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GEAR

At the sub-3 marathon level, gear matters. This section reviews the shoes, watches, apparel, and recovery tools serious runners depend on. From carbon-plated racing shoes and GPS watches to lightweight kit and accessories, we assess what gives real performance benefits and what’s just hype. Choosing the right gear won’t guarantee you run under three hours, but making poor choices can hold you back. These guides help sub-3 marathoners get it right.
A male runner in a yellow SUB-3 vest sits on a track using a Theragun on his thigh, surrounded by stylised greenery, sports facilities and soft cartoon-like textures.

In praise of a Theragun for sub-3 training

Massage guns might look like a gimmick, but used well they can be a sub-3 runner’s secret weapon. This is how to get real value out of one - without overdoing it.
Patrick Hayes 04 Sep 2025
Cartoon of a sub-3 runner in a shoe store, torn between worn-out trainers and new super shoes, with an angel and devil offering conflicting advice on each shoulder.

Should I get my dream pair of shoes for my sub-3 attempt?

When you’ve done the hard training, is it really worth dropping another £250 on race-day shoes? Maybe not. But you don’t want to be blaming your feet at 35K.
Patrick Hayes 22 Aug 2025
Runner in a yellow SUB-3 shirt stands in front of a shoe rack filled with colorful running shoes, thoughtfully deciding which pair to use for his next training run.

How many shoes should a sub-3 runner have in rotation?

Rotating your running shoes isn’t just about indulgence or kit obsession. For sub-3 runners, it’s a practical strategy for injury prevention, cost control and performance.
Patrick Hayes 22 Aug 2025
Three pairs of Nike ZoomX Alphafly running shoes in bright neon colours stacked on a wooden table outdoors — popular carbon-plated racing shoes among sub-3 marathon runners

Do Alphaflys help you run a sub-3 marathon?

Sub-3 stays with you for life. And in my view, these shoes can help make it happen.
Patrick Hayes 22 Aug 2025

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