Think you've got a marathon in you? I can't help you break a two-hour record, but I can help kit you out with everything you need to run your first race — here are 10 essential bits of running kit recommended by me, a fitness editor

Inspired by yesterday's record-breaking London Marathon, in which a huge number of participants turned out, and the men's winner broke the two-hour world record? Me too. It's been too long since I've signed up for a long-distance event, so I'm lacing up my shoes and venturing out into the great outdoors.

Want to join me? Preparing for a marathon for the first time can be difficult, and it's hard to know exactly what you're going to need. You'll need a good, neutral pair of running shoes like the Saucony Ride 18 or Nike Pegasus 42, and a running watch like the Apple Watch SE 3, Garmin Vivoactive 6, or Coros Pace 4. These watches strike the balance between affordability and features very effectively. We labelled the Garmin Vivoactive 6 a "feature-stuffed pocket-rocket" when we reviewed it last year.

I swear by Lululemon's Pace Breaker running shorts, and I've even included some extras like socks and hydration vests. Check them all out below! While I can't guarantee you a record-breaking time, I can guarantee you'll be well-equipped for a good one.

Best running gear for beginners in 2026

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