Marathon running in the rain

At various points in their racing lives, marathon runners will need to prepare for the eventuality of getting soaked.

In the build up to big races, many runners repeatedly check weather apps to get an idea of whether rain will intervene and if so, to what extent.

Prospective runners will have different views on how desirable rain is, depending on general race conditions, but all participants will need to be ready just in case. This guide offers useful suggestions for some essential waterproof accessories.

Running in warm rain is a different beast to cold rain, and, given the choice, most would opt for the former. You should think carefully if wearing a jacket or too many layers as heat traps, while also considering pinning your bib somewhere that doesn’t require awkward removal.

Many runners opt for accessories such as gloves, caps, visors, arm sleeves and ear warmers to add warmth without building sweat. Body glides, Vaseline and anti-chafing balms are popular in combating friction. In colder, wetter conditions, runners rely on extra fuel to offset lost glycogen, and it is recommended energy gels are consumed via more easily accessed zip-lock bags. A disposable poncho might be useful in the early stages before your body starts to heat up.

Bringing a change of dry clothes to an event is also vital for both the warm-up stage and post-race cool down, to prevent hypothermia, as well as Ziploc plastic bags to keep phones dry. Key to everything, though, is a marathon training plan that incorporates full wet weather preparation.

For more information, contact specialist marathon coach Maximum Mileage Coaching today.