Preparing for your first marathon?

Whether you’re lining up in Berlin, London, or your local race, the right preparation — including sports nutrition for endurance athletes — is crucial for crossing the finish line with strength and a smile.

At Endurance Kollective, we believe success starts long before race day. Here’s your essential marathon kit checklist to power every step of your 26.2-mile journey.

1. Choose the Right Running Shoes

Your shoes should deliver comfort, protection, and stability from start to finish.

For first-time marathoners, prioritise long-distance comfort and cushioning over aggressive speed designs.

✅ Look for a soft, stable midsole and a secure fit to protect tired feet during those final, demanding kilometres.

✅ Lighter, responsive shoes can offer a boost if you’re chasing a time, but only if they’re well-tested in training.

Tip: Train in the shoes you plan to race in. No surprises on race day.

2. Wear Smart, Functional Race Kit

Blisters, chafing, and overheating are avoidable with the right clothing:

• Technical running socks prevent blisters and support happy feet over long hours.

• Nipple tape, Moisture-wicking underwear and some lubrication to protects against painful chafing.

• Storage belt or running shorts with storage allow you to comfortably carry gels, electrolytes, and essentials without bulky belts or vests.

Comfortable clothing = better focus and energy on race day.

3. Master Your Marathon Nutrition Strategy

Fuel your marathon like you fuel your training.

The right sports nutrition for endurance athletes is mission-critical:

• Use easily digestible carbohydrate energy gels, isotonic drinks, and chews.

• Practice fuelling at regular intervals in training to train your gut.

• Stay ahead of hydration with electrolyte-rich drinks, particularly in warmer races.

• Aim for 60–90g of carbohydrates per hour during the race, depending on your needs and gut tolerance.

Explore our Endurance Nutrition Range:

Everything you need to fuel, hydrate and recover — tested and trusted by endurance athletes.

4. Protect Your Skin and Energy

Running 26.2 miles exposes you to the elements and friction:

• Apply anti-chafe barrier products to nipples, thighs, and underarms.

• Use sweat-resistant sunscreen for long-lasting protection without irritation.

Small discomforts can snowball after hours of running – prevent them before they start.

5. Use Tech to Stay On Track

A lightweight GPS running watch can help manage pacing, track fuelling reminders, and monitor heart rate or distance — keeping you locked onto your race plan.

Optional: Open-ear headphones let you enjoy motivating tunes without disconnecting from the race atmosphere.

Final Race-Day Reminders:

• Nothing new on race day: Kit, shoes, gels, and drinks should all be tried and tested.

• Fuel early and often: Don’t wait until you feel tired to take in nutrition.

• Stay relaxed and positive: Mental strength is your secret weapon.

At Endurance Kollective, we empower every runner to finish strong, fuel smarter, and chase new limits.

Discover our performance-driven range of sports nutrition – independently anti-doping tested and trusted by endurance athletes worldwide.