What I Packed For the 2025 Boston Marathon
The Race-Day Shoes I Wore at the Boston Marathon, Plus 13 Other Items I Packed
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Packing for the Boston Marathon was my most stressful activity leading up to the race. No, it wasn't the 18-mile practice run where I didn't fuel enough and felt lightheaded at mile 12, or the 20-mile run when it started pouring rain at mile six. It was the moment I started placing items in my suitcase and it became very real that I was running one of the most iconic marathons in a few days. The calm focus that characterized my 12 weeks of training was replaced by panic and despair. I'd run a marathon and plenty of halves before, and knew I had the stamina and strength to complete the 26.2 miles. But as I folded my clothes, it felt like if I didn't bring the right stuff, I wouldn't be able to do it. Adidas had given me this once in a lifetime opportunity to run the Boston Marathon with the purpose of writing a story, but what if I wasn't able to make it to the finish line?
To alleviate these feelings, I overpacked. For my five-day trip, I brought a large Paravel suitcase ($465, originally $545) and the brand's Aviator carry-on bag ($295, originally $445.) I had everything I needed, and then some. If you're traveling for a race and reading this, this packing list is here to help you avoid some of the panic I experienced. Ahead, I'm including my top running products that took me through marathon weekend and the finish line.
Quality Socks
The Bombas Running Ankle Socks ($17) kept my feet dry and comfortable. I love that they are snug but breathable. I also wore Bombas Performance Compression Socks ($36) on my flight to and from Boston. They offer medical-grade compression and help promote blood flow while flying.
Running Sunglasses
It's well-known that you're not supposed to try anything new on race day. I broke this rule by wearing Goodr Influencers Pay Double Sunglasses ($25). I purchased them the day before the race, and the rose-tinted lenses reminded me to stay positive.
A Luxury Shower Gel
Sol de Janeiro's Delicia Drench Shower Oil ($26) made my post-race shower feel like a spa. The scent helped me relax as I washed off caked-on sunscreen and sweat. My skin felt so nourished.
Race Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential to running a marathon. I brought a variety of products to fuel me during the race. The official nutrition of the Boston Marathon is Gatorade Endurance Formula ($27) and Maurten Gels ($45 for a box of 12), so I brought both of those. I also had Gu Energy Gel in Chocolate ($32, originally $38 for a box of 24) as a treat towards the end of the marathon. Since it contains caffeine, I only had one of these on the course as I found in my training that caffeine was hard on my stomach. I also brought SaltStick FastChews Electrolytes ($18), which are like candies that give you electrolytes.
Recovery Drink
Post-marathon, I refueled with Tailwind Recovery Mix ($40) in vanilla. The formula contains a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes. It is my secret weapon to nourish my body after a long run. During training when I had this beverage, I had so much more energy going into the rest of the day than without it. It tastes like a milkshake and can be mixed in with water or milk (no blender required).
Water Bottle With Storage and Waist Pack
Throughout my training, I used this Camelbak hydration vest ($160). Not only did it store 34 ounces of liquid, but it also had ample room for snacks and my phone. It made storage seamless. Unfortunately, vests are banned from the Boston course. I pivoted and used a Nathan Quicksqueeze Lite Handheld ($35) as a water bottle and storage for two gels, and the brand's Marathon Waist Pack ($35) to store my phone and more gels. I appreciated that the pack had side elastic loops and race bib keepers.
Sunscreen
I wore La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen ($37, originally $40) during the race. Because I was wearing a hat, I applied sunscreen starting below my eyes. I've found applying it on my forehead causes it to drip into and burn my eyes. I'm happy to report no sunburns during this unexpectedly hot and sunny race.
A Photo-Worthy Shakeout Run Outfit
The most beautiful running outfit I own? Adidas' Adizero Retro Running Crop Top ($40), Adizero Retro Running Shorts ($50), and Adizero Retro Running Jacket ($80). I felt like an Olympian in it. The jacket was perfect during the extremely windy shakeout run.
A Standout Outfit for My Cheerleaders
A true highlight of the race was seeing my sister and dad cheering for me on the course. Boston is known for attracting lots of spectators, so I repurposed an Adidas Adicolor Classic Firebird Loose Track Pants ($75) and Adidas Colorblock Track Top ($85) I'd purchased for the Adidas carbo-load dinner event to dress my family "Royal Tenenbaums"-style for the marathon so I could easily spot them. I also added a bright Turtle Fur beanie ($35) for my dad. It worked so well that I was able to see them without slowing down.
Recovery Shoes
It's a beautiful feeling to take off your running shoes after completing the marathon. I immediately changed into Kane Revive shoes ($80). Many people like to slip into sandals, but I love that the Kane Revive shoes have raised footbed nodes to activate blood flow in key pressure points and are designed to support your heel, arch, and instep.
Running Shoes
The Adidas Supernova Rise 2 Running Shoes ($140) were my race day shoes. From the first time I wore them, they felt comfortable and somehow comforting. I also tried Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Shoes ($250) during my training runs, which are high-performance racing shoes. I ran my fastest tempo run ever in them, but felt a bit intimated by that. Knowing I wanted to hold back and run the first 18 miles slowly until I made it to the hills, the Supernovas were a better fit for this race. I'm saving my Pro 4 shoes for my next marathon, now that I'm feeling more confident in my ability to pace and complete a race. For the shakeout run, I opted for Adidas Adizero Boston 12 Shoes ($96, originally $160). I'm happy to report that all of my toenails were intact after the marathon, which wasn't the case for me when I ran the LA Marathon in shoes from a different brand.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction Sports Headphones
Headphones are discouraged at the Boston Marathon. Because there were so many spectators, I wasn't sure I was going to need to listen to music. However, around mile 12, I started to feel lightheaded. In addition to fueling and hydrating, I blasted my favorite tracks to focus my mind while I waited for the sugar in the Maurten Gels to help me feel better. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 ($180) are incredible headphones. They stay put perfectly, and the battery lasts up to 12 hours. They also have a co-branded Boston Marathon edition.
A Running Watch
The Garmin Forerunner 265S Running Smartwatch ($450) was pivotal during my training. It kept track of my training, readiness, recovery, and HRV status and provided insights to optimize my training productivity. It is easy to use, and it connected with my phone, so I could change music on it and receive notifications. It also has a battery life of up to 15 days.
Recovery Boots
The most expensive item I brought and the reason I needed to check a bag was the Hyperice Normatec Elite ($999). These boots helped me stay injury-free and kept my legs fresh during my training runs. I really attribute them to helping me successfully train for this marathon in 12 weeks. As a mom of two kids under 4, a priority for me was to be able to walk and function after my long runs. A session with these boots at the end of the day allowed me to be ready to go. They are pricey, so the Normatec Go ($340, originally $400) is another option that is more compact and focuses on your calves.
Genevieve Farrell Roston (she/her) is an award-winning filmmaker and the director of video at PS. She oversees the Webby-nominated PS Fit video series, which makes fitness fun and accessible. She has more than 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. A certified personal trainer, she loves running, Pilates, and rest days. As a mom of two, she is an avid reviewer of children's gear and products.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Adidas for the purpose of writing this story.
