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runner wearing the New Balance TCS London Marathon kit

Training

30-11-2022
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Essential kit for marathon training

What to wear in training and beyond

The TCS London Marathon takes place at a time when it’s usually not too hot and not too cold, with little chance of snow – but it doesn’t always work out that way! The British weather is famously unpredictable, so you need to be ready for anything and have the right kit to hand.


Consider the time you'll be training

The number of months you’ll spend preparing for the marathon will depend on your current training base. You can download and follow one of our free training plans – suitable for complete beginners to seasoned marathoners – to help you reach the Start Line in good shape. 

If you’re training most days, you’ll need several garments in your running kit collection. Even if you’re happy to wear kit a couple of times before washing it, you’ll need at least a couple of each article to see you through a week of training.

In September, October and November, you’ll likely want to wear shorts and T-shirts, or vests if preferred. You'll start to wear these items again around March and April and get most use out of them during the summer.

The colder, intervening months of December, January and February are when tights, long sleeve tops and jackets become vital. Gloves, beanie hats and even fleeces are also valuable pieces of kit to help you maintain body temperature and feel relaxed enough to train effectively.

The TCS London Marathon takes place in April, which means you’ll be training in some of the coldest months of the year (if you live in the UK, at least) – so this should be reflected in your kit.

London Marathon Events – icon

London Marathon Editor

Nov 30, 2022 ·

4 mins read

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  • Kit and equipment

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.

View the official kit

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!