Making it through the 26.2-mile race is a feat that takes grit, endurance and … the right gear. Photograph: Marissa Alper/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Making it through the 26.2-mile race is a feat that takes grit, endurance and … the right gear. Photograph: Marissa Alper/The Guardian Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
On 1 November, 61,000 people ran in the 2026 New York City Marathon. We asked about the running gear – and motivations – that carried them to the finish line
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Lauren Gould Mon 2 Nov 2026 21.53 CET Share Prefer the Guardian on Google The sea of orange thermal blankets, shiny medals and brightly colored running shoes is impossible to miss.
On 1 November, 61,000 people took over New York City’s streets for the 2026 NYC Marathon. Making it through the 26.2-mile race is a feat that takes grit, endurance and … the right gear.
Near Central Park, blocks from the finish line, I navigated swarms of proud parents and groups holding neon posters emblazoned “hot girls run marathons”, asking runners about their sneakers, energy fuel and shorts. (It turns out Nike Alphaflys are a marathon favorite.) When I couldn’t find exact matches for their items, I linked to brands with similar options.
From a 71-year-old who has run the NYC Marathon over 30 times to an Olympic trial qualifier who placed seventh in her age group – marathoners also shared what brought them to the starting line, with stories that remind us there is more than one way to be a runner, and just as many reasons to keep showing up.
Is the NYC Marathon inspiring you to run? Check out our guides to the best running gear for hot weather and cold weather , our review of the best running shoes for women and expert tips on how to choose the right shoe .
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Marissa Alper/The Guardian “The marathons are the big day of the year for the whole running community to celebrate each other.”
Has completed all six world marathon majors
Singlet: On “I used to have an Under Armour [short sleeve] T-shirt . It was sort of my lucky shirt. I’ve worn it all my races. And it was really hot [one] year in Berlin – it was like the mid-70s. So I was like, I’ll finally invest in a singlet .”
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Marissa Alper/The Guardian Time: 2hr 33min 21sec
Professional field athlete and 2024 Olympic trial qualifier
Shoes: Puma R3s “They’re just fast. They respond well.”
Energy gels: Neversecond (berry flavor) “If you bonk from carbs, they cover you; if you bonk from sodium, they cover you.”
View image in fullscreen Photograph: Marissa Alper/The Guardian “In 2023, I was out on a run, and I had a brain aneurysm … I had to learn how to walk again … My goal when I got out of the hospital was to run a marathon.”
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View image in fullscreen Photograph: Marissa Alper/The Guardian “[Running] just separated work and life balance for me, so that’s what got me into it. It’s created a community for me back home. We’ve just got our own little run club and stuff now.”
Shoes: Nike Alphafly 4s “They said don’t test new things on race day and I did … They’re really good.”
Top: Nike “I went and got this singlet made up at the Nike shop. So they put the stickers on for me.”
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