The sea of orange thermal blankets, shiny medals and brightly colored running shoes is impossible to miss.
On 1 November, 61,000 people took over New York City’s streets for the 2026 NYC Marathon. Making it through the 26.2-mile race is a feat that takes grit, endurance and … the right gear.
Near Central Park, blocks from the finish line, I navigated swarms of proud parents and groups holding neon posters emblazoned “hot girls run marathons”, asking runners about their sneakers, energy fuel and shorts. (It turns out Nike Alphaflys are a marathon favorite.) When I couldn’t find exact matches for their items, I linked to brands with similar options.
From a 71-year-old who has run the NYC Marathon over 30 times to an Olympic trial qualifier who placed seventh in her age group – marathoners also shared what brought them to the starting line, with stories that remind us there is more than one way to be a runner, and just as many reasons to keep showing up.
Is the NYC Marathon inspiring you to run? Check out our guides to the best running gear for hot weather and cold weather , our review of the best running shoes for women and expert tips on how to choose the right shoe .
“The marathons are the big day of the year for the whole running community to celebrate each other.”
Has completed all six world marathon majors
Singlet: On “I used to have an Under Armour [short sleeve] T-shirt . It was sort of my lucky shirt. I’ve worn it all my races. And it was really hot [one] year in Berlin – it was like the mid-70s. So I was like, I’ll finally invest in a singlet .”
Professional field athlete and 2024 Olympic trial qualifier
Shoes: Puma R3s “They’re just fast. They respond well.”
Energy gels: Neversecond (berry flavor) “If you bonk from carbs, they cover you; if you bonk from sodium, they cover you.”
“In 2023, I was out on a run, and I had a brain aneurysm … I had to learn how to walk again … My goal when I got out of the hospital was to run a marathon.”
Lululemon ambassador raising money for Brain Aneurysm Foundation
Top : Lululemon Hat: Lululemon Sunglasses : Ridar
“[Running] just separated work and life balance for me, so that’s what got me into it. It’s created a community for me back home. We’ve just got our own little run club and stuff now.”
Shoes: Nike Alphafly 4s “They said don’t test new things on race day and I did … They’re really good.”
Top: Nike “I went and got this singlet made up at the Nike shop. So they put the stickers on for me.”
“This place, you don’t really need music because the crowd is so lively throughout. [Running] is my time to meditate and get in my own head a little bit every day.”
Shoes: Nike Alphafly 4s “They just dropped, and they’re hard to get. The heel is a little different … I think the biggest thing is the weight. I noticed significantly, like a couple ounces makes a big difference, especially late in the race. Yeah, I like these a lot better than the 3s.”
Singlet: Nike Shorts: Soar Energy gels: Maurten caffeinated and non-caffeinated (NYC marathon fuel sponsor) “I took six gels today, one every 25 minutes, two caffeinated, one in a cup … There’s other brands that are entering the market, but for me it helps my stomach.”
“ I started [running] from my age of 50 on my birthday. And I’m not an active runner before. But somehow, once in a while in my dream, I’m running on the track. So maybe God asked me to run.”
Watch: Garmin 255 “On my 50th birthday, my husband gave me a running watch.”
Gels: Maurten (NYC marathon fuel sponsor)
“I actually raised money for Komera … I wanted to do one marathon where it was meaningful.”
Running for Komera , a foundation supporting girls’ education in Rwanda
Shoes: Hoka Rockets Top: “There’s a girl named Samantha McIntyre … So she made this shirt for her six-star race in Berlin. And now she’s giving it to one person for each world major. And so I got it for New York City. So it’s like the sisterhood of the traveling shirts.” Bottoms: Bandit
‘This is why I came [to the U S from Ecuador], to run the NYC marathon, and I stay here.”
Has run the NYC marathon over 30 times
“I always said if one day I raced a marathon, I would run the New York City [one].”
Shoes: Puma “Very comfortable … It’s my third pair.”
“Great day, a little warmer than I would have thought, but I was going for sub three, so I got that.”
Running for Girls on the Run, a non -profit supporting girls’ physical education
Singlet: Bandit “I just got this a month ago.”
Bottoms: Rabbit “It has a decent amount of storage and stuff.”
“Running changes your life in different ways. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s really rewarding.”
Shoes: Nike Alphafly “It helps you to [go] faster, I guess.”
“You see the mile marker and you stay in the mile and you try to be with the people you’re with.”
Shoes: Brooks Hyperion Elite “I usually always wear Alphaflys, but I wanted a little more stability, but still [have] a carbon plate.”
Top: Bandit “This is the first time I’ve had the pockets. And I love the pockets.”
