Runners are sharing their secret ‘must-haves’ that helped them get through a marathon

Runners are sharing their secret ‘must-haves’ that helped them get through a marathon

https://i2-prod.ok.co.uk/incoming/article35116595.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/0_MIRROR-TEMPLATE-2025-04-25T102754940.jpg

Running a marathon this year has become a commonplace for runners to share their lesser-known race day essentials, including nail clippers and portable chargers, to help you cross the finish line.

Runners share their lesser-known must-haves for the marathon(Image: Getty Images)

You’re likely to have already organized your race day essentials with the London marathon just two days away. However, runners have been sharing their lesser-known must-haves that helped them get through if they want to top off those extra items they may have forgotten about or have a race coming up later in the year.

What about those little details that may have crossed your mind, though? We are already familiar with running vests, gels, and water packs. We’ve rounded up the top secret hacks that runners swear by to help them win long distance races, as well as locations that offer next-day delivery if you’re looking to order a last-minute pre-marathon product.

READ MORE: “We couldn’t recommend enough rattan garden chairs” receive a £56 price reduction.

READ MORE: Molly-Mae finally shares her most recent hair project, which she has been secretly teasing for months.

Lip balm

Lip balm was one of the unexpected “must-haves” TikTok users asked their followers to bring with them to the marathon this weekend, and the majority of the responses were lip balm.

Although it may seem obvious to some, it can be difficult to forget when you’re busy planning the big day. There is nothing worse than running 26 miles in uncomfortable, peeling, and sunburnt lips, as the comments claimed.

SHOP LIPBALMS: Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF50, £10, E45 Lips &amp, Dry Skin Balm, £5.99, and Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+, £4.99

Woman applying lip balm
Lip balm was at the top of the list for marathon essentials(Image: Getty Images)

clothing that is not needed

Extra clothing was flagged many times, and for different reasons. A few noted that it is worth rolling up a thin jumper, spare shorts or leggings in case of unpredictable weather conditions, something we’re very used to here in the UK. While a few others stated it’s worth packing a pair of Crocs or sliders to slip into once you’ve finished the race, plus a change of clothes for when you finish.

SHOP RACE-DAY CLOTHES: New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Warm Running Gloves, £15.18, Interval Packable Running Jacket, £80, and Crocs Classic Slip On Clogs, £49.99.

Wipes/tissues

Nothing will be worse than discovering there is no toilet paper when you race to the toilet. To avoid unpleasant toilet situations, runners advise bringing your own packet of tissues or baby wipes.

After sweating, you can also remove any sticky residue from the gels and salt from your skin.

SHOP WIPES/TISSUES: Pocket Tissue Extra Soft, £4.99, and FreshWipes Antibacterial Body Wipes For Adults, £6.49.

Portable charger

The worst thing about running the last few miles is having your phone go out of charge, according to a runner, because you have no music to listen through. When you finish the race, you’re looking for your friends and family to celebrate by not having an uncharged phone.

If you can fit a portable charger, it’s a must-have. You can attach your phone case directly to your phone case, or choose less bulky ones that are easier to carry.

PORTABLE SHOP CHARGERS: Belkin 5, 000mAh MagSafe Compatible Powerbank & Stand, £29.99, and Anker Nano Power Bank, £19.99, and Stand, £29.99,

Woman applying anti-chafe balm
An anti-chafe balm can help protect your skin from uncomfortable friction(Image: Body Glide)

Anti-chafe stick

This was probably at the top of your list if you have chafing thighs. However, it’s also useful for thighs; it can also be used to relieve friction on your armpits or the area where your sports bra fits in.

Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm, £19.99, and Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Anti-Friction Stick, £9,60 are two of the anti-chain stick brands sold at SHOP.

Nail shaver

If you’ve done the proper pre-marathon grooming, you’ll probably not need this one because it’s so random. However, it can get pretty uncomfortable and possibly difficult to finish the race if you find yourself with a toenail that won’t stop digging in.

Continue reading the article.

Nail shaver are so small and compact, it can’t hurt to keep a pair packed away in case of a nail emergency.

Source: Mirror

234Radio

234Radio is Africa's Premium Internet Radio that seeks to export Africa to the rest of the world.