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Gear Guide: What to Wear on Race Day

By Steve Rowe  ·  March 15, 2025  ·  gearrace daytips
Gear Guide: What to Wear on Race Day

Nothing new on race day! It's the golden rule of marathon running. But figuring out what to wear in New York in November can be tricky. Here's our complete gear guide.

The Start Village Problem

You'll be waiting in the start village for 2-3 hours. It's often cold. The solution? Wear a cheap throwaway layer — a $5 sweatshirt from Goodwill — that you can drop at the start line. Thousands of runners do this, and the clothes are collected for charity.

What to Run In

Dress for 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature. If it's 45°F at race start, dress for 65°F. Your body generates enormous heat when running. Most people overdress and are miserable by mile 6.

Shoes

Wear shoes with at least 100 miles on them. New shoes = blisters. Make sure you've trained in your race shoes. Our team favors Saucony, Brooks, and ASICS for marathon day.

Anti-Chafe

Body Glide is non-negotiable. Apply it everywhere clothes might rub — thighs, underarms, nipples (for men especially), feet.

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