Get Your Marathon Footwear and Kit Right

As your London Marathon training starts to build, it’s also worth thinking about the running kit you’ll rely on for race day. The right footwear and equipment can make a big difference, particularly as your weekly mileage increases.

Your running shoes should be your first priority. Rather than simply choosing the latest or most popular marathon shoe, look for a pair that feels comfortable and suits your individual running style. If you’re increasing your mileage significantly, give yourself plenty of time to get used to your shoes before race day. Your marathon footwear should ideally be well tested during your longer training runs, so you know exactly how they feel after several hours on your feet.

It’s also worth considering a second pair of running trainers for marathon training. Rotating between suitable shoes can give you options for different types of runs and means you’re not relying on one pair for every session.

Alongside footwear, think about the rest of your marathon running kit. Comfortable running socks can help prevent rubbing and blisters, while breathable clothing will become increasingly important as your long runs get longer. A running watch can also be useful for tracking distance, pace and training progress.

As you get closer to the London Marathon, test everything during training – including your clothing, socks, shoes, hydration and nutrition. Race day isn't the time to discover that your new trainers give you blisters!

Build your fitness gradually, invest in the right running equipment and, most importantly, give yourself time. Your London Marathon journey starts long before you reach the start line.

Got a London Marathon Ballot Place? Here's some advice

Q: How long do you need to train for the London Marathon?

Most runners will benefit from around 16–20 weeks of structured marathon training , although this varies depending on your current fitness and running experience. If you’re new to running, you may want to spend several months building a running base before starting a dedicated London Marathon training plan.

Q: How many times a week should I run when training for a marathon?

For many runners, three to four runs per week provides a good balance between building fitness and allowing enough recovery. Your training should include a mixture of easy runs, longer runs and, depending on your experience, some faster or more structured sessions.

Q: Is it too early to think about marathon training in September?

Not at all – but it may be too early to start full marathon training . September is a great time to start thinking about your goal, establish a routine and build a strong running base. Save the biggest increases in mileage and longest training runs for the appropriate stage of your plan.

Announcements | Features | Marathon Running | Tips | Reviews
September 3rd, 2026 5 minute read

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You’ve got months to prepare
Build your running gradually
Don’t forget strength and recovery
Get Your Marathon Footwear and Kit Right
FAQs

You’ve opened the email, seen the words you’ve been waiting for and suddenly it’s real – you’re running the London Marathon!

For thousands of runners, September is an incredibly exciting month. After entering the ballot and waiting patiently, finding out you’ve secured a London Marathon ballot place is a huge moment.

But with the marathon taking place the following April, there’s one important thing to remember: you don’t need to start marathon training straight away.

In fact, trying to do too much too soon could do more harm than good.

Neutral Vs Support - what shoes are right for me

You’ve got months to prepare

One of the biggest mistakes new marathon runners make is feeling like they need to immediately start running huge distances. If you’ve just received your London Marathon place, resist the temptation to suddenly increase your weekly mileage.

September to April gives you plenty of time to build your running gradually. The first few months should be about developing a consistent running routine, improving your general fitness and getting comfortable spending time on your feet.

If you’re currently running 5K, for example, you don’t need to be running 20K within a few weeks. Instead, concentrate on getting out regularly and enjoying your running.

Remember: consistency beats doing too much too soon.

How to fuel for a marathon?

Build your running gradually

If you’re relatively new to running, start by establishing a manageable weekly routine. This might mean two or three easy runs each week, with plenty of recovery between them.

Once you’ve built a good base, you can gradually introduce longer runs. Your London Marathon training plan can then become more specific as you get closer to April.

A useful rule is to avoid making dramatic increases in distance or intensity from one week to the next. Your cardiovascular fitness can improve relatively quickly, but your muscles, tendons and joints need time to adapt.

And don’t underestimate the importance of rest days!

Don’t forget strength and recovery

Marathon training isn’t just about running. Strength training, mobility, sleep and recovery all play an important role in preparing your body for 26.2 miles.

Simple strength exercises targeting your legs, glutes and core can help support your running. Equally, taking an easy day when your body needs it is not missing training – it is part of training.

Good running shoes are important too. Make sure you’re running in footwear that suits your running style and feels comfortable, rather than simply choosing the latest or most popular model.

Enjoy the journey to the start line

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of receiving your London Marathon ballot place and immediately think about your marathon finish time.

But your first goal should simply be to arrive at the start line healthy, confident and ready to enjoy the experience.

You have several months between receiving that September confirmation and lining up in London the following April. Use that time wisely, build your fitness gradually and listen to your body.

Don’t run before you can walk – there’s plenty of time to become marathon ready!

Whether this is your first marathon or you’re looking to improve your previous time, a sensible London Marathon training plan, the right running kit and plenty of patience can help make the journey to 26.2 miles one of the most rewarding challenges you’ll ever take on.

FAQs

When should I start training for the London Marathon?

If you receive your London Marathon ballot place in September, you have around seven months before race day in April. There’s no need to jump straight into a full marathon training plan. Use the early months to build a consistent running routine and gradually increase your fitness before beginning more specific marathon training.

How long do you need to train for the London Marathon?

Most runners will benefit from around 16–20 weeks of structured marathon training, although this varies depending on your current fitness and running experience. If you’re new to running, you may want to spend several months building a running base before starting a dedicated London Marathon training plan.

How many times a week should I run when training for a marathon?

For many runners, three to four runs per week provides a good balance between building fitness and allowing enough recovery. Your training should include a mixture of easy runs, longer runs and, depending on your experience, some faster or more structured sessions.

How quickly should I increase my running distance?

Avoid suddenly increasing your weekly mileage because you’ve got a marathon place. Build your distance gradually and give your body time to adapt. If you experience persistent pain or unusual fatigue, reduce your training and allow yourself more recovery.

Is it too early to think about marathon training in September?

Not at all – but it may be too early to start full marathon training. September is a great time to start thinking about your goal, establish a routine and build a strong running base. Save the biggest increases in mileage and longest training runs for the appropriate stage of your plan.

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