The New York City Half Marathon will take over Brooklyn and Manhattan on Sunday, landing at an odd time for weather in the city. Coming off of February’s slushy sidewalks, March has brought unpredictable weather, with this week’s sunny skies being followed immediately by biting winds on Thursday. Meteorologists predict that race day will be cloudy, with temperatures hovering between the 40s and 50s and a slight chance of rain, though runners should prepare for anything.

Tisch senior and president of NYU’s run club Edward Zhou is finishing up his final semester with a prolific running career that began in middle school. With the marathon fast approaching, check out these high-end pieces of athletic gear, along with recommendations from Zhou, to help you cross the finish line at the end of these renowned 13 miles. 

Tops and tearaway layers
(Jada Nakagawa for WSN)

The day’s mildly cold weather can actually be ideal for setting personal records — it’s not hot enough to become a distraction, but not so cold that runners need to wear heavy layers. Zhou prefers to run in the cold because he can stick to a single layer, allowing his body to build up heat over the course of a race. Runners who struggle with the initial chill can opt for tearaway layers, pairing a high-performance singlet — a sleeveless garment designed for mobility — with old sweatshirts or zip-ups that they don’t mind discarding. Those pieces of left-behind clothing, which runners typically begin taking off around mile seven, get picked up by marathon volunteers and donated to charity after the race. As a base, you can’t go wrong with the Nike Dri-FIT ADV singlet ($95) — slim-fit, v-cut tank top with small holes near the chest for breathability known for its lightweight feel. 

Nonchafing, lightweight shorts
(Jada Nakagawa for WSN)

Especially in the rain, it’s important to avoid itchy fabrics, which can cause irritation and even bleeding when racing. To keep you focused on time and pace, avoid cotton — a material that absorbs sweat and traps it against the skin — and instead opt for non-chafing alternatives like polyester and nylon. Athleisure brand On is known for its moisture-wicking fabric, and categorizes its clothing by season and training intensity, ranging from low-impact pieces to performance gear designed for race day. For runners looking for shorts with storage features, the Pockito bike shorts ($86) have stellar reviews for having a front pocket, rather than the typical side pockets used for bike shorts, which helps distribute weight evenly over long distances. For men, Lululemon’s Pace Breaker shorts ($59) are an especially dynamic garment, with a hole in the waistband that acts like a running belt and can also store small items like keys or an AirTag.  

Vests
(Jada Nakagawa for WSN)

Vests — while not the puffer jackets that usually shield you from the rain on the walk to class — are growing in popularity among long-distance runners, as their weight distribution amplifies comfort. For those who like to carry more on them such as water, headphones, chargers or other essentials, a vest — while a pricier option — offers more secure storage with its front buckles that wrap around your chest, abandoning the bounce of the fanny pack. The Mileoff hydration run vest ($143), offered in several colors, is a great option. Even if this garment allows you to carry a surplus of personal items, make sure to still pack light so that you can focus on the distance. 

Running belts and fanny packs
(Jada Nakagawa for WSN)

Vests are not, however, mutually exclusive with other accessories, such as running belts — some runners like to pair both, keeping things they need more frequently, such as energy chews and GPS watches, in their belts and water bottles in their vests. Running belts are typically favored by short-distance runners because they can hold essentials, such as gels and light snacks, without having to carry an overtly bulky item. Some fanny packs, like the Nathan pouch ($35), or running belts like the FlipBelt ($39), can carry collapsible water bottles at the hip or other essentials like phones. 

Carbon-plated running shoes
(Jada Nakagawa for WSN)

With a carbon fiber plate in the midsole, these shoes can make all the difference during a marathon, creating a spring-like snap that minimizes energy loss with every stride. Zhou recommends the Nike Vaporflys ($270), a sleek, triangular-like shoe offered in seven vibrant colors — perfect for running long distances. The Nike Alphafly ($305) is a bulkier option that comes in a versatile range of designs, with some color variants even featuring unique text written across the sole, such as “Road Racing AF” and “No Human is Limited.”

Contact Saranya Madapaty at [email protected].