You’ve put in the work: you’ve logged long runs, went to bed early, carb-loaded. Now’s the time to relax and taper so you’re all set for the big day. Only one thing is beyond your control: Mother Nature.
Fall and spring marathons are known for their unpredictable weather. Will there be a tailwind? A heatwave? Nor’easter? The New York City Marathon—this year on November 6—is days away, and while refreshing Accuweather may feign a sense of preparedness, one way to really give yourself peace of mind is knowing what you’ll wear—and that it’ll handle whatever elements nature throws you.
As of Thursday, the weather for Sunday’s race looks like it could be a scorcher. According to Accuweather, the low for the day is starting at 62 degrees and the highs could reach over 70 degrees. While there might be some variable cloudiness to ease some of the sun’s rays in early November, the temps are still well above the average for November 6 in NYC (57 degrees for the high, and 42 degrees for the average low).
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That means besides keeping yourself comfortable while waiting for your start in Staten Island, you’ll not only want to dress like it’s a warm spring race, but also you’ll want to stay hydrated and fueled up before, during, and right after your race. And this week, we did a callout on Instagram for questions, and the weather was a big factor on many runners’ minds. Fortunately, our own Runner’s World+ Coach Jess Movold helped out with these tips:
- Hyper hydrate with a high sodium sports drink. This starts now!
- Adjust your wardrobe and dress in layers. Stay warm on Staten Island and then slowly shed the layers while warming up in Mile 1.
- Prioritize hydration and fuel race morning and early into the race. This is key!
- Manage expectations. Everyone will be under the same circumstances. Go by EFFORT instead of paces when it comes to executing your race strategy.
Here’s more on how to dress for success at this year’s NYC Marathon.
Keep It Simple
The NYC Marathon course has you run through five boroughs and over five bridges. If you’re still chilly in the morning and you layer up with some throwaway clothes, you should brace yourself for shedding quickly as the race progresses—you don’t want to overheat. This means, keep it simple underneath: wear a shortsleeve or singlet, and shorts.
Our editors like Lululemon’s Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0. It’s slim-fitting and anti-chafe. As a sufferer of a horrifying rash under her arms postrace, I wish I had known about the Swiftly this past February at the Atlanta Marathon.
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0
For a men’s option, Janji’s Repeat Merino Tech Tee is comfy, lightweight, and controls B.O.
Check out our Best Workout Tops and Best Men’s Shirts lists for more choices.
For bottoms, it’s all about the pockets. You’ll want to stash fuel so you don’t bonk midrace. Oiselle’s Toolbelt Roga Shorts have a 360-degree mesh pocket that mimics a racebelt.
Find more bottoms with pockets reading The Right Number of Pockets for Runners is N + 1, and visit our Best Women’s Shorts and Best Men’s Shorts roundups for more options.
Tut Tut, Looks Like Rain
While there isn’t rain in the forecast for the NYC Marathon, it does’t hurt to be prepared. Rain jackets aren’t the unbreathable, swampy tarps they once were. Now they’re whisper-thin, ventilated, and packable.
Brooks’s Canopy was worn by Desiree Linden when she won 2018’s Boston Marathon, the course riddled with legendary downpours. The newest Canopy can be stuffed into one of its mesh pocket, allowing you to wear the packable jacket as a backpack when the sky becomes clear.
Head to Packable Lightweight Running Jackets for Unpredictable Weather for more recommendations.
Find Support
Having your people spectate and cheer is a major mood booster. The right sports bra also does the same job. Adidas’s FastImpact Luxe Run High-Support Bra has an underband and straps with easy-to-each hooks for fully customizable support.
Adidas FastImpact Luxe Run High-Support Bra
Beat back pain and chase a PR by choosing the Best High Impact Sports Bra or Pocket Bra.
Layer
Chances this year are low, but if the temperature drastically drops, you’ll want to wear a lightweight longsleeve, either on its own or layered over a tank top to strip off (depending on your tolerance for cold).
The best featherlight material that thermoregulates is merino wool, which is also odor-resistant and wicks away moisture. Tracksmith’s Brighton Base Layer is a staff favorite for its versatility in temperate and cool weather.
For more merino tops, go to The Best Merino Wool Base Layers for Cold-Weather Runs.
Accessorize!
Finally, decide what Socks to wear—compression, crew, no-show?—and if you’ll be wearing a Hat (my favorite accessory for rain or shine). I always wear a Sprints cap when I’m racing because the fun patterns make it easier for my friends to see me—and I can’t resist showing my love for pickles.
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
