All The Gear: Zero-chafe marathon kit
Everything I wore for a hot London Marathon.
Marathon kit selection is important. You want to wear clothes that work for you technically and emotionally, as well as items that look good and give you confidence. For some runners, wearing leggings is a non-negotiable, whatever the weather because they feel most confident in them. Some runners will be wearing a charity top or a their running club vest and this will give them an emotional boost.
If you’re a year-round leggings wearer, I’d suggest going for a colour other than black on a hot day as that’s going to absorb less heat, and to search for lightweight fabrics. If you are donning a charity vest, test it in training to find out if and where it chafes so you can lube up with Vaseline or put come *Kinesiology tape* in key places. Susie Chan did a great Reel showing how she tapes pre race to avoid chafing.
Avoiding chafing in the heat
Even when your kit has performed well in training, if race day is warm there’s a chance it will rub. You’re going to sweat more in the heat and wet fabrics rub more. I ran through every water shower, dumped water over my head and put ice down my top at London Marathon. But I’d also put Vaseline under my bra chest strap as well as some places I’d rather not disclose.
Getting in the shower after the race confirmed I’d avoided any chafing. An achievement that I’ll put up there with finishing.
What I wore to run the London Marathon
There were a lot of things I got wrong at London Marathon, but my kit wasn’t one of them. From top to toe, here’s what I wore for London this year and why…
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Cap, Adidas - I’m usually a visor fan but went cap so that I could put ice under it. This worked great. The cap was very lightweight and kept the ice in place.
Sunglasses, H&M - Sorry, they’re out of stock. These have already survived my dog chomping the arm off them which clicked back on. They stay put on the run and block out the sun.
Vest, Soar - A very lightweight vest. So much so that I put suncream under it. I love the rainbow design and kit makes me easier to spot. I also wore it for HYROX.
Bra, Asics - I was sent this bra to test and then bought another myself. Zero bounce or chafe!
Shorts, Asics - It’s hard to get loose fit shorts with decent pockets that stay up and don’t bounce. These have plenty of storage for seven gels plus an AirTag and salt tabs. They’re lightweight for running in the heat and a good liner so I could go commando.
Socks, Stance - Good height and zero blisters.
Corn pads, *Boots* - The joys of running with middle-aged feet.
Shoes, *New Balance* - These shoes are two plus years old now and I’ve run two marathons and two half marathon in them. They’re my favourites and I’m sad I can’t but another pair. I have lots of shoes to choose from but I still love these.
Sun protection, *P20* - Zero sunburn too! This is ginger runner approved.