Philadelphia Marathon Must-Haves: Stay Charged & Race Ready
The Philadelphia Marathon offers a scenic and fast course through the heart of the city, starting and finishing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. During the race, runners pass through and showcase historic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Whether you're running your first marathon or you’re a seasoned veteran, the right gear can make or break your race experience. This guide highlights the must-have gear, helping runners and their supporters prepare smartly, stay connected, and enjoy every step of race day.
Smart Watch
A smartwatch enhances marathon training and race-day performance. It tracks pace, distance, and heart rate in real time, helping you stay on target. You can set custom intervals for training, monitor recovery, and log long runs automatically. Some watches come with a GPS feature to analyze routes later on. Having all this data on your wrist keeps you focused and motivated on race day. Some models even allow music control to make runs more enjoyable.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is a small but robust portable power station ideal for charging your phone and headphones before and after the race. While it’s lightweight at 10.4 lbs, it's obviously not practical to run with. However, you can store it in your car during the race to have reliable power on standby for fans, a cooler, or small appliances. It’s especially useful if your vehicle has limited outlets or if you plan to tailgate with friends and family post-race.
Headphones
Headphones can make training and racing more enjoyable and motivating. Listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks helps pass the time during long runs and can improve your mood and endurance. There are many types of headphones on the market. Look for some that offer transparency mode to hear surrounding noises while racing. Many are sweatproof, lightweight, and built for comfort over long distances. If you don’t like the feeling of headphones, consider getting bone-conduction headphones.
Running Vest or Belt
Choosing between a running vest and a belt depends on your needs, but either is an excellent addition to your running gear. A running vest is better suited for long runs or marathons. It holds multiple water bottles, a place for gels, electrolytes, a phone, and extra layers. It can distribute weight evenly across your upper body to reduce bouncing. A belt is lighter and more minimal. It fits snugly around your waist and holds fewer items. For simplicity, choose a belt; for more storage and hydration, go with the vest.
EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh)
This portable power bank is the best option for charging your phone during the race. The EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) is designed to magnetically clip onto the back of your phone for a stable, secure hold; no cords are needed. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry while running. Despite its small size, it packs enough power to charge your phone from 0% to 70% in 33 minutes.
Snacks
Snacks should be easy to digest, high in carbs, and low in fat and fiber to provide quick energy without upsetting your stomach. Some good options include:
Chews or gummies
Energy gels
Banana slices
Rice cakes with honey
Pretzels
Homemade oat balls
Dried fruit
Shoot for 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour during the race. Practice eating your snacks during training to make sure you tolerate them well. Don’t try anything new on race day.
Water and Electrolytes
Water and electrolytes are essential for marathon runners. Water keeps you hydrated, regulates body temperature, and supports circulation. But during long runs, you also lose electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium through sweat. It’s important to replenish these; otherwise, you risk cramps, fatigue, or hyponatremia.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max Plus + 220W Solar Panel
Much like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max Plus + 220W Solar Panel will be too large to carry while you run; however, this setup is ideal for spectators. If you have friends and family on the sidelines, this portable power station + solar panel combination will supply endless electricity away from traditional power outlets. While showing support, they can power phones and cameras, run a cooler or minifridge, heat food, charge electric fans or heaters, and keep kids entertained.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a smart accessory for marathon running. They protect your eyes from the sun, wind, and debris. You’ll reduce the strain on your eyes while running long distances. The right pair can also improve visibility in bright conditions and prevent squinting, which keeps you more relaxed. Look for lightweight, bounce-free glasses that are UV-protective, anti-fog, sweat-resistant, and a wraparound style or snug fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Day Is the Philadelphia Marathon 2025?
The AACR Philadelphia Marathon will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025. This is also known as marathon weekend, which goes from Friday, November 21, through Sunday, November 23, 2025.
How Flat Is the Philly Marathon?
The course is rated mostly flat to gently rolling, with a total elevation gain of around 744 ft (226m). The highest point reaches about 148ft, the lowest around 5 ft, and only two moderate hills exist on miles 7-10, making it a fast, Boston-qualifying route.
Do You Need to Qualify for the Philadelphia Marathon?
No qualifying time is required to enter. The race is open to all runners, with registration available on a first-come basis. However, there is a 7-hour cutoff, so participants must average under roughly 16 minutes per mile to reach the finish before roads reopen.
Why Smart Marathon Prep Enhances Race-Day Success
A successful marathon experience requires hard work, training, and endurance, but your experience also hinges on being well-prepared. From hydration and energy gels to smartwatches and power banks, each piece of gear plays a role in your comfort, focus, and performance. If you need power on the go while running. In that case, the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) is the ideal way to stay charged and connected without missing a step.