A record-breaking 1.13 million people applied for the 2026 London Marathon, with more than 59,000 runners expected to participate on 26 April. To help you prepare, we have curated a selection of premium running gear from top brands like Nike, adidas, Apple, and Samsung. Each item is chosen with a 26-mile city run in mind, ranging from high-end trainers to budget-friendly fitness trackers.
Salomon Active Skin 4 – £95
Staying hydrated during a marathon is crucial, and standard running shorts often lack pockets for water bottles. The Salomon Active Skin 4 running vest features two flask pockets, additional compartments for essentials, elastic cords on the back, and room for a water reservoir. It is soft, breathable, and offers an ultra-secure fit. One five-star reviewer noted, "It's super comfortable; you can barely feel you have a vest on." Another said, "Great bag. Lightweight and comfortable, no chafing." However, a four-star review mentioned it "could be more breathable."
Adidas Adizero Evo SL – £130-140
Regularly featured in best running shoe roundups, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL is praised as the most versatile trainer by Runner's World. It uses Lightstrike Pro foam for super-light cushioning and Continental rubber forefoot patches for reliable grip. Available in various colourways, it has a 4.8-star rating at JD Sports. One customer said, "The fit is spot on, super comfortable, and the quality feels much better than expected." Another added, "So lightweight, with springy soles, I feel like I'm moving better." However, some buyers noted a need for more grip on the sole.
Adidas 365 Set – £65
The adidas 365 range is ideal for long-distance runs, made from lightweight, breathable material with CLIMACOOL technology to wick moisture. For men, the set includes the adidas 365 Three-Stripes Vest (£25) and 365 Icon Running Shorts (£40), which are stretchy and flexible. Women can choose the adidas 365 Pocket Sports Bra (£38) and Adizero Essentials Split Hem Shorts (£25).
Apple AirPods 4 – £159 (was £169)
With average finish times of around 4 hours for men and 4 hours 42 minutes for women, reliable earbuds are essential. The Apple AirPods 4 with ANC feature active noise cancellation and IP54 water resistance, suitable for sweat. They offer up to 4 hours of listening time with ANC, so they may not last the full marathon. Amazon also stocks the version without ANC for £109 (was £119).
Nike Pegasus Premium – £189.99
These trainers are built for road running, featuring a triple stack of ZoomX, Air Zoom, and ReactX foam for maximum responsiveness. They mould to the foot with an ultra-lightweight knit and mono mesh. One buyer said, "Comfiest trainers I've had. Performance is fantastic." Another noted, "Very comfortable shoes." Some recommend sizing up half a size as they "run small." Available at JD Sports for £190.
Samsung Galaxy Fit3 – £49 (was £59)
This affordable smartwatch tracks running distance, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep, and over 100 workouts. It syncs with the Samsung Health app, but is not compatible with iPhones. Alternatives include the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Garmin Forerunner 970 (£673.59) with built-in maps and up to 15 days of battery life.
