IRONMAN Leeds: 5 essential running accessories for the marathon leg (aff)
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Prevent blisters, protect your eyes, and stay strictly on pace with these five essential running accessories from Runners Need ahead of the IRONMAN Leeds marathon
You’ve braved the cold waters of Waterloo Lake and battled through the brutal hills of the Yorkshire Dales on two wheels.
Now, there’s just the small matter of a 26.2-mile marathon standing between you and the iconic IRONMAN finish line at Roundhay Park.
By the time you rack your bike in Transition 2, fatigue has well and truly set in, and the August heat is usually at its peak. This is not the time to discover that your socks give you blisters, your eyes are straining from the sun's glare, or your pulse sensor is misfiring.
While months of gruelling training get you to T2, it’s often the smaller, clever bits of kit that keep you moving forward when your legs want to quit.
To help you stay cool, comfortable, and on pace, we’ve taken a look through specialist retailer Runners Need to pick out five essential running accessories to tackle the final leg of IRONMAN Leeds.
Five essential running accessories ahead of the IRONMAN Leeds marathon
Goodr 'My Sweat Has An Octane Rating' Sunglasses (£40.00)
Transitioning out of the saddle and onto the run course for 26.2 miles in the August sun is a recipe for severe eye strain and fatigue, and Goodr has earned a cult following among runners for one main reason: their frames simply do not bounce or slip down your nose, no matter how much you sweat.
Featuring a modern wraparound shield design with anti-fog gradient lenses, these sunglasses cut harsh glare while maintaining clear ground visibility if the pavement gets uneven. With 100% UV protection and a non-slip grip coating, they’ll stay locked in place from your first stride out of T2 all the way to the finish line.
Ronhill Running Phone Armband Case (£16.95)
Running a full marathon requires having your essential tech within easy reach - whether that’s live GPS tracking for friends and family following your progress, your go-to race playlist, or emergency contact access.
Ronhill’s dedicated running armband holds your device firmly in place without cluttering your hands or dragging down your waistband.
Built with a clear touch-screen window, you can check your pacing stats or switch tracks on the fly without pulling your phone out. The stretchy, breathable strap delivers a comfortable, slip-free fit that won't chafe against bare skin, while reflective trim adds an extra touch of visibility if your marathon stint stretches into the early evening.
Garmin HRM 600 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap (£149.99)
Pacing is everything when tackling a marathon after 112 miles on the bike. Relying solely on optical wrist sensors during a sweat-soaked 26.2-mile run can lead to inconsistent readings, putting you at risk of burning out before the finish line.
The Garmin HRM 600 delivers ultra-precise, real-time heart rate and HRV metrics straight to your smartwatch, keeping you strictly locked within your target energy zones.
Beyond tracking heart rate, it captures detailed running dynamics to help you evaluate and optimise your running form as fatigue starts to set in over the final miles. With a comfortable machine-washable strap, 5 ATM water resistance, and a rechargeable battery offering up to two months of continuous life, it’s a top-tier investment for data-driven athletes aiming for a strong finish at Roundhay Park.
RockTape Kinesiology Tape Roll (5cm x 5m) (£12.95)
By the time you hit the run course, your legs have already logged 112 miles of heavy pedalling, putting major stress on your knees, calves, and IT bands.
Kinesiology tape has become a staple in long-course triathlon for good reason - providing critical mechanical support to fatigue-prone joints without restricting your natural stride.
Engineered with a tighter weave and nearly double the elasticity of standard athletic tapes, RockTape mimics muscle fibres to encourage efficient contraction and relaxation as your legs tire.
Crucially for race day, its ultra-strong, hypoallergenic adhesive stays firmly glued to bare skin through sweat and extreme conditions, ensuring your support system doesn't peel off halfway through the marathon.
SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel Variety Pack (£10.00)
After hours of intense effort, your body’s glycogen stores are severely depleted. Staving off the dreaded "wall" during a 26.2-mile run requires a steady stream of fast-acting carbohydrates.
Science in Sport’s GO Isotonic Gels were the world’s first truly isotonic formula, meaning they deliver rapid energy straight to your muscles without requiring extra water to digest—sparing you from uncomfortable stomach sloshing while running.
This variety pack lets you rotate through different flavours to combat taste fatigue late in the race. Lightweight enough to tuck into a race belt or armband, taking one every 45 to 60 minutes keeps your blood sugar stable so you can keep your legs turning over all the way to the finish line at Roundhay Park.