Ten years ago, I took my first tentative steps into running, wearing Jack Wills leggings, an I Heart Paris t-shirt, and a pair of trainers whose soles were as inelastic as Donald Trump's jowl. No tracking watch, no app – just wired Apple headphones blasting a loop of Like a G6.
Now it’s 2025, and we’ve hit fever-pitch levels of running mania. Distance running, once a niche pursuit, has surged in popularity over the past decade. Marathons in Chicago and New York are breaking participation records, and even locals like the Hackney Half are drawing unprecedented crowds. Many have become hooked on the structure, camaraderie and endorphin highs that running offers – particularly in the post-pandemic years – and online communities and influencer-led run clubs have flourished as a consequence.
But amid the avalanche of gear reviews, race-day hacks, must-have kit videos and app recommendations, one question remains: what do you actually need to run a marathon – or any distance, for that matter?
As someone who runs 10km biannually, I thought it best to consult Savannah Sachdev, an experienced distance runner and content creator who first laced up during the pandemic as a means to manage anxiety. Since then, she's amassed over 1,300 consecutive days of running, completed multiple marathons, and even tackled five marathons in five days across the Dolomites.
I caught up with her ahead of the London Marathon, which takes place on 27 April, to glean her wisdom on what you do (and don’t) need for a smooth, speedy and comfortable race. Spoiler: it doesn’t have to cost a small fortune.
Savannah Sachdev running
The New York Marathon
Yoav Aziz
How has your marathon kit evolved through the years?
Interestingly, I would say that it’s pretty much always stayed the same. In my first couple of marathons, I didn’t have the trainers or the watch, so I got a few things to make it more comfortable, but that’s it. My comfort clothes have remained my comfort clothes – I’ve worn pretty much the exact same pair of shorts throughout. It took a couple of marathons for me to find my groove and understand what I feel comfortable in.
I don’t think you need to buy a brand-new outfit for a marathon. I believe that “feel good, run good” is the most important thing – as long as nothing’s chafing, stick with the tried and tested. The only real additions have been the watch and speed trainers.
What are speed trainers?
They are carbon-plated shoes that effectively help you run faster by giving you more energy return. However, for most people, the focus should be on comfort, stability, and longevity because a speed shoe can only be used a few times – they’re like 300 quid. Unless you’re a professional runner or they’re handed to you for free, a carbon-plated shoe isn’t much of a necessity for most.
Anti-chafe balm, a backpack and a good playlist are essentials for Sachdev
What would you say are three items for long distances or marathon running that you can’t live without?
Anti-chafe balm, for sure – that’s a real winner. I’m also obsessed with my Salomon backpack. There was a trend online criticising people for running 5K with a backpack, but it’s so handy – you can put snacks, lip gloss, and keys in it. I carry the kitchen sink in mine. I don’t think you need a backpack, but for me it’s a must-have, especially as a woman, for feeling safe while running in a city. My final item isn’t really an item – it’s a really good playlist.
Anything you’ve bought where you thought it was essential and then has turned out to be pointless?
Do you remember when everyone started putting CBD balm on their calves? No shade to anyone who did it if they love it, but this product got really trendy and suddenly everyone was using it. It did nothing for me. In my mind, if it was so good, we would have been using it for the past 10 years. In general, with running ‘hacks’, they can’t be that great – they’re just new enough to be hyped.
What would you say is the category of running kit that you should invest more in and where you could save money?
I would invest the most in fuel and recovery. Honestly, I don't think you need any of the extra stuff. Sure, you need supportive clothes, but people massively underestimate the importance of good food and good sleep. If you’re knackered from work, not eating well, or not sleeping properly, your runs are just going to suffer. Running exhausted in expensive trainers doesn’t help anything.
Do you test things before you run in them? Are there any specific things you try out beforehand?
I do test things before a marathon, especially food. You don’t want your stomach to go on the run with something that hasn’t been tried out. I practice my race breakfast a lot because eating too much fibre or something unfamiliar can make you feel horrible. Training your stomach is important – it can feel awful at first, but it’s like a muscle you need to work.
Practicing your race breakfast is essential
Can you recall a time when having the right kit made a significant impact on your marathon performance?
In my first two marathons, I didn’t have the correct trainers or a watch – that was nuts! I was much faster once I had speed trainers, even though I could manage a marathon without them. It’s reassuring to know that the upgrades, while motivating, aren’t absolutely essential.
Any technological tools worth having? Or ones that feel like a fad?
This might be controversial and annoying, but I think certain wearable fitness trackers that focus on providing in-depth physiological data can be a great tool for some people. However, if you only have an hour a week for exercise, that much data isn’t really necessary – you should learn to understand your own body. A tool I think is worth the money is Strava. I love that my data is saved for years, and when I’m travelling as a single woman, having access to routes other people have run makes me feel much safer. I also enjoy using Runna, especially since run clubs don’t really suit my personality.
According to Sachdev understanding your body is often more valuable than expensive fitness trackers
Have you ever experienced gear failure or a mis-purchase that taught you a valuable lesson?
I have often made the mistake of buying trendy outfits that didn’t fit right or felt too revealing in the wrong places. I feel like I wasted a lot of money on clothes that looked good in pictures but were uncomfortable in a three- or four-hour race. When you’re running for hours, you need to be in clothing that’s comfortable.
Is there any running gear that doesn’t exist yet that you wish was invented?
I’m confused by the fact that customisable running gear doesn’t exist yet. Most items only come in extra-small, small, medium, or large. I recently saw a website where you send them your measurements, and they make gear specifically for you. Sure, it takes five or six weeks and costs a bit more, but customised gear that fits perfectly and lasts longer sounds like genius.
Any trends in marathon gear that have caught your eye – either good or bad?
I’m obsessed with seeing girls running with glitter on their faces and bows in their hair – I love that. It’s fantastic to see women being feminine and doing their own thing without judgment. I’ve also noticed more diversity in running, with fewer rigid body type ideals and more acceptance of fueling properly, even if it means gaining a few kilos temporarily.
The 2025 London Marathon received a record-breaking number of applications, with female applicants increasing from 43% to 49%, nearing equal representation
It’s all about embracing the reality of long-distance running. On the flip side, there are plenty of gimmicks out there – brands with huge budgets trying to reinvent the wheel. The core message, though, remains: eat well, sleep well, and wear something comfortable. That might sound boring, but it really is the secret to a good run.
