The Six Minute Mile Holiday Gift Guide
Don’t stress about shopping for your running-obsessed friends and family members—or yourself, wink wink!—we’ve got you covered with the gifts runners want and the gifts runners need.
Your training is nearly complete, so the only thing left to do is nail down the marathon gear you’ll use on race day.
Marathon season is in full swing, and if you’re training for a fall race, it means that the hay is mostly in the barn and your training is nearly complete. Soon it will be time to ease into your taper phase and get ready to run the race of your life on race-day.
The only thing left to do is finalize which super shoes, apparel, socks, fuel, and hydration accessories you’ll use on race-day. We’ve collected a few great options in several categories of marathon gear to give you an idea of what’s trending as the Chicago Marathon (October 12), Marine Corps Marathon (October 26), New York City Marathon (November 2), Philadelphia Marathon (November 23), and California International Marathon (December 7) are on the horizon.
When it is going to be chilly or drizzling on race morning, the lightweight and easy-to-stow Gorewear Concurve Windbreaker is a great solution. Remarkably soft, supple and highly breathable windbreaker for runners features a specially woven 3D fabric structure that creates amazing next-to-skin comfort. The low air permeable fabric combines wind-blocking protection with breathability to help prevent overheating, plus a DWR treatment that repels light rain.
Constructed with moisture-wicking Cadence fabric and a built-in bra for a supportive, medium impact fit, this race crop top offers advanced moisture management, seven discreet pockets, and a subtle mock neckline and sleek seaming for an elevated aesthetic.
Crafted in ultra comfortable Cadence performance fabric with an Abstract Floral print, the Cadence 5″ compression bottoms have three subtle pockets, no front rise seam, and an Italian grip tape at the hem to prevent ride-up.
Made from moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric with a smooth, lightweight feel and a matte finish, this racerback-style tank has a built-in shelf bra for added support and coverage for B/C cups and a rear zippered pocket big enough to carry a phone.
Built to provide coverage while still allowing freedom of movement, these lightweight, four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, quick-dry polyester shorts have a 4-inch inseam and a high rise with two discreet stash pockets.
A reflective singlet reimagined by runner, designer, and visual storyteller Greg Itahara. This high performance top provides a flattering fit with side slits at the hips, plus a refreshed perforated pattern to improve ventilation. Expect ultralight fabric with bonded seams for maximum comfort with minimal weight.
These versatile short shorts pack a peppermint kick and all long run necessities with five next-level pockets, including a back zip that fits most phones, are built into the liner to reduce bounce. The half-split style, smooth hems, laser-cut perfs mean every race feels free and cool, plus a brief liner made from Polartec Power Dry with Fresh Face technology.
The Van Cortlandt Singlet embodies a love for racing in a timeless style, crafted from an astonishingly lightweight, luxuriously soft performance mesh that prevents odors and complete with a signature sash as a symbol of excellence.
Falling in the 4″ inseam sweet spot and made from a lightweight and antimicrobial fabric, these lightweight lined shorts with three small pockets are a simple, modern take on the classic running short silhouette.
One of the biggest trends in marathoning is that runners are carrying their own hydration in a hand-held vessel or a compact belt pack or pack that can carry the essentials you need during the race. It allows you to have more even hydration from the start of a race and, although it will take time to grab water cups and refill at an aid station, it will assure that you’re able to drink the entire length of a race.
This 5-liter trail running bag has loads of storage with seven handy pockets and a 1-liter hydration reservoir, plus the option of carrying two 250ml soft flask bottles in the front pockets (not included). While this could be a smart choice for a first-time road marathoner, it’s also an ideal pack for running a marathon on the trails.
This 17-ounce (525ml) easy-to-squeeze, ergonomically shaped Tempo bottle includes a sandal-cut strap design that rides comfortably, allows for optimal airflow, minimizes irritation, and wraps around your wrist for optimal carriage.
Designed for trail runners but great for marathoners too, this bounceless Raide hydration belt comes with a 650ml Hydrapak flask with a locking cap and plenty of storage space for gels, chews, gloves, and even a light shell jacket.
The Naked SL Running Band carries everything you need for distances from 5K to the marathon in a soft, stretchy, bounce-free waistpack that hugs your hips.
This lightweight stretch mesh storage compression belt has four pockets, including two zippered, weather-resistant pockets that are large enough for most medium-sized smartphones and soft flask hydration tubes.
When it comes to marathon gear, your fuel is one of the most important things you need need out on the course. Taking portable packets of fuel during your race is highly recommended in a marathon so you can assure yourself of fueling consistently and also make sure you have the brand and flavor of gel or chews that you’re used to.
Tailwind Endurance Fuel drink mix delivers complete calories, electrolytes, and hydration with simple ingredients your body absorbs instantly. Just pour, shake, and go. Light, refreshing flavors stay easy to drink mile after mile, whether you’re filling a bottle or a hydration pack. No gels, no chews, no mess. Just smooth, stomach friendly fuel that goes the distance with you.
Available in single-serving packets, or 20-serving pouches, Tailwind Recovery Mix jumpstarts repair with 20g of complete plant-based protein, 34g of carbs, 500mg of sodium and to restock glycogen, and a blend of hydrating electrolytes for optimal recovery.
These 100-calorie packs have 25g of carbs from glucose and fructose blend and 20mg of sodium and no caffeine. (Maurten’s Gel 100 CAF 100 are similar 100-calorie packs with 25g of carbs, 100mg of caffeine and 22mg of sodium.)
Each two-serving package includes 10 energy chews, with a serving size (5 chews) containing 70 calories, 80mg of sodium, 18g of carbs, and 12g of sugar.
Each 70-calorie packet of UCAN Edge Energy Gel contains 19g of low glycemic carbohydrate, 50mg of sodium and no sugar, allowing the carbs to break down slowly and deliver a long-lasting energy with no spike or crash.
Engineered to perform on all surfaces, our lightest weight running sock delivers high-quality performance without the bulk. The innovative five-toe design prevents blisters, manages moisture, and promotes total foot utilization—whether you are running a marathon or running around the block. Lightweight fibers and arch support enhance comfort, while the Mini-Crew height provides ankle-high debris protection.
With individually wrapped toes to reduce friction and prevent blisters, the Ultra Run No-Show running socks are designed to deliver comfort, support, and performance with plush terry cushioning across the footbed and toes while moisture-wicking fibers keep your skin dry.
Made with a light cushion in targeted areas like the toes and heel, these merino wool running socks provide soft landings and help alleviate the potential for blisters with exceptional moisture-wicking and anti-microbial capabilities.
Made with Dynamix yarn, these medium-cushioning socks have built-in moisture management and targeted arch compression with support and ventilation panels to provide comfort, security and performance. keeps feet cool and dry for the life of the sock.
Engineered with moisture-wicking fibers to keep feet dry and secure, Swiftwick’s Aspire socks offer a thin, breathable feel and firm compression for enduring performance on long runs.
When it comes to racing, you’ll need a good smartwatch to monitor your pace and you might want some upbeat music to keep your mind off of the stress of racing.
The ideal running headphones for running a race, the OpenRun Pro 2 combine the clear highs of Bone Conduction Tech with the deep bass of Air Conduction Tech for 12 hours of powerful, 3D audio. Shokz’s signature open-ear design helps you power through your race while keeping you safely aware of other runners around you.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the ultimate smartwatch for marathon runners. It offers precision dual-frequency GPS for unmatched accuracy, plus advanced running form metrics to help understand how efficiently you are running, and customizable workouts that include warmups, recovery intervals, and time to cool down.
The key to picking your next pair of race-day shoes is finding the ones that fit the size and shape of your feet and also work with the rhythm of your gait. And the best way to do that is to visit your local running store and try several on shoes and do brief demo runs in them. Be sure to read our complete reviews of the Best Marathon Racing Super Shoes for Fall 2025 and 8 Super Shoes for Racing Spring and Summer Marathons in 2025.
Approximate Weights: 6.2 oz. (women’s 8), 7.1 oz. (men’s 9)
Heel-toe offset: 6mm; 39mm (heel), 33mm (forefoot)
One of the key characteristics of all of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro shoes—including this fourth edition—is the rolling responsiveness that allows your feet to smoothly transition from heel to the forefoot and then get a lively burst of energy at the toe-off phase of the stride. This edition is still very smooth, but with a touch more bounciness from the slightly softer formulation of TPEE-based Lightstrike Pro midsole foam and the slightly reconfigured placement of the Evo Pro EnergyRods that results in a longer rocker shape.
Approximate Weights: 4.9 oz. (women’s 8), 5.6 oz. (men’s 9)
Heel-Toe Offsets: 5mm drop; 40mm (heel), 35mm (forefoot)
This Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is a shoe made for long-striding runners who run with a heel-toe gait. It softens the impact on landings and then quickly transitions from mid-stance to toe-off with a bit of snappy energy return. If you’ve run in previous versions of the Metaspeed Sky, the biggest thing you’ll notice is that this new edition is softer and slightly more forgiving.
Approximate Weights: 6.0 oz. (women’s size 8); 7.2 oz. (men’s size 9),
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; 40mm (heel); 32mm (forefoot)
Compared to the New Balance SuperComp Elite v4, it’s a much spicier shoe. It feels sleek, streamlined, and responsive running at faster paces, but it also feels pretty lively at moderate paces (aka 8- to 9-minute mile pace). It won’t suit everyone, particularly runners who prefer plush cushioning or a softer or bouncier ride, but for those seeking a sharper edge with a locked-in fit will love the ride. Whether or not you choose this for your race-day model, it could be a good light and fast shoe for speedy workouts, tempo runs, and long runs—if you run with a clean, neutral-oriented gait.
Approximate Weights: 5.0 oz. (women’s 8); 5.8 oz. (men’s 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot)
Built on a bouncy, hyper-responsive aliphatic TPU midsole and full-length carbon-fiber plate, the Puma FAST-R Nitro Elite 3 is fast and propulsive from the very first step. This shoe is built for runners who thrive on aggressive propulsion, lightweight responsiveness, and cutting-edge tech. If you’re focused on performance and want a bouncy shoe that maximizes every stride, this could easily become your go-to race-day weapon.
If you’re traveling to a race, effective packing is important. Here’s a marathon gear packing checklist to follow so you don’t forget anything.
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