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Running a half marathon is a huge achievement! But let’s be real – crossing that finish line feeling strong takes more than just lacing up your running shoes and hoping for the best. Following a half-marathon training plan and keeping consistent is key, but the right gear also makes a world of difference. Oh, and don’t forget to check out my half-marathon tips to make sure you’re fully prepared for race day!
When I ran my first half marathon in 2022, I was all in on the training but completely skimped on essentials like proper running shoes. Looking back, I wish I’d invested a lot more in the right running equipment to make my training smoother, more enjoyable, and at times, less painful.
So, to save you from my rookie errors, I’ve rounded up the 11 must-have half-marathon essentials that will help set you up for success and make race day that little bit easier.
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11 Must-Have Half-Marathon Essentials
Waist Belt
Let’s be honest – carrying your valuables while running is a total faff. You’ve got a couple of options… you could shove your phone and keys into your legging pockets (if they even fit, and if you’re willing to risk losing them mid-run), or you could go old-school with an armband for your phone. But neither of these options are all that great especially if you need to carry more than the bare essentials. I mean... where are the snacks supposed to go?!
This is where a running belt or running vest comes in – absolute game-changers. Both of these options are comfortable to wear, convenient, and (shockingly) not irritating – letting you carry everything you need without feeling heavy. If you opt for a running vest, you'll also be able to carry a soft flask water bottle!
I finally caved and bought a running belt for race day, and honestly I kicked myself for not getting one sooner. If you’re mid-training and still wondering what's the best way to carry your things, do yourself a favour and get a running belt or vest!
Wireless Earphones
I’ve always been that person who runs in complete silence – no music, no podcasts, not even an audiobook. People always look at me like I’m mad when I say that, but I quite like soaking up the world around me. That said… silence only gets you so far. It’s all well and good on short runs, but when you’re heading out for anything over 15km with nothing to distract you? Well, it gets boring real fast!
Looking back, I really wish I had something to listen to on those long runs. It would’ve probably made them feel less like a chore and helped the miles tick by that little bit quicker.
Now, whether you prefer earphones or headphones is completely up to you. Personally, I’ve always gone for headphones because earphones never seem to stay in my ears. But trust me on this – no matter whether you choose earphones or headphones, you’ll definitely want something to keep you distracted on those longer runs.
Smart Watch
A fitness watch is a total necessity when it comes to tracking and analysing your runs! It’s not just about checking your distance and time – they also help you keep tabs on your pace, how long each km or mile is taking, your heart rate, and even how many calories you’re burning.
The Garmin Venu 3S takes it up a notch, offering even more advanced stats like cadence, stride length, VO2 max, training load insights, and even race time estimates. Basically, it allows you to take a dive deep into your running data, helping you understand your performance in far more detail.
Personally, I used an Apple Watch to track my runs, and it was super helpful to see my progress in speed and distance as I got further into my half-marathon training plan. But, I’ll admit, the Garmin seems to track a lot more fitness data overall.
Supportive Footwear
If there’s one thing you take away from this list, let it be this: good, supportive running shoes are an absolute MUST. Running is high-impact, and it puts a lot of stress on your body – especially when you're going the distance. For a half marathon, you’ll be running for at least 1.5 hours, so it’s vital to have shoes that properly support your feet.
The ON running shoes are highly rated – they’re known for being comfortable, and lightweight – perfect for running. A solid pair of running shoes will not only protect your feet, but also your knees, ankles, and back from injury. Sure, they’re not the cheapest, but trust me – they’re worth every penny!
Speaking from personal experience, I can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in good running shoes. For my first half marathon, I bought some generic £40 Nike trainers, and they really didn't do me any favours. The arch of my foot used to ache after every run, and I still get the occasional back twinge to this day – all of which only started after my half marathon. I’m convinced it was down to my shoes!
Also, a little tip: buy your shoes well in advance – at least a couple of weeks or even months before your race. This way, your feet will have time to adjust to them before race day.
Running Socks
A good pair of running socks is just as crucial as your running shoes, you don’t want to be dealing with blisters or constantly having to pull up your socks throughout your half marathon race. So, choosing the right pair is key!
There are actually socks out there specifically designed for long-distance running – like the ones I’ve linked below. They’re cushioned to reduce foot fatigue, anti-blister to keep your feet happy, and feature arch compression for that extra support. Plus, they’re non-slip and made from breathable fabric, ensuring your feet stay comfortable and cool from start to finish on race day.
Energy Gels
There’s a bit of debate around whether you really need snacks for an energy boost during your half marathon, but honestly, if you’re unsure, the best way to figure it out is by testing them during your training. Do a long run with snacks, then without, and see if they make a difference to your energy and performance.
Personally, I definitely could’ve used a snack or two during my half marathon. Around the 8th mile, my energy completely crashed, and the last 5 miles felt like a total slog!
Energy gels are a quick and easy option for giving you that boost – they’re digestible, easy to carry, and provide a nice hit of carbs to keep you going. The type of snack you go for is really up to you, though. You could pick from energy gels, sports bars, jelly sweets, or even dried fruit. I once got a recommendation to try flapjacks as my race snack... and let me tell you, never again! They were so drying when I was already so dehydrated! So, it’s all about what works for you!
Foam Roller
You need to make sure you're warming up and cooling down before every run to help reduce the risk of injury - one of my need-to-know half marathon tips! Incorporating a foam roller into your routine is a great idea for easing muscle tightness, releasing knots, and speeding up your recovery.
I’ve been using a foam roller for a couple of years now, and it’s definitely one of my favourite exercise essentials – especially when my muscles are feeling a little extra tight. Sure, it hurts like hell while you're using it, but honestly, it works wonders to ease muscle tension and leaves me feeling so much less sore on days two and three after a tough workout. Totally worth the pain!
Sunscreen
A half marathon can take a couple of hours, meaning you’ll be out in the sun for a good while – especially if you’re running your race somewhere super warm and sunny. The last thing you want is to cross that finish line feeling exhausted and looking like a lobster! So, make sure you slather on some sunscreen before you start – this is one race day essential you definitely don’t want to forget!
And if you really want to be extra cautious, buy a cap for added sun protection.
Race Bib Belt
If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t even know race bib belts were a thing. The day before my half marathon, I was searching my house high and low trying to find safety pins to attach my race number. And let’s just say, in the process of pinning it to my top, I ended up jabbing myself more times than I’d like to admit.
Now, you can say goodbye to safety pins forever and just clip your race number onto your bib belt – so much handier! Plus, most bib belts have spaces for you to carry energy gels, so you can fuel up without breaking your stride.
Comfortable Running Outfit
Your race day outfit really comes down to what makes you feel most comfortable. Whether you’re a leggings person, a shorts fan, or someone who loves a long-sleeved top – it’s totally up to you!
For my half marathon, I was just trying to stay as cool as possible, so I went with shorts (the exact ones are linked below) and a vest top. I still wear these shorts to this day – they’ve got a double lining, with a tight, fitted layer underneath and a looser, lightweight fabric on top. This helped me to feel secure and covered up throughout the whole race, so I didn’t have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions!
Hair Bobbles
Okay, so this one’s a bit obvious, but I had to mention it – especially for everyone with long hair.
Trust me when I say, having long hair during a long-distance run can be an absolute nightmare! There’s nothing more annoying than your hair constantly falling out of your ponytail or bun, forcing you to stop every couple of miles just to tie it back up. Not ideal when you’re trying to focus on those miles!
I’ve definitely struggled to find bobbles that actually keep my hair up and secure for a long run. So, here’s a little tip – make sure you test out different hair bobbles during your training! That way, by race day, you’ll know which ones keep your hair in place for the entire race.
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