The best running gear for 5Ks, marathons and everything in between

Marathon season has officially arrived, and whether you're a seasoned pro, running the London or Manchester Marathons for the first time or are just finally feeling inspired to start running, there's no better time to invest in some new kit to give you a bit of a boost in your training. But rest assured, with the right running gear (and maybe some neon running shoes to brighten up dark mornings) it isn’t all that bad.

While it is one of the more accessible sports out there (all you need is some running shoes and some old clothing if you want to keep things simple), running does require a good bit of thought and planning the further and longer you want to do so. You need to make sure you’re using the right equipment to avoid risking injury and regular niggles, and aren't heading out on a run without the fuel you need to get it done safely. As a high-impact sport, this of course starts with your running shoes, but then you’ll also need to think about a vest or belt to store your phone, keys, and any fuel, some good sweat-wicking running shorts and shirts to help you stay comfortable, and then some gels and tablets to help you stay hydrated.

Wherever you’re planning on heading, and however far, these are the running essentials GQ relies upon to keep the training up.

The marathon day kit

We know most runners here won't be taking the big step to running a marathon just yet, but for those of you heading out to any of the big UK marathons over the next few months, or just thinking of stepping up for a half marathon, a 10K, 5K, or any other form of race, we've rounded up a few of our favourite bits for race day below. Of course, you want to make sure you have your kit ready (we love these Lululemon shorts and the New Balance London Marathon range for this), but do make sure you do a few runs in whatever you're planning to wear first to make sure you don't experience any issues. On the subject of which, make sure you lather up in some sort of anti-friction balm to prevent any issues with chafing on the day.

You'll also want to make sure you pack something warm for after the race (or give it to someone coming to support you), for which we'd say this New Balance hoodie is ideal, especially for those post-race photos. Of course, many races suggest you don't run with headphones, but if it's allowed we'd recommend some Airpods Pro 2s or Shokz to help you get by. And of course, you're going to need some kind of running belt to carry your phone and gels with you. If you need more room, we've listed our favourite running vests down below, but we love a FlipBelt for half marathons and shorter distances.

The running shoes

The first step for any runner is to invest in the best running shoes available. To start, we'd always recommend you head to a running store and get your gait analysed if you're a newbie, giving you a bit more clarity about what type of shoe you should be looking for. From there, you should be able to narrow down if you need a neutral or stability shoe, or even something more specific with an insole for overpronation. You'll also need to think about what kind of running you need the shoe for, as some will be better suited to longer easier runs, and others for getting a bit of speed if you're more advanced and want to incorporate intervals into your training.

For stability, we've included the Asics Kayano below, as well as Saucony's Guides, both options we've tried and tested and had good results with. Saucony Endorphins is one of our favourite overall running collections (suited to neutral runners), with the Speeds being a good all-rounder if you're planning on picking up the pace. The Saucony Triumph also makes for a very versatile shoe, and then the Asics Gel Nimbus can be a good choice if you want that extra cushioned feel.

Bear in mind that running shoes are very personal, and what works for one runner might be totally wrong for another. It's a bit of trial and error to figure out what works for you, and chances are you'll find different things that work as you get further into your running journey.

While normal running shoes are great for your day-to-day training, most runners opt for something with a few more flourishes for race day. The basic principle behind racing shoes is that they're designed to help you move faster and chase your PB down on the big day, reducing weight and creating the most comfortable environment possible for a long and taxing run. Training shoes will last longer and provide more comfort over time for consistent running, while a racing shoe sacrifices some of that cushioning to help you move with more pace. Hoka, Saucony and Nike are some of the best for this, the Hoka Rocket having an aggressive plate that'll really push you faster, the Nike combining cushioning with an explosive feel and the Saucony focusing on being springy. New Balance has now also released the FuelCell SuperComp v4 which is great for longer distances and really giving the others a run for their money.

The trail running shoes:

Getting out of the city and onto the trails is one of the best parts of running, especially when you've built your stamina up and are able to head out on longer excursions. The key, however, is to make sure you've got the right shoes for it — and depending on the difficulty of the trail and terrain, your ordinary shoes might not be what you need. Trail running shoes have more grip, preventing you from slipping on wet or uneven terrain, as well as a sturdier base to protect you from the impact of the trails and to help you balance. Some trail running shoes even have waterproofing on parts of the shoe: an absolute godsend if you want to get out on wet and rainy days, or just on trails that haven't quite dried out yet.

Choosing the right pair of shoes means you'll have a more comfortable ride, while also preventing avoidable injuries. Nike's Pegasus Trail shoe adds some trail-worthy features to one of our favourite running designs, making it a good shoe for most runners, while Saucony's Peregrine incorporates cushioned foam and a tough grip, as well as a rock guard to help you make the most of the trails. The Merrell Agility shoe is a good waterproof option thanks to its Gore-Tex membrane, with On Running and Allbirds' options being similarly popular, although slightly more unique in their designs.

The running clothing brands

Not all gym clothes serve as running gear: you'll need to think more closely about the threads you're putting miles in. You’ll want a good pair of running shorts and some T-shirts for sweaty summer sessions to start off with, and a pair of running tights come the cooler months of winter. Look for lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics, especially ones that are more breathable for warmer summer sessions. We’ve included some of our favourite running brands below, including the classics like Lululemon and Gymshark, and brands like Runderwear which are made specifically for runners, to help keep everything comfortable and streamlined. If you're after something a bit different, you can also browse brands like Reflo and PE Nation, both of which have some more fun designs to make you stand out a bit from the crowd.

The running vests

Long-distance running has plenty of benefits and can be pretty fun, but you need to be prepared, especially if you're running in warm weather. Ideally, you'll want to take a few running gels with you, or another form of fuel that you can use to keep your energy up as things get tough, as well as some form of hydration. Thankfully, plenty of running vests now have room for you to store either soft flasks, or a hydration bladder, giving you the ability to stay hydrated without having to route your run around the next shop. If you need to carry more with you, you can also try a running backpack, but for your every day long runs, these running vests will have you covered.

The Lululemon vest is one of our favourites for keeping things light, with room for a hydration pack in the back and plenty of pockets. For more storage, Salomon's Active Skin 4 is one of the most popular running vests, with enough space that you could fit in a change of clothes or extra snacks, while Evadict offers a more affordable option that comes complete with a water bladder.

The running watches

Whether or not you're new to running, chances are that you already have a timepiece that's capable of tracking your routes, keeping an eye on your times and surviving the best that the British elements can throw at it. Such is the nature of any half-decent smartwatch these days, that this stuff all comes as standard. For those in need of a pro-worthy option though, Apple and Garmin's wares are still lapping the competition. Where the two brands differ is in their wearability when you're not getting a sweat on.

Garmin's Fenix 7 is a big, beast of a running watch with an ample solar-powered battery life and more metrics than even the most dedicated Strava obsessive truly needs, while the Garmin Forerunner 255 is a bit more of an affordable option that still does pretty much everything the Fenix does, just in slightly simpler terms. We'd say this is the best overall running watch we've tried, and it's taken us through many a half marathon and PB at this point in time.

As far as Apple is concerned, it doesn't have quite as much going for it as Garmin, tending to be more of a well-rounded smart watch than a running specific piece. The Watch Ultra, however, does a decent job, with new running-focused tweaks as well as custom workouts, automatic track detection and the ability to measure details like stride length.

Just make sure you grab a watch that includes GPS if you want any more comprehensive statistics and an accurate Strava post.

The running fuel

Kit aside, if your runs are going on for longer than 5k, making sure you're fuelled properly is crucial. There's no one size fits all way to do it, and every runner tends to find their own approach that works for them, their energy needs and their own personal preferences, but some of the best ways to refuel on a long run is to incorporate running gels into your routine.

Most are made from a blend of fruit juices, giving you a bit of a glucose rush and helping you find the energy to keep going. If you tend to need more hydration or want a caffeine boost, some have more water or caffeine included too. Recovering properly is also crucial, most of which can be achieved just by eating well both before and after your run, but you can also use hydration tablets and protein powders/pre-workout supplements to give you an extra bit of help and support. Our favourites are the classics: High5 and SIS, both of which actually taste pretty good, are easy to slot into a running vest pocket or a belt and provide the right level of mid-run boost. And recently, MyProtein's range of Hydration sticks has also been a good choice for some post-run recovery.

The recovery tools

Recovering properly after a run is crucial, both for preparing you for your next run and for making sure your body doesn't get too run down. Your nutrition and sleep are key here, but there are a few tools that can help your muscles feel better after a long run. Massage guns are our favourite for loosing things up, but for a more affordable option, a foam roller can work wonders. Therabody is the most popular and well-known in this field, but you can also find some good foam rollers at sports brands like Lululemon, or simply on Amazon. If you fancy taking your recovery a step further, investing in a Whoop band can help you track your sleep and how your body is keeping up with and responding to your training.

The home training essentials

Whether you want a way to keep up the running in bad weather or on a treadmill during summer heatwaves, or just want to try seeing how much cross-training on an exercise bike might help you improve your PB, building out your home training area can be a great way to invest in your running. The Apex Rides bike is a hugely popular piece among GQ readers, offering you workouts as well as a great piece of training equipment, while a good Nordictrack treadmill can help you up your training indoors, and some resistance bands can support your strength to keep you ready for longer runs.

Should you opt for a treadmill (or just plan on using a treadmill in the gym) we can't recommend getting Zwift going enough. Giving you the chance to run virtually with other runners on maps both around the world and in Zwift's own land ‘Watopia’, it's the best way to actually keep up your motivation when you can't get outside, and the only thing that's made treadmill running bearable for us.

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