Getting in Gear for the Boston Marathon

By Reena Jana
April 15, 2011

Boston Marathon

Preparations are made for the 2010 Boston Marathon on April 19, 2010 in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mimi Ritzen Crawford/Getty Images)

The city of Boston is steeped in history—and not just of the Colonial sort. The 2011 Boston Marathon, which takes place on Monday, is the world’s oldest annual city marathon race. The estimated 25,000 athletes participating in 2011 will follow the same marathon route that their predecessors did way back in 1897, when the first Boston Marathon took place, starting in the New England countryside and ending near downtown Boston’s gleaming glass skyscraper, the John Hancock Tower.

The Boston Marathon is a highly anticipated event year after year, with some fans even camping out in Copley Square near the finish line the night before to snag prime viewing seats. And while that may seem nuts, consider that about 500,000 live spectators are expected to show up. “After 115 consecutive years, any sporting event is going to garner some notoriety,” says Warren Greene, Brand Editor editor at Runner’s World magazine (which also has its own Boston Marathon microsite).

Warren Greene

But it’s not just the rich history of the Boston Marathon course that makes it so compelling. For many runners, just qualifying for the 2011 Boston Marathon can be a lifetime goal, even if they finish last or can’t even reach the finish line at all. “The race has a feeling of exclusivity,” says Greene. “To qualify for this race takes personal commitment and speed that commands respect from other runners.”

Participants walk down Boylston Street after finishing during the 114th Boston Marathon on April 19, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

We asked Warren Greene, who oversees the Runner’s World Shoe Lab and its Biomechanics Lab (which works in conjunction with the Department of Sports Medicine at Michigan State University) to pick the hottest new running gear for marathoners—and runners at any level. According to Warren Greene, anyone participating in the 2011 Boston Marathon will need any sort of technological boost toward its infamously grueling end, which includes four hills. “The course isn't easy. The hills hit you between the 18th and 21st miles,” he says. “That’s at the same time many runners hit the wall.”

In terms of must-have high tech running accessories, the iPhone 4 is really the must-have marathon gadget, says Greene, given its Swiss-Army-knife versatility. From providing music and numerous running apps during training sessions to allowing runners to easily snap still photos and capture video of crossing the finish line on race day (and email them immediately, of course), the iPhone 4 lives up to its hype.

But the coolest new running device, says Warren Greene, is the Nike + SportWatch GPS, which was just released on April 1. This running watch captures location information and has an easy-to-use interface that lets runners record statistics about their runs and compare times; it also can connect to optional shoe sensors to gather running data on miles logged and then send it to an iPhone, among other features.

Boston Marathon Of course, Greene’s expertise lies in the area of sneakers. He oversees 350 shoe-testers at the Runner’s World Shoe Lab and can easily pick two clear winners—in the shoe category, that is. “The Nike Zoom Structure + 14 is a huge step forward for stability footwear. Its midsole design is ideal for runners who start off pronating only slightly but end their long marathon training runs needing more support. It's substantially softer and more flexible than other shoes offering this much stability,” he says. “Our wear-testers couldn't get enough of its springiness or its balanced fit, thanks to a new Flywire upper that holds the arch and heel of the foot firmly in place.” Warren Greene recommends this shoe as ideal as an everyday running shoe for long runs, in particular, and even uses the world “plush” to describe its luxurious feel.

Participants walk down Boylston Street after finishing during the 114th Boston Marathon on April 19, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Warren Greene also points toward the Brooks Defyance 4, which he says is a versatile shoe that is great not only for long distances or fast races, but also for slower, so-called “tempo” runs that are part of many runners’ training plans. It’s built on the sole of a previous, popular shoe (the Adrenaline GTS for sneaker aficionados) but is improved with a softer and more flexible design. “The upper provides a secure, articulated wrap through the arch that our wear-testers absolutely raved about,” Greene says.

What other marathon must-haves does Warren Green recommend? Here’s his complete insider’s list of the hottest running gear available today—ideal for the Boston Marathon and, even if you didn’t qualify this year, beyond.

Nike + SportWatch GPS Powered by Tom Tom

This watch isn’t just cool-looking, but it’s also a handy tool that offers real-time location information for runners, thanks to its global positioning system. It has a number of features, from storing data on past runs to synching with a sneaker sensor to measure miles and send info to an iPhone.
110% Compression Wear Knickers

These shorts offer gradient compression that help blood circulate during a run. There are also pockets for inserting ice sheets after a grueling run to reduce muscle pain.
Honey Stinger Organic Waffle

These organic energy snacks are similar to the waffles eaten by European cyclists when racing or training. Their honey flavor make them a favorite among Runner’s World staff, even if they’re not training for a marathon.
iPhone 4

(buy it now price, $124.99)

This versatile gadget is also a runner’s best friend, thanks to countless running apps and, of course, the numerous features of the iPhone.
BOB Sport Utility Stroller

For parents who want to fit in marathon training while also taking care of wee ones, this sturdy stroller allows for comfortable runs for both mom or dad and baby.
New Balance Icefil Running Top

This shirt is embedded with Xylitol—yes, the same naturally derived sweetner found in gum—a substance that can react to body sweat to provide a cooling effect against the skin.
Nike Zoom Triax + 14

These sneakers provide the ideal combination of cushiony softness and stability for serious runners.
Brooks Defyance 4

For long-distance runners and those jogging at slower levels, these shoes cradle feet comfortably.