Harry Styles Just Confirmed He Loves Independent and Vintage Running Gear. As a 10x Marathoner: My Go-To Race Day Formulas

By now, you've all seen that Harry Styles x Runner's World cover.

In a move that seemingly broke the Internet last night, world-renowned pop star Harry Styles graced the UK publication's cover, photographed in largely vintage sportswear and pink running sunglasses.

Interviewed by no other than Haruki Murakami, a celebrated Japanese novelist, author of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running and a running icon in his own right, the interview covered the isolation of fame, Harry's new music, plus how meditative running can be.

Of course, he also chatted his go-to race day kit and the brands he wears on repeat to help him feel his best.

Back in September, the singer completed the Berlin Marathon in a time of 2 hours and 59 minutes, shaving 25 minutes off his personal best from the Tokyo Marathon in March prior.

Running under the alias of "Sted Sarandos," he completed the 26.2-mile race despite temperatures of nearly 30 degrees and challenging conditions.

And his kit choices were exceptional. You see, Harry chose to run in a number of independent running brands that I've worn and loved for years, using his platform to promote smaller businesses.

Alongside a bright pink pair of Nike Alphafly 3s, Harry donned some Tracksmith Van Cortlandt shorts, District Vision running sunglasses and SUMS lilac socks.

If you're keen to shop Harry's look, or you're currently training for a marathon yourself, keep scrolling. Below, I've shared my complete guide to the best race day outfits - aka, the kit that looks fashionable but is also functional, too.

All are tried and tested outfits that I've worn to run half and full marathons and would personally recommend. None have chafed, caused blisters, or prompted stitches, and I'd recommend all to family and friends. And for more Editor-approved kit picks, don't skip our edits of the best running shoes for women, the best running shorts, the best sports bras, and the best workout tops.

What are the most important things to look for in a race day outfit?

I've tested a lot of activewear brands in my time, specifically over short, mid and long distance runs, and the below come out top time and time again.

The brands I gravitate towards on repeat for quality, wearability and durability are lululemon, Sweaty Betty, New Balance, and adidas, with some of the higher-impact designs from Adanola and ALO being firm favourites, too.

The most important thing to look for, if you're looking for race day kit that'll perform, is that it's designed for high impact movement, wicks sweat well, and offers some element of compression.

Of course, pockets are an absolute essential, too, for carrying your phone, gels, and any other essentials, and so all of the short options I've included have ample storage space.

Why should you trust me?

I'm a nine-time marathon runner and the Senior Health Editor here at Marie Claire UK, you see, and I run most days. I've completed the London Marathon three times, and Chicago, Berlin and Peterborough marathons, too, so it's fair to say that I know a thing or two when it comes to good kit.

And let me tell you - kit can make or break you come race day. You might shrug me off now, but try and picture how painful running on a blister for 4+ hours might be. Or how agonising it'd be for your shorts to chafe your thighs, knees and belly button red raw. Or how irritated you'd feel if your running belt smacked you in the back for the entire route. You get my drift.

While I can laugh about all three of the scenarios above now - because yes, they have all happened to me in races in the past - I promise you that while you're pouring months of hard work, dedication, sweat and tears into a race only for your kit to hold you back, it isn't funny. It can be the difference between crossing the finish line and not, and the difference between a shiny new PB or a DNF (did not finish, for those of you who aren't au fait with running jargon).

While freak kit accidents can - and will - happen on the day, all you can do is prepare, prepare, prepare. Only run in kit that you've worn in training runs before (and no, that doesn't include your box-fresh carbon plates that look cuter with your outfit). Slather yourself in more BodyGlide than you knew possible. And do make sure you pack some emergency blisters and sliders for sore feet come the finish line.

Best race day outfit: If you want to replicate Harry's look

I've long been a fan of independent running brand Tracksmith, a company rooted in celebrating running’s distinct culture and designing stylish and supportive kit for non-professional yet competitive runners.

So it's no surprise that Harry - who's long been known to wear smaller designers and up-and-coming brands on stage - chose to opt for their Van Courtland shorts for his marathon yesterday. I own a pair myself, and the shorts are a breathable, breezy, sweat-wicking dream. Wearing mine for the Chicago Marathon shakeout - and plenty of training runs since - I can attest that they're a great basic, with three hidden pockets, to boot.

Do note, though - if you prefer to feel more held in while moving, you might want to opt for a pair with an in-built cycling short liner or higher waist design.

Founded by Ed Vickers after watching his Dad run marathons all his life, SUMS has one simple goal: to design planet-friendly, performance-focused socks that look great and feel better. Vickers is passionate about running being about more than competition - rather, as he puts it, "curiosity, connection and altruism - the real DNA of running culture." As he points out, this sounds abstract until you experience a race yourself, but once you do, you'd be hard-pressed not to be moved, and then get moving yourself.

The socks themselves are great - so much so, it's hard to fault them. Trialled over thousands of test miles to find the perfect balance of comfort, durability, breathability and compression and with a 4.9/5 review average, they're really innovating in the running sock sphere. All of their designs are unisex, offer a light compression, and come with anti-blister cushioning, and the breathable mesh and zero-slip arch support mean they're trusted by a wide range of elite athletes for marathons and ultra-marathons alike.

A running brand and wellness collective based in Los Angeles, District Vision was launched by friends Tom and Max over ten years ago. What began as a series of workshops teaching meditation to runners has since developed into a sports apparel and accessories brand with a commitment to thoughtful sourcing and purpose-led design.

The pink racing sunglasses that Harry wore for Berlin are one of their best-sellers. Invest in the Junya Racer for a running frame that sits close to the face, promises not to move mid-movement, and offers maximum sun protection, too. They come in a wide range of colourways, so if pink isn't for you, the brand has you covered.

Best race day outfit: If you love all black

I wore this tank for the Chicago Marathon - my second Boston Qualifying time - and on repeat for countless half marathons since, including the Victoria Park Half (pictured above). It's a runner's dream - supportive, sweat-wicking, and anti-chafe, with clever reflective details for if you're ever running in the dark. Other need-to-knows: it also has a handy zip pocket on the back of your ribcage for storing your essentials.

These lululemon Fast & Free shorts honestly have my heart - they are my most trusted and reliable pair of marathon shorts, with ample space for your essentials, a thick and supportive but breathable material and a flattering and functional design. They feel pretty like a second skin, the barely-there feel boosts your confidence and allows you to focus on the race at hand.

These have become my favourite race day trainers this year, and you can really tell that years of research went into the design of this shoe. The energy return is superior to other competitors I've tried - a combined FuelCell PEBA midsole and "Energy Arc" design pairs a thin carbon fibre plate with clever midsole voids to optimise the amount of bounce and propulsion. Besides how speedy they are, though, these shoes are seriously comfortable, easy to wear, and stylish, ticking all of the right boxes.

I have a few colourways of these Hystride running sunglasses, and I really can't fault them. They have specially designed polarised lenses for unmatched clarity, a promise of UV400 protection, plus are feather light, meaning they don't hit the bridge of your nose or cut into the side of your temples while you're running in them. For clumsy runners, they also have super bendy frames, meaning if you sit or tread on them (of which I'm guilty), they're harder to break.

Best race day outfit: If you love all pink

The Nike Swoosh bras are raved about for a reason - they're seriously easy to pull on while also offering a seriously impressive amount of support. My only criticism is that the lighter colourways can show sweat patches, if you're someone who sweats a lot, but it's a great bra option if you love how lower impact bras look but want to make sure you're properly supported for your mileage.

I'd never have expected this tank from Free People to become such an asset in my running wardrobe, but it's become one of my go-to layers. A cute top to throw on over your sports bras, it isn't the best at sweat-wicking, but it isn't the worst, either, and will make any outfit look that bit more chic.

I am beyond obsessed with these workout shorts, which top FP's viral Hotty Hot shorts IMO. They sweat-wick really well, meaning no unwanted sweat patches, have an inbuilt layer, cinch you in at the waist without crushing any internal organs and are a great length, too. They come in a wide range of colourways and are really responsive to your body and leg movements, meaning you won't be flashing anyone mid-race.

If you're on the hunt for a running trainer that promises to be stable, supportive and cushioned, you can't go far wrong with the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4's. They're a really reliable workhorse of a running trainer, easy to slip on and off and do up quickly, and come in a gorgeous range of colourways. They're not the springiest, but they are stable, meaning I also rate them for any runners who have precarious or wobbly ankles.

Best race day kit: For the neutral lover

This longline sports bra is ridiculously clever and a great example of how a brand can modernise a classic workout staple with some seriously handy features that make your runs all the more enjoyable. I'm a big fan of the higher neckline, curved rear hem, and razorback silhouette, not to mention the removable cups and an under-bust band for impact support. Do note, though - I'd say it offers medium support, so if you have bigger boobs, you'll need an underwired sports bra underneath it.

You know an item is really good when I find it hard to fault - and I fell in love with these race day shorts the second I put them on last year. They really are made for all conditions - effortlessly breathable, sweat-wicking, and supportive, they have an inner pant liner and a responsive material that moves with your body to make sure you have a decent range of motion. The fabric is next level - seriously light, stretchy, soft and with a slight leg split to make sure the shorts support, rather than restrict, your goals.

If you're on the hunt for a carbon plate running trainer to support your speedwork or racing, then the Mach x 2 from Hoka is a pretty reasonable price point. The material is sturdy and resilient and the sole bouncy and propulsive. While the design means these shoes will likely last you a long time, they did cause small blisters and some wearing in straight out of the box. That said, this is easily trumped by the fast, fun and functional support they've offered me for races since.

Best race day kit: For the print lover

I wore this adidas singlet for the Berlin Marathon in 2023 and I really can't fault it. It almost feels like a second skin - seamless, lightweight, and breathable, it's a great option if you're a fan of a "barely there" running outfit. Coming in a range of fun prints and colourways, it's sure to make any race day outfit look good without scrimping on functionality.

Sweaty Betty's Power shorts are one of their running best-sellers for a reason - they offer a few longer lengths than other cycling short iterations on the market (they come in 4", 6", or 9" leg lengths) and are seamless and anti-chafe, too.

There's a subtle adjustable waistband that sits just above your belly button to hold the shorts in place, with the option to tailor the fit to your waist, too. Mine have never ridden up or rolled down, either, helping me to smash my workout head-on without worrying about my kit.

They also have plenty of pockets for storing your essentials - a runner's essential.

My go-to race day shoe for years, the adidas Adios Adizero Pro 3's were the first speedy shoe I ever fell properly fell in love with. I'd never got the hype before, reading horror stories of overwear and subsequent stress fractures or injuries. But these shoes are built for making your speed work easier and I can't recommend enough. Worn by more athletes than I care to count and with some seriously impressive world records to their name, they're seriously efficient at boosting energy return, effortlessly boost your propulsion without impacting form, and look cute, too.

Best race day extras: