes you wear on the big day can make a world of difference.
It all starts with the lead-up to the race, ensuring you’ve broken in your running shoes and given your race day clothes the practice run. You’ll no doubt be going through a rigorous training regime in the lead-up to run day, which will likely consist of distance runs, easy runs, and interval sessions.
So, we’ve rounded up the best clothes for running long-distance, slow runs, and sprints, so you’re prepped with the right running outfits to feel unstoppable from practice miles to personal bests.
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Tips For Choosing The Best Running Race Clothes
Before we dive into the best marathon clothes to wear, here are some helpful tips for choosing the best running clothes to wear during training and on race day.
Check The Weather
By now, you’re either thinking of training for a marathon or prepping for your next big race, so you’ll be more than prepared to commit to your training regime come rain or shine. Rainy days call for a waterproof running jacket, and on bright sunny days, you should remember to SPF up and wear a workout hat. This is your reminder to check the weather conditions for race day; the weather can change by the hour in some locations, so it’s best to be prepared and know what you’re going into way ahead of time.
Give Your Race Clothes A Test Run
Running a marathon is not the time to wear brand-new clothes; you want your race clothes to be run in slightly (pun intended). Ensure you’ve wear-tested your marathon clothes for comfort and functionality in different weather conditions so you can feel confident at the start line, knowing your outfit is set up for success.
Choose Light Layers
A rule of thumb for choosing running clothes is to dress lighter than the temperature outside would usually call for. Choose light layering pieces and dress as if it's 10-15 degrees warmer than it actually is outside. This way, you’ll prevent yourself from overheating as your body warms up.
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What To Wear Running A Marathon Or Race
What do you wear to a race day run? It’s not just a case of waking up on the run day and picking the first outfit from your activewear drawer; choosing the right running gear for race day takes consideration and preparation. It’s all about knowing yourself, ensuring you’re wearing the right running clothes that feel the best for you, help you perform optimally, and are appropriate for whatever climate you’re in.
Here’s our guide on what clothes to wear running long-distance races in warm and cold weather, easy runs, and interval sessions.
Clothes For Your Long-Distance Runs
When running the distance, you’ll want your race clothes to be as comfortable on the 42nd km as they were on the 1st. This means no chafing, no riding up, and no irritating fabrics. You’ll want your clothes to be lightweight, breathable, and seamless for your long-distance runs.
Warm Weather Race Outfits
Running in warmer weather has its advantages, as it makes dressing for the activity a lot simpler and sticking to a running schedule much easier. As the temperature ramps up, it can make staying hydrated more difficult, which makes it all the more important to ensure you’re wearing clothes that are correct for the warm weather and don’t result in overheating.
Tanks and T-Shirts
For marathon clothes for the summer, light tanks made from seamless sweat-wicking fabrics are your best choice. If you’re opting for a slim fit tank, you’ll want your tank to fit like a glove and have higher armpits so your underarms aren’t rubbing against sweaty skin. Our seamless t-shirts are crafted in sweat-wicking, breathable lightweight fabrics to make you feel comfortable and motivated during your long-distance Summer runs. Opt for a wider back tank over a racerback if you’ll be wearing a hydration pack for a long time.
Shorts
For running long-distance races, a pair of 2-in-1 shorts are a suitable choice, as the fitted underlayer offers protection from chafing as you stride. The fitted inner lining can improve blood flow, muscle activation, and overall comfort. The lightweight woven outer layer is designed for zero distractions as you run, but if you like the looser woven short option, we’ve got you covered. Adjustable waistbands ensure the most comfortable fit for race day, and built-in pockets allow you to hold your energy gels and any other marathon essentials.
Wear our performance Hybrid Boxers for a form-fitting option for running and layer them under a loose pair of running shorts for a performance-enhancing ‘fit.
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Cold Weather Race Outfits
Cold-weather temperatures must be met with plenty of prep if you’re to have a successful race. This means you must ensure you’re warming up properly, dressing correctly for the conditions, and prioritizing your safety as you run. It can be a lot more challenging when running in cold weather, but nothing a bit of determination won’t assist, oh, and some layering too.
Baselayers
When the temperatures plummet, baselayers become an essential part of your run clothing. Our baselayer pieces are primed for performance and to support you as you run the distance, keeping you warm whilst utilizing sweat-wicking technology to keep your body temperature cool and moisture free.
Long-Sleeve Tops
Having your skin exposed during cold-weather running can result in wind bite, itchiness, and dryness. That’s why it’s crucial if you’re looking for winter marathon clothes to make sure your legs, arms, and extremities are covered to protect yourself from the cold. Long-sleeve tops can work as layering pieces under a jacket, over a top, or as a standalone piece. Choose a slim-fit long-sleeve top to wear alone or under a jacket for your distance winter runs or a 1/4 zip to keep your neck more protected from the elements.
Running Leggings
If you’re not wearing baselayer leggings, a pair of high-waisted Running Leggings are the ideal choice for cold-weather races. The high waistline offers the most coverage to keep you feeling supported and in place as you go for gold. Layer a pair of loose running shorts over your running leggings for some extra warmth during your runs.
For a more in-depth breakdown to help you select the best cold-weather running gear, head over to our winter running gear guide.
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Clothes For Your Easy Runs
Easy runs, also called recovery runs, are where you’ll run shorter easy miles as part of your marathon training regime. Easy runs consist of running at a continuously relaxed pace and are essential to improving your aerobic endurance and slow-twitch muscle fibers. For these runs, you can opt for looser, casual running garments.
Loose Running Shorts
Running easy runs during your marathon training program means you'll be covering shorter distances, so you'll be able to wear something a little more casual. Throw on a pair of breathable loose running shorts that can be adjusted at the waist whilst providing plenty of room around the legs for extra comfort during your easy runs.
Sport Running Leggings
For the cooler weather, easy runs, Sport Running Leggings are a playfully patterned yet functional option to be comfortable and seen as you head out on your run. With zip pockets to the back waistband, you can head out the door with your essentials only, so you can focus on running up those practice miles, free from any distractions.
Loose T-Shirts
Choose a lightweight, easy-to-wear, looser-fit t-shirt for your easy runs. These pieces are perfect for running outfits where you’re prioritizing pace and comfort, as they can be easily styled and fit the body comfortably with moisture-wicking materials and minimal designs.
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Clothes For Your Interval Sessions
On interval sessions, you’ll be running in short intense bursts, so want your clothing to fit snugly and keep everything in place as you train to increase your speed for your planned marathon or next track race.
2-In-1 Shorts
They’re an essential part of the runner's uniform for a reason, especially when you can choose from different lengths to suit your preference. Not only do Gymshark two-in-one shorts provide comfort and functionality for long-distance runs, they also offer optimal support for more high-intensity training sessions as they’ll stay put as you move around quickly.
Fitted Tops
When you’re moving quickly through different ranges of motion in HIIT workouts, intervals, or performing hill sprints, you want to be free from any distracting fabric moving around uncomfortably on your body. So look for a fitted yet breathable top to wear for your interval sessions as you push your limits to improve your base speed and stamina.
Accessories And Essentials For Race Day
It’s often the little things in life that make the biggest impact, so here’s our list of your top running essentials for a successful race day.
PINS - Remember to pack safety pins to safely secure your bib onto the front of your running top to show you’re part of the race. Alternatively, you could use bib tape or magnetic running clips to stick your bib in place.
ENERGY GELS - Building a sufficient hydration regime before race day is instrumental to how well you’ll run, and carrying energy gels for your long-distance runs can help you hydrate and refuel as you run.
WATER - This one’s instinctual, but how you carry your water for a long run might not be. You have a few choices; the simplest option is to just carry a handheld water bottle. Alternatively, you could pack a water bottle in your running belt or wear a hydration bag if you care to run hands-free.
RUNNING BELT OR RUNNING VEST - Don’t forget to bring a running belt or running vest to keep your energy gels, water bottles, blister pads, and any other essentials. Wear your running belt on your belly button line to prevent it from moving around.
OPEN-EAR HEADPHONES - If it’s banging tunes that fuel your running power, then you’ll want to bring a pair of open-ear headphones for running that provide more breathability to the ear and allow you to hear your surroundings. So queue up the hits and get that motivation going.
RUNNING WATCH - Don’t leave your sports to watch on charge! A good GPS running watch is stuffed with features to assist your training and workout tracking so you can monitor your heart rate, time, and speed during the race.
What Clothes To Pack In Your Post-Race Bag
You know what to wear for your next race, but what about your post-race outfit? By the time you’ve completed your marathon race, what you’re wearing will be the least of your priorities, as your focus will be to rehydrate, refuel and recover. So, why not get one step ahead and pack your post-race bag with our picks to help you feel supported, cozy, and comfortable after you’ve crossed that finish line.
First things first, you’ll want to make sure you bring a change of underwear; you’ll be really sweaty, so you’ll want to prevent any risk of discomfort and infection by removing wet underwear.
If you like to stay in activewear after completing a race, pack a pair of leggings or shorts and a fresh t-shirt or long-sleeve top to ward off the post-sweat chills. If it’s a bit colder outside, make sure you bring some form-fitting layers like a 1/4 zip pullover or zip jacket.
After you’ve got out of your marathon clothes, you may simply want to just slip into something cozy and comfy. Our Rest Day collection provides the ideal matching loungewear sets to cocoon you in comfort after your big race. Crafted out of thick heavy sweat fabric without fleece lining, these hoodies and joggers will keep you warm without overheating.
We can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll be eager to take off your running shoes and let your toes free. So bring some recovery sandals for post-race to bring some support and relief. Opt for a pair of comfortable socks like the Comfy Rest Day Socks if it’s not the weather to have your bare feet out.
And don’t forget a microfibre Sweat Towel to wipe that excess moisture from your face and a big cozy terry cotton Towel for your eagerly-anticipated and well-deserved post-race shower.
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You’re prepped to run the race in record time now you know what to wear on race day, so now it’s time to put the training in and get in those miles, intervals, and recovery days so you can go for gold.
Training for a big race isn’t all about running; resistance training can also improve your joint stability, endurance, and power, as outlined in this article on the 6 strength-based exercises to improve your running performance.
And don’t forget to stretch and recover! Avoid getting injured during your race training and not even making it to the start line by incorporating these 6 stretches regularly into your running training regime.
