London Marathon 2026: All the gear, still no idea

Not this time, Philip! Thank God my ballot was unsuccessful for the London 2026 London Marathon. I entered only out of pure competitiveness with my girlfriend, Giulia, whose ballot was also declined.

I don’t mind running 5km a couple times a week, but the thought of a marathon perplexes me. It’s not natural to want to run that far is it? It seems horrific.

Fast forward a few weeks and Giulia has secured a spot through Anthony Nolan, the blood charity, in honour of her late friend Vanessa, who lived to see the age of 34 thanks to a bone marrow transplant, but passed away in 2020. A worthy cause to raise funds for; I was happy for Giulia.

“Pip, want to run the marathon for The Observer?” I was asked, and without hesitation I said yes. Wait, what. Why? I have just explained how I couldn’t think of anything worse. Maybe I was a little disappointed to not get in the first time round, maybe my competitiveness with my girlfriend was still bubbling, maybe I wanted to tick it off my non-existent bucket list, or maybe I’m just a fool.

Whatever motivated me, either way I had an urge to agree. Hopefully it will join Glastonbury on my list of things I highly recommend, but would never, ever want to experience again.

Reflecting back to lockdown in 2020, I would witness a multitude of people running around the Walthamstow Wetlands and it always puzzled me. “They’re not enjoying themselves, who are they kidding?” However, once furloughed, I joined the revolution of runners and couldn’t go a day without completing a 5km run. I bought an Apple Watch to track my runs and I guess that was the beginning of becoming one of those “running types”.

Deep into marathon training I have now evolved into a “full kit wanker”. Sweat-wicking socks. HOKA trainers. Inner compression shorts. VÅGA cap. Running vest. Blister powder. I have even toyed with buying prescription running glasses, but the reality is I am no Edgar Davids, so I will stick to my busted, old, wonky frames.

Another key part of any long-distance running kit is refuelling, apparently. Water, I’m on board with. Energy gels, however, give astronaut space food vibes. I tried one during a 20km session and was thoroughly disappointed with what tasted like a warm, melted Calippo lolly. My snack of choice is Jelly Babies, but even those tiny bursts of joy couldn’t stop the feeling of impaled quads by mile 13 in a training run.

Despite my pessimism, I am excited for the event. I’m sure on the day, surrounded by the atmosphere and the London landmarks, with Giulia and The Observer team by my side, spirits will undoubtedly be heightened to help push me over the line. It will be a heck of an achievement for everyone and one I clearly never imagined taking part in.

Those blokes in full Lycra that go cycling on Sundays for hours on end are a bit much, right? Or maybe I’ll become one of those next.

Kitted up for the 2026 Marathon – we asked a selection of celebrities what they have in their kit bags

Laura Robson – Former tennis player

Longest run: 35km

Trainers: New Balance SC elite v5 for race day

Socks: Anything bright

Cap: Hopefully won’t be hot enough to need one

Snack: Squares bars

Glasses: Just treated myself to some huge reflective Oakleys

Key item: Precision gels

Charity: Give It Your Max

Tony Adams – Arsenal & England ex-footballer

Longest run: Halfway line to penalty box

Trainers: Nike

Socks: Katya’s dancing socks

Cap: Tony Adams branded

Snack: Banana

Key item: Hydration vest

Charity: The Forward Trust

Rob Deering – Comedian, musician and writer

Longest run: 62 miles

Trainers: Nike

Cap: I’ll have to if it’s very sunny. I’ve got the roundest head you’ve ever seen – it’s not a good look

Snack: Gels and salt tablets

Glasses: My broken Oakleys if the glue holds

Key item: Headphones (and a long playlist)

Charity: Parkinson’s UK, for my late, lovely dad Barney

John Robins – Comedian and radio presenter

Longest run: 26km

Trainers: New Balance Fresh Foam X More V5

Socks: Ben Parkes Running

Cap: Inov8

Snack: Precision nutrition gels

Glasses: Sunwise Evenlode

Key item: Bodyglide and nipple plasters

Charity: Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse

Feature image styling and photography: Sam Deaman