How do you choose sports equipment for marathon?
Top:
Elite marathon runners generally choose sports vests as tops, which have the best breathability and the lightest weight. Once it is researched that the most suitable temperature for marathon is between 5-12℃, and the runners in this temperature range can often run the best results. However, this temperature will be low for amateur marathon runners. In autumn and winter, when the competition lasts for more than 4 hours, you may feel obviously cold.
Besides the vest, you can also add running arm covers, hats, gloves, etc., especially hands and head are the major heat dissipators of human body, and these two parts can also be considered for heat preservation at lower temperature.
If you choose to wear a vest and the sunshine is strong, you need to pay attention to sun protection, such as applying sunscreen.
The most common top wear for amateurs is short sleeve T-shirt, which should be as light and soft as possible, and also have good air permeability.
For female runners, sports bra with better relative support/wrapping can be selected for a long marathon.
Bottom:
Most elite runners will wear marathon shorts. According to the length, marathon shorts are 3 inches (usually at the thigh root), 5 inches (in the middle of the thigh) and 7 inches (close to the knee). The shorter the shorts, the higher the natural flexibility and the lighter they are. Runners with thicker legs are more likely to encounter skin friction problems, so tight pants that fit the skin better can avoid this situation.
Compared with the top, many runners will also choose compressed equipment, such as compressed pants and leg covers. It is recommended to try to run with the whole set of equipment on a training day before marathon.
Shoes:
For top athletes, their leg muscles are strong enough to support them to wear racing running shoes at a high speed to complete the whole process. For those who run slow and aim to finish the race safely, they can choose a pair of jogging shoes with relatively light weight and better support as the competition shoes. However, runners who have a certain pursuit of achievement can choose the partial racing shoes specially used for competition.
Never wear new shoes to run marathon. At least two test runs of sports equipment for marathon such as new shoes should be arranged before the competition, one of which should be at least 15 kilometers away.
