The 2026 Unofficial Marathon Awards, According to an Editor Running New York City

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?Olivia Luppino / Warby Parker / Bose / Hoka1 min readLast year, when I trained for my first marathon, I went a bit gear-crazy. I searched high and low for all the best products to help me get through training and across the finish line. And, I had a lot of fun doing it. I tested out dozens of sneakers, agonized over my race day outfit, and indulged in all the high-tech recovery gadgets (I have a recovery tool for basically every part of my body, from head to toe).This year, my approach to gear is a lot simpler because I know what I like. More importantly, I know what works. For example: I’m going on two training cycles now of exclusively using Gu Raspberry Lemonade gels as my fuel on long runs. Yeah, when something is good, I’m dedicated.So, while some of my training staple top spots haven’t budged—like my Bombas running socks, Garmin Forerunner 570, and Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus—that just means the things in this year’s Marathon Awards really impressed me.I’m still loyal to many of the products in last year’s roundup of my faves, but these are the new additions that deserve a spot on the list.ShoesBest Overall Running ShoeI have been pretty dead-set on my Nike Vomero Plus (which I wore throughout training and on race day last year) as my max cushioned shoe for everyday runs for a while—but these sneaks from Hoka finally gave them some competition for that spot. They’re less pillowy and more structured, so I feel more in control on a run, and my heel and ankle have more support. During training this time around, I found that my feet started to crave a bit more of that stability from a shoe, so I switched over to the Cliftons to get me through my peak mileage. They hold their own on easy and long runs when it comes to comfort, and feel even better than the Nikes when I’m doing my speed intervals on the track.There comes a point in training when I simply cannot get myself to wear anything but sneakers. My feet and body just need the support, even at work or running errands or going out with friends. The new Eliot Ryder from Tracksmith is a pillowy soft shoe that cushions every step. Made for running, it could totally double as your easy run go-to, but I’ve been living in it outside of logging miles as well. The shoe’s design also makes it a little more fashionable than other max-cushioned trainers that scream “running shoe.”Recovery slides are definitely new for my training this year. After dealing with some mysterious foot aches and pains this time around, I started to wear slides around my apartment to avoid walking around flat-footed. Compared to others I tried, these are the softest and offer the most arch support.Running ApparelI ran my favorite half marathon to date (the Lululemon SeaWheeze half) in this tank—so I’m a little sentimental. But still: it has the classic soft and breathable material I love Lululemon for, it’s super comfortable and lightweight over long distances, and comes in bright colors that will get you spotted on the course. I’m very much considering ironing my name onto the one I have and wearing it on race day.I trained during the summer months in New York City, so a lightweight top was critical. This one from Salomon kept me comfortable throughout training (and also has a really cool, elevated look). I cannot stress enough just how lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying this fabric is. Truly a gem of a find!Now that the weather is cooling down, this top from Rhone is my favorite for an early fall day. The material is soft and breathable, making it a perfect transition layer. And, I think the crop and mesh design make it cuter than other running long sleeves.I would say the biggest thing I didn’t nail down last year was a running vest, so I’m excited to share that I’ve got one that I loved this time around. The big problem with last year’s (unnamed) vest is that the water bottles were always popping out. They stay put in this one from Hoka, which also feels lightweight and easily stores everything I need to bring with me. The closures are easy to work, it feels really secure and comfortable across long distances, and I like the pop the purple gives my usually all-black running outfit.When all my laundry is clean, these are the first pair of shorts I grab above every other option. The main reason: I want to be comfortable on a run, and these are the most comfortable shorts I have by far. They don’t ride up, provide compression—but not too much compression—and have a softer feel. They have two pockets along the back (one zippered, where I keep my keys) and a mesh one (where I throw my empty gels), plus one on the right thigh (where I keep my phone).This pair from Bandit also hits all the important notes in running shorts: they don’t ride up, offer compression, and are comfortable even on double-digit mile runs. These shorts also have extra grippy material inside to help them stay put and have pockets on both thighs and two along the back center, which is helpful if you have more things to carry with you on a run. (Come race day, when I don’t plan to wear a vest because I won’t need to carry my own water supply, I’m going to be happy to have an extra pocket to hold my gels!)Lululemon’s low-impact Flow Y bra got an upgrade to be more supportive for higher-impact activities. The racerback bra has a mesh panel along the back too, making it more breathable on hot days. While training through the summer, I mostly end up running in just a sports bra, and this one also has a fun pattern to show off.Extra EnhancersIt’s very hard to successfully cross a finish line without the help of a training program. This year, I worked with Kelly Roberts, an RRCA-certified run coach and creator of the Badass Lady Gang. It’s a run community, and now, an app where you can get customized training programs, connect with Kelly and other runners, and utilize strength training, fueling, mindset, and recovery resources. It’s the most thorough platform I’ve ever seen, and Kelly was there to help me navigate the highs (5 and 10K PRs when I wasn’t even trying) and lows (strep throat) that popped up during training.Bose just dropped these earbuds and I’ve been obsessed ever since I got my hands on them. They stay secure on your ears and have that open ear feature so you can still hear everything around you. But, since they’re Bose, the sound also feels more high quality than other options, and they’re slightly louder for moments when you really need to pump those tunes.I love these sunglasses from Warby Parker Sport. They’re lightweight, but still feel like a solid, nice pair of sunglasses, and their look feels a little more elevated than some of the aggressively big and bold sunglasses that runners have to choose from. They also stay on my face, rain, shine, or sweat.Not to be dramatic, but these hair ties from Goody changed my life. Last year, I watched a bunch of tutorials of how different influencers styled their hair for a race and purchased different products that would hopefully help tame my flyaways and often-drooping ponytail to no avail. It turns out, all I needed were these hair ties. They’re thicker and stronger than the regular old ones I’ve been wearing since I was a kid, and seem impossible to break. I can run for miles now and my hair doesn’t budge. I don’t know what kind of magic is in these things, but I’m grateful.I don’t love the way most sunscreens sit on my skin, but obviously, some SPF is important when you’re spending that much time in the sun. I actually like this sunscreen from Summer Fridays—it melts into my skin, keeps me covered, and doesn’t get into my eyes when I’m on a run.If you’re acne-prone like me, all that running and sweating that comes with marathon training could do a number on your skin. This year, I got in the habit of immediately rinsing my face with water once I got back to my apartment and then spraying it with Tower 28’s SOS spray for good measure. So far, no major breakouts to report.Olivia Luppino is an associate editor at Women’s Health. She reports, writes, and edits content ranging from service stories to in-depth features and awards packages across all verticals, including health, fitness, sports, and beauty. While at WH, she’s traveled to Paris, France to watch Faith Kipyegon attempt a sub-4-minute mile and covered major races like Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc in Chamonix. Olivia is a RRCA-certified running coach who is especially passionate about helping people start their running journey and is training for her second marathon. Her works also appears in New York Magazine’s The Cut, PS (formerly Popsugar), and Salon, where she also did on-camera interviews with celebrity guests.