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One of the best things about running is the low barrier to entry—throw on some sneakers and you’re ready to go. But as you start to increase your mileage, whether you’re training for the New York City Marathon, a Rock ‘n Roll half, or a local 10k, you start to realize that what you wear, how you fuel, and the accessories you tote along are all critical to your success—in other words, there comes a time when you'll want to upgrade your road running shoes or swap out that old gym shirt for a moisture-wicking option.
Getting your gear haul down becomes even more important when travel is involved. Sometime after I ran my first half marathon in 2016, I made a pact with a friend to run a half marathon in each state. In the years since, as we’ve jogged through the hilly streets of Vail, Colorado, and circled Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, I’ve refined my own running gear favorites, finding the no-slip leggings, supportive sports bras, cushy socks, and lightweight belt bags that work for me during long runs. I used that experience to put forth this list, supplemented by running gear recommendations from Condé Nast Traveler senior editor Megan Spurrell, who is currently training for her first marathon; her practice runs have taken place from the streets of Brooklyn to the city of Oaxaca.
Together, we’re delivering a list of what we deem some of the best running gear for travelers, tailored to those taking on destination races and training on the go. We hope they’ll help you upgrade your own gear closet and keep up with your training schedule when vacations inevitably crop up in the lead-up to your next race.
Running clothing
When you’re packing for a race, checking the weather is crucial. Even in milder seasons, it may be chilly around the start time, and if you’re walking to the corral from a hotel, your apartment, or a distant parking lot, you’ll probably want an extra layer (though then there’s the matter of what to do with it—think through if you’ll be able to tie that long sleeve around your waist, or if you’ll want to toss it to a friend cheering you on along the route).
Beyond layers, styles of running clothing is mostly a matter of preference—test out whether you like leggings or shorts, a tank or a T-shirt—but across the board, you’ll want pieces that are lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking. Find a good, supportive sports bra (we’ve got plenty of recs from pros and amateurs alike). If you’re training in cold weather, invest in some quality base layers (I love this Merino wool long-sleeve from Janji; they make great running jackets, too).
Below, a few more editor-vetted favorites if you’re looking for running shorts, leggings, tank tops, or sports bras.
Running shoes and socks
When it comes to footwear, your best bet is to go to a local running store and get properly fitted; the pros at places like Fleet Feet or Road Runner Sports will measure your foot and watch your gait to see what kind of stability and support you’ll need. Spurrell and I are both fans of Brooks and Hoka—I’ve run my last few half marathons in Hoka Rincons, while Spurrell alternates between cushy Hokas at home, and lighter weight (and generally more packable) Brooks on the road.
Comfortable socks are another must for helping to avoid blisters (we’ve rounded up some of the best running socks here, with options from running gear brands like Tracksmith, Lululemon, and Smartwool)—don’t wait til race day to find a pair you love.
Running accessories
When longer distances are at play—think a half or full marathon—you really want to think through what is essential to carry. It might seem nice to have a fanny pack filled with in-case-of-emergency items, but a few miles in, you might start feeling that extra weight. Consider leaving sunscreen, Chapstick, and Megababe (a must for minimizing chafing) at bag drop, along with a pair of sandals to change into after the race. If you do want a bag to hold fuel (see our recs on that below) or other small essentials like an earbud case, consider the adjustable belt bags Spurrell likes from Lululemon or Free People. And if you’re not a fan of dealing with safety pins in the wee hours of the morning, I highly recommend Nathan’s stretchy, lightweight bib belt.
On training runs where water stations aren’t waiting for you every few miles, you also might want to consider a running vest or easy-to-hold water bottle for easy hydration. For winter running and other cold-weather environments, fleece headbands are great for keeping warm, while head lamps will help you stay safer on dark roads.
Recovery tools
For these gear recs, we thought through both training recovery and post-race recovery. I’m a huge fan of Hyperice’s portable percussion massager—it’s really changed the game in shortening the length of time I’m sore after a long run or incline workout, and is compact enough to toss in my carry-on or backpack when I travel. Spurrell recommends a lightweight massage ball—great for rolling out tight arches or calves without having to pack a full foam roller—and recovery slides that provide immediate support. Depending on how far you’re traveling, CBD bath salts for a refreshing post-run soak can also soothe sore muscles, and give you a chance to take advantage of that bathtub in your hotel room.
Food and hydration
‘Nothing new on race day’ is a rule of thumb I follow across the board, from socks to fuel. You’ll want to eat whatever you normally eat pre-run to limit any unexpected stomach issues—for me, that’s toast and an almond butter packet with a sliced-up banana; for destination races, I’ll bring a piece of bread from home in a Stasher bag and pick up a banana from a grocery store or fruit stand when I get there.
For a full marathon, you’ll likely want to have gels on hand for some mid-race fuel. Spurrell is a fan of Gu’s and Honey Stinger gels, and drinks water mixed with Nuun electrolyte tabs or Athletic Greens most days to stay hydrated and full of vitamins before and after runs. Again, we highly recommend testing these out on training runs to make sure they sit well with your stomach.
