Running marathons is addictive. I should know, as I’ve completed the London Marathon four times as well as some other courses.
With each one, I’ve refined my strategy on the day to get to the start line confidently and start the recovery process as soon as possible, to avoid days spent feeling like my legs are about to drop off.
I ran my first marathon in 2009, and I’ve completed a half or a full marathon every year since.
No matter how many times I’ve run the London marathon, a feeling of utter fear starts around 48 hours before the race (around the time that I pick up my bib number) – but it quickly turns to euphoria the moment the finish line is in sight.
I’m not loyal to a particular brand of clothing or running shoe, so I always try new kit when it’s time for an upgrade.
I’ll wear each item for at least a month before race day, notching up the miles doing long runs, hill runs, and intervals.
For example, I know that I run well in Brooks Glycerin Max trainers, and that the Shokz OpenRun headphones and a Garmin Forerunner 165 Music watch help me to keep up the pace.
If any item isn’t comfortable or fit for purpose, I won’t continue using it, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it here.
Best Marathon running gear at a glance
- Best energy product: Caffeine Bullet energy chews
- Best running shoes: Brooks Glycerin Max running shoes
- Best running headphones Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones
- Best running belt: KIPRUN running belt
- Best running recovery product: BetterYou magnesium oil spray
My top London Marathon essentials
Laying out my kit the night before helps me to sleep better, knowing that I don’t have to think about anything on the morning of the race.
From experience, I’ve learned that I need to pack two bags – a carrier bag or bin bag for everything I need before the race and the one that I’ll put in the bag drop and collect after the race.
Spending a little time thinking about what will make you comfortable after you’ve run 26.2 miles is vital, as anything left at home or in a hotel is a torturous distance away.
As public transport to the London Marathon can get very busy, my best piece of advice is to put a specialist pair of recovery shoes (like Oofos slides) into your post-race bag, as you might need to walk a bit further to get to a tube station or a bus.
A favourite snack is also a must – I love the Huel chocolate protein drink.
1. Iron-On Letters
White Iron on Letters for Clothes, £5.98
The crowd support at the London Marathon is among the best in the world, especially if they’re cheering your name.
I like to iron my name directly onto my race day t-shirt, just so the crowds can’t miss what I’m called.
Around miles 18-20, when I’m struggling and thinking of giving up for a rest, hearing my name being shouted by multiple people gives me the strength to push through and stick to my goals.
2. Vaseline
Vaseline 20ml tin, £1.09
You can never have enough Vaseline, in my experience. Even if you’ve never experienced chafing before, it’s important to have some as a backup just in case anything goes wrong on race day.
In the morning, I’ll rub a generous amount on my chest and the insides of my legs and then pop a small travel-size tin into the pocket of my shorts or in a race belt.
Trust me, you won’t want to wait until the end of the course for relief if you suddenly experience cracked skin.
3. Caffeine Bullet Energy Chews
Caffeine Bullet Energy Chews, £22.49
When I get tired, I really lose concentration and motivation.
A friend suggested I try Caffeine Bullet, and I haven’t looked back since.
Because the Caffeine Bullets are chewed, caffeine is absorbed through membranes in the mouth directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the stomach and giving a caffeine kick in as little as five minutes.
I’ll pop one around mile 17 as I’ve previously struggled at mile 18, and find that it gives me a massive boost to keep my head held high and keep going.
4. Torq energy gels 6-pack
Torq energy gels 6-pack, £11.50
Energy gels come in a huge variety of flavours, and I’ve learned that I need variety when I’m running long distances.
If I only pack one flavour of gels, even if it’s a tasty flavour like lime or cherry, I’m going to get sick of them after the third one.
Torq energy gels contain 30g of carbohydrate per sachet, and it’s recommended that marathon runners take on 30 – 60g per hour.
I’ll normally take my first just before the hour mark so it has time to absorb, and then every 50 minutes after that.
As well as being utterly delicious (especially the lemon drizzle and raspberry ripple flavours), they also contain electrolytes to help replenish what the body loses in sweat.
5. Huel Black edition chocolate
Huel Black Edition chocolate protein 8-pack, £26.98
For me, chocolate milk is the ultimate recovery drink, and the Huel Black edition chocolate is a vital part of my race essentials.
It’s plant-based and doesn’t need to be refrigerated, so it still tastes good after being in a bag all afternoon.
With 35g of protein per serving and 26g of carbs, it’s the perfect way to refuel and help my muscles to heal.
6. Oofos OOahh Sport Slide Sandal
Oofos OOahh Sport Slide Sandal, £58.49
After running a full marathon in trainers, my feet are absolutely desperate for some relief.
I always pack a pair of Oofos OOahh sport slides in my post-race bag, and the moment I slip my feet into them, it’s pure bliss.
They’re designed to absorb impact and reduce stress on tired feet, giving me the comfort I need after pounding the pavements for 26.2 miles.
7. BetterYou Magnesium oil joint spray 100ml
BetterYou Magnesium oil joint spray 100ml, £14.99
After a 26.2-mile run, my feet swell up quite a lot.
I find that spraying BetterYou magnesium on my feet and ankles immediately after the race has a real cooling effect.
Magnesium is known to help with muscle recovery, and the spray absorbs quickly, making it an essential part of my post-race recovery routine.
8. Seep Biodegradable 50L Bin Liners
Seep Biodegradable Bin Liners, £37.50
Trust me, if you don’t bring bin liners to a race, you’ll get a bad case of FOMO.
They’re essential on race day morning for carrying your water bottle, snacks and layers of clothing to the race.
They’re also a fashion statement, as most runners wear a couple of bin liners over their race day outfit for protection from the elements before the marathon starts.
The gun goes off around 10 am, but you normally have to be in your wave a couple of hours before that, since the April weather can be wet and windy.
I’ll also pack a bin liner to sit on, as I like to rest my legs as much as possible before the start.
Seep bin liners are biodegradable, so they’re much better for the planet than your average black bin bag.
9. Mission Perform Yerba Mate & Lemongrass Tea
Mission Perform Yerba Mate & Lemongrass Tea: 30 bags, £15
Mission Perform Yerba Mate tea is my secret weapon for race day mornings, and I always leave out a couple of tea bags next to my running kit.
I brew a cup before heading out and sip it on route to the start line.
Packed with natural caffeine and antioxidants, it gives me a gentle energy boost without the jitters, and the refreshing lemongrass flavour helps calm any pre-race nerves.
I find it the perfect way to hydrate and prepare my body for the miles ahead.
10. Compex Mini Wireless Muscle Simulator with TENS
Compex mini Wireless Muscle Simulator with TENS, £259.99
Another must-have in my post-race bag is a recovery device from Compex.
The Compex mini, which comes with a handy travel case, uses TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) technology to help relieve muscle soreness and speed up recovery.
I use it on my calves and quads as soon after the race as possible because it works wonders for reducing stiffness and fatigue.
It’s a bit of an investment, but if you’re serious about running and recovery, it’s worth every penny.
11. Shokz Open Run headphones
Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones, £129.95
Shokz are the only sports headphone brand approved for use in all road races by England Athletics.
They use bone conduction technology, which means the sound travels through your cheekbones instead of blocking your ears, so you can still hear your surroundings.
The fit is lightweight and secure, and they don’t budge even during intense intervals or long runs.
I love that the sound quality is surprisingly good for bone conduction headphones, with clear audio and decent bass.
12. KIPRUN black running belt
KIPRUN black running belt at Decathlon, £15
I’ve tried a few different running belts, but the KIPRUN black running belt from Decathlon is the one I keep coming back to.
It’s sleek, lightweight, and fits snugly without bouncing around, which is a huge plus when you’re focused on keeping a specific pace.
The adjustable strap fits comfortably whether I’m layering up in winter or running in just a vest and shorts during summer.
It’s got multiple pockets, which are perfect for holding energy gels, keys, and even my phone on race day.
13. Brooks Glycerin Max running shoes
Brooks Glycerin Max running shoes, £180
The Brooks Glycerin Max running shoes are a dream for long-distance running.
As someone who’s constantly chasing pace goals, I need a shoe that can keep up with me while offering maximum comfort, and these deliver on both fronts.
The foam cushioning is next-level, providing a softness and support perfect for pounding the pavements over 26.2 miles.
But what I love most is the smooth transition from heel to toe, which makes every stride feel easier, as if they’re pushing me forward.
They’re not the cheapest shoes, but the durability and performance make them worth the investment.
If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper shoe, I have also run in the Hoka Clifton 9 trainers and rated them highly.
14. Hilly Unisex Marathon Fresh Running Socklets
Hilly Unisex Marathon Fresh Running Socklets, £15
I can’t stress enough how important socks are for marathon running, and the Hilly Unisex Marathon Fresh Running Socklets are my go-to.
They’re designed specifically for long-distance runners, and I find they perform so well that I wouldn’t run a marathon in any other pair of socks.
The fit is perfect – snug but not tight – and they’re packed with features like anti-blister technology and moisture-wicking fabric that keeps my feet dry even during sweaty runs.
15. Asics Road Tank
Asics road tank, £36
When it comes to race day tops, breathability is key.
I like that the Asics road tank comfortably covers my stomach and my bottom, and the fabric feels soft and breathable.
The fabric wicks away sweat quickly, keeping me dry even on longer races like the London Marathon.
Although it’s a pretty basic design, it’s a timelessly classic item that works with both shorts and running tights. It’s available in a men’s and a women’s fit.
16. Garmin Forerunner 165 Music
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, £239.99
One of the reasons I love the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is how lightweight it feels on my wrist.
When you’re running for hours during a marathon, the last thing you want is a bulky watch weighing you down.
The display is also super clear and easy to read, even when I’m in the middle of a run and my focus is on the road ahead.
What makes it invaluable for me as a competitive runner is the ability to set custom alerts for every mile.
I use this feature to break the race into manageable chunks—26.2 miles can feel overwhelming, but when I focus on running each mile at my target pace of 8.5 minutes, it feels much more achievable.
As soon as I hear the alert marking the end of a mile, I reset mentally and concentrate on the next one, ticking off mini-goals throughout the race to keep me motivated and focused.
17. Brooks Chaser 5″ 2-in-1 Short 2.0
Brooks Chaser 5″ 2-in-1 Short 2.0, £60
I prefer to wear shorts to running tights if my race is in England, as it’s highly likely to rain.
In wet weather, I’d rather have damp legs than soaked running tights clinging to my skin.
But they’re also breathable in warmer weather, allowing air to circulate around the legs.
The outer layer of these Brooks shorts is lightweight and breathable, allowing a full range of motion without restriction.
But what I love most is the pocket placement – there’s a secure pocket for my phone that doesn’t bounce around, plus smaller ones for gels or keys.
London Marathon FAQS
When is the London Marathon 2025?
The London Marathon 2025 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 27 April 2025.
The race begins in Blackheath, a picturesque area in southeast London, and finishes at the iconic The Mall, near Buckingham Palace.
This stunning route takes runners past some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Big Ben
When does the London Marathon ballot open?
The ballot for the London Marathon usually opens the day after the current year’s marathon.
For the 2026 event, you can expect the ballot to open on Monday, 28 April 2025.
It typically remains open for around a week, allowing hopeful runners to submit their applications.
The ballot is free to enter, but spots are allocated randomly, so it’s a lottery-style system.
Keep an eye on the official London Marathon website for exact dates and details.
How do you get a London Marathon charity place?
If you don’t secure a spot through the ballot, getting a charity place is another excellent way to run the London Marathon.
Most major charities have a set number of places allocated to them, and runners can apply directly through the charity’s website.
In return, you’ll need to commit to a fundraising target, which can range from £2,000 to £5,000, depending on the charity.
Popular charities often fill their spots quickly, so it’s best to apply as early as possible.
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