Running the Zurich Marató de Barcelona is a big goal, and what you wear on the day can make it easier or much harder. At COLLECT Running in El Born, we help a lot of runners prepare their race kit every season. Here is our practical guide to what to wear for the Barcelona Marathon, from shoes to socks, with products we currently stock and specifications taken from our product pages.

The golden rule: nothing new on race day

Before anything else: every item you wear on race day should have been tested in training, ideally on at least one long run. That applies to shoes, socks, shorts, tops and nutrition. The start and finish are on Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, with the Magic Fountain and the Palau Nacional in the background, according to the official race website. Check the official site for the date, the course and the latest race information.

Marathon shoes: which ones?

The right marathon shoe depends on your target time, your experience and how your legs handle firmer, faster shoes over 42.195 km.

For most first-time and recreational marathoners: On Cloudboom Max

The On Cloudboom Max is a marathon racing shoe aimed at runners finishing in around four to five hours. Dual Helion HF foam with CloudTec and a full-length glass-fibre Speedboard give a stiff, stable platform for the long distance. Our product page lists an 8 mm drop and a 40 / 32 mm stack (heel / forefoot). It is recommended for marathon racing and long runs at goal pace.

For faster runners: carbon-plated racers

• Hoka Cielo X1 3.0: Hoka's high-stack road racing shoe, with dual-layer PEBA superfoam, a full-length carbon plate and rocker geometry. Listed at around 198 g, with a 7 mm drop, for road racing from 10K to marathon.
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 5: a racing shoe with responsive cushioning and a full-length carbon fibre plate, for powerful propulsion and smooth transitions on race day.
• On Cloudboom Strike: On's elite carbon-plated racer for 5K to marathon, with a minimal heel counter best suited to neutral runners.

A versatile option: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

If you want one shoe for marathon-pace workouts and race day, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is worth a look. A full-length semi-rigid nylon plate within dual-layer PWRRUN PB foam gives a snappy, propulsive feel, and our product page describes it as suitable for everything from tempo runs to race-day efforts.

Not sure you need a carbon plate at all? Read Do you need a carbon-plate running shoe?

Socks: small detail, big difference

Blisters are one of the most common reasons a good marathon goes wrong. Choose technical running socks you have already worn on long runs. The Bandit Lite Run Quarter Socks have a fully honeycomb mesh crown for breathability, spandex-based compression for a supportive fit and Coolmax yarn to wick sweat, and are designed for daily runs, races and warm-weather training.

Clothing: light, tested and comfortable

• Top: a light, breathable running T-shirt or singlet you have already worn on long runs.
• Shorts: running shorts with a comfortable waistband and, ideally, pockets for gels.
• For the start: a light layer to stay warm while you wait in your start area.
• Cap: the Optimistic Runners Nylon OR Cap is ultra-light and breathable, with an adjustable strap, useful if the sun comes out.
• Sunglasses: see our running sunglasses.

Browse the full selection of running clothes and running accessories.

Nutrition: test it in training

Gels and drink mixes are part of your kit too. Use the same products in your long runs that you plan to use in the race, so you know how your stomach reacts. You will find gels, bars and more in our running nutrition collection, and more advice in our running nutrition guide.

Your race-week checklist

• Race shoes tested on at least one long run
• Socks, shorts and top already worn on long runs
• Cap and sunglasses, depending on the forecast
• A light layer for the start
• Gels and drink mixes tested in training
• Bib, safety pins and race information from the official website

For a longer list, read our Barcelona Marathon gear checklist.

Try them in Barcelona

Race shoes should be chosen weeks before the marathon, not days. Come and try them at COLLECT Running, Carrer del Rec 26, El Born, or at COLLECT, Carrer de la Palla 25, in the Barri Gòtic. Our team will help you compare marathon shoes and find the right size. You can also browse all running shoes online. Size availability may vary between stores.