What to wear (and why it matters) for marathon training

The right gear won’t magically make you run faster, but it can help you feel like a runner before you even hit the start line, says TCS Sydney Marathon Head Coach Ben Lucas.

Author: Ben Lucas, TCS Sydney Marathon Head Coach

Editor: Lucy E Cousins Gear won’t make you a runner, but the wrong gear can absolutely stop you becoming one. It pays to invest in the right gear now, while you’re training, to make sure you make it injury-free to the starting line.

The right running shoes can change everything

Let’s talk shoes first. There is no ‘perfect’ shoe, but there is a right shoe for the training you’re doing.

For most runners training through a Sydney winter, that means having a reliable training shoe you can rack up kilometres in without thinking about it. Shoes like the ASICS Superblast 3 are built for volume, long runs, steady mileage, and big weeks. They’re durable and responsive without beating you up.

Then there are shoes like the ASICS Nimbus – plush, comfortable, perfect for easy days and recovery runs when your legs are feeling the load.

When it comes to running shoes, my advice is always the same: - Comfort first - Fit beats brand - Match the shoe to the session

Choose the right one for your run, your foot and your needs. If they still feel good after a 12 to 15km session, you’re on the right path.

A good sports bra isn’t a luxury 

Now, something that deserves more airtime – sports bras. For female runners, this isn’t an accessory. It’s essential equipment.

Poor support changes how you move, how confident you feel, and whether you enjoy the run at all. A good sports bra should disappear once you start running. No adjusting. No distractions.

Getting this right early removes a massive barrier, especially for runners who already feel a bit exposed starting their journey.

Why you should consider buying merch (yes, really)

And finally, let’s talk merch and training gear. Not because it makes you faster, but because it helps you feel part of something. When you put the kit on, you stop feeling like someone who’s ‘trying to run’ and start feeling like a runner preparing for the TCS Sydney Marathon, presented by ASICS.

Comfort builds confidence. Confidence builds consistency. And consistency is what gets you to the start (and finish) line.

Want more expert training advice? Find the best running content to build your foundation here.