The countdown is officially on. The Sydney Marathon is almost upon us and the excitement is building fast. Soon the city will come alive with the sound of pounding footsteps, cheers from the sidelines and the kind of adrenaline you can feel in the air. With Sydney Harbour set to shut down and the streets taken over by tens of thousands of runners, it’s one of the most exciting days for any runner’s calendar.
Whether you’re one of the brave souls taking on the full 42-kilometre marathon (yes, I really said forty-two. It’s a very long way!) Or you’re turning up to support a friend, family member, or colleague who’s doing the hard yards, race day is all about preparation.
From gear that’ll keep you comfortable to items that’ll speed up recovery, there’s a lot that goes into making the day a success for both runners and giving some recommendations as the support crew.
So if you’re running, spectating or just want to be the world’s best cheerleader, we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 essential items to help you survive (read: thrive) on race day.
The Best Race Shoes To Make You Go Zoom
Nike Zoom Fly 6
The Nike Zoom Fly 6 is a marathoner’s dream. Offering cushy ZoomX foam and a full length carbon plate that keeps your legs fresh from the first kilometre to the last. It’s lighter than previous versions and comes in at a bit cheaper than other elite race shoes, making it perfect for tackling those 42 kilometres without totally breaking the bank. A smart investment for comfort, speed and endurance all wrapped into one.
Image: Nike
On Cloudflow
The On Cloudflow is your lightweight ally for race day. With its responsive cushioning and sleek design, it’s built for speed without compromising comfort, ideal if you’re looking to shave seconds off your PB. The Cloudflow offers a balance between performance and style, so lace-up these bad boys up and get ready to feel the difference.
Image: On
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge is basically rocket fuel for your feet. Designed for runners chasing PBs, these carbon-plated speed demons are light, springy and stupidly fast. Yes, they’ll cost you a pretty penny (hello, high performance price tag), but when you’re flying past the competition, they are an investment that certainly deliver race day returns.
Image: ASICS
Clothes That Go the Distance
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Shorts
Lululemon’s Fast and Free High-Rise Shorts are marathon magic. Lightweight, sweat-wicking and super comfy. Let’s just say they’ll move with you through every step of the Sydney Marathon. Lululemon running tights are a crowd favourite for a reason! These tights hug your legs just right, giving you support without holding you back.
Image: Lululemon
ASICS’ Metarun Split Short
ASICS’ Metarun Split Shorts are for runners who mean business. Super light with zero ride-up (bless you ASICS), these are built to go the full marathon distance without a single complaint. The real MVP though? The storage. Gel loops and zip pockets mean no awkward fumbling mid-race. You run, and these shorts hold everything you need. Honestly what more could you want from a pair of shorts?
Image: ASICS
Nike Dri-FIT ADV Mid-Rise Shorts
Nike’s AeroSwift shorts are built for serious race-day performance, with cooling mesh zones and sweat-wicking Dri-FIT ADV tech that keeps you dry when the pace heats up. They also have quite a few sneaky pockets meaning your gels, keys or lucky charm stay put while you focus on flying through to the finish line.
Image: Nike
Erniold Running Sydney Singlet
The Erniold Sydney singlet isn’t just race-day top, it’s a love letter to the marathon, crafted by a proud Aussie brand in Melbourne. Made from premium Italian fabric, cut for comfort and designed to celebrate Sydney’s World Major debut. It gives you both heritage and performance in one stylish, seriously functional package.
Image: Erniold Running
Adizero Running Gel Pocket Crop Top
Gels bouncing everywhere? Not on Adidas’ watch. This Adizero crop top comes with built-in gel pockets (genius), sweat-wicking fabric and a sleek, race-day-ready fit that won’t ride up when the kilometres stack up. Lightweight and practical it’s designed to keep you comfortable and focused on the race ahead, not what your clothes are doing, all the way to the finish line.
Image: Adidas
The Game Changing Accessories For Racing Like a Pro
Oakley Eye Jacket
The Oakley Eye Jacket delivers sharp, minimalist style mixed with top-tier polarised lenses that cut glare and boost clarity. The world low key looks better looking through Oakley lenses. They’re durable and unlike some running sunnies don’t fog up on steamy days (!) They also double as sexy lifestyle sunglasses, so you can get your money out of these and wear them even when you’re not running.
Image: Oakley
Lululemon Fast and Free Running Belt
Ever wish your shorts had pockets for, you know, everything? Enter Lululemon’s Fast and Free Running Belt. It’s soft stretch-ready fabric hugs your phone, keys and gels without bouncing. Zippered pocket keeps your phone close and side slots stash the good stuff AKA all the many bits and bobs in your Sydney Marathon survival kit.
Image: Lululemon
Satisfy Rippy Air Trail Cap
Finally there’s a running cap that won’t soak up your sweat like a sponge. The Satisfy Rippy Air Trail Cap is super breathable, dries fast and won’t leave you with a soggy forehead after you’ve slogged out the 42 kilometres. It’s light, low key and actually wearable post-race because finishing strong shouldn’t mean looking like a drowned rat.
Image: Satisfy
Nike Spark Lightweight Socks
Blisters? Never heard of them. Nike’s Spark Lightweight Socks are thin, breathable and somehow still supportive in all the right places. They’ve got that barely-there feel but still do the work, with mesh zones to keep sweaty feet under control. Ideal for race day when comfort matters way more than you think.
Image: Nike
The Calm After the KM’s
Pillar Triple Magnesium Pouch
Meet your new post-run best friend. Pillar’s Triple Magnesium packs three kinds of magnesium that tackle muscle cramps, speeds up recovery and helps you settle down sleep after all that post-race excitement. It’s easy to mix and actually tastes good (which we can’t say about a lot of the options out there). Magnesium is going to help with your recovery and what you need to bounce back strong after the marathon.
Image: Pillar
Therabody Theragun Relief
When your legs feel like they’ve been through an actual blender, the Therabody Theragun Relief is your go to. It gives you deep, targeted percussion therapy to blast muscle knots, boost blood flow and speed recovery. It’s lightweight and super easy to use. It’s essentially like having a personal masseuse in your backpack after the race.
Image: Therabody
Adidas Sportswear Slides
You’ve survived 42.2km. Now it’s time to set your feet free and let those dogs breathe. Sliding into these comfy, cushioned classics helps reduce foot fatigue and speeds up recovery. Your feet carried you to the finish now you gotta let them chill.
Image: Adidas
Need more running shoe ideas? You can check out our ultimate list here.
Image Credit: Culture Athletics, Voo Doo Running.
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