Thousands of runners will pound the capital's streets this weekend for the 2026 London Marathon. According to London Marathon Events, a 'world record-breaking' 1.13million people applied to enter via the public ballot, with more than 59,000 participants expected to toe the start line on Sunday (April 26).
Staying properly hydrated during any form of exercise is absolutely vital, let alone during a 26 mile run through London. Standard running shorts, however, rarely offer pockets large enough to accommodate a water bottle, and that's precisely where the Salomon Active Skin 4 steps in. This running vest boasts two pockets designed to carry flasks alongside additional compartments ideal for smaller essentials, plus elastic cords on the back and room for a water reservoir. It is also described as soft and breathable, with an ultra-secure fit that buyers report is 'super comfortable'.
Regularly appearing in best running shoe roundups, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL has been crowned the most versatile trainer by Runner's World. Built with adidas' Lightstrike Pro foam for 'super-light' cushioning, Continental rubber forefoot patches deliver reliable grip on both road and track. Sporting the iconic adidas three-stripes on either side, the shoes are available in a variety of colourways ranging from bold black to bright yellow. Both the men's and women's Adizero Evo SL are priced between £130 and £140 at JD Sports and adidas.
The adidas 365 range is perfect for any long-distance run, crafted from lightweight, breathable material and featuring CLIMACOOL technology to draw moisture away from the body. At JD Sports, men can kit themselves out with the sleek, black adidas 365 Three-Stripes Vest (£25) paired with the adidas 365 Icon Running Shorts (£40). The latter is 'built for high performance' by being both stretchy and flexible. Women could opt for the adidas 365 Pocket Sports Bra (£38) and adidas Adizero Essentials Split Hem Shorts (£25).
According to Runner's World, the average finish time of last year's London Marathon was 4:02:19 for men and 4:41:57 for women. For those taking part this year, a reliable pair of earbuds are essential for staying focused all the way to the finish line. Alongside active noise cancellation (ANC) to shut out unwanted distractions, Apple's AirPods 4 with ANC carry an IP54 water resistance rating, meaning a bit of sweat won't cause any damage. Apple says this model has been designed 'for exceptional all-day comfort', making them ideal for wearing throughout a gruelling race. Bear in mind that they offer up to four hours of listening time when ANC is active, so they may not last the full marathon.
