Wondering what to wear for a late fall race? Here are my tips based on what I’m wearing for the Philadelphia Marathon!
My marathon is THIS weekend! EEK! I know I’ve said it before, but I really can’t believe it.
Like any runner facing a big race, I’ve been obsessing over the weather for ohhhh about three weeks now. Are we still going to be in the midst of this warm weather streak we’ve been having in the northeast? What if Mother Nature wakes up and decides, “Oh, today it shall be cold! Bwahaha!” What if it rains? What if it’s windy? So many weather worries.
Well, now that the race is just two days away, weather.com is telling me it’s going to be pretty much perfect running weather. High 40s and sunny! This is what I love about late fall races – it might be chilly at the start but just right once your body warms up from all that cardio. And so, I have my race day gear ready to go and figured it’s the perfect guide for anyone wondering what to wear for a late fall race. Fit & Fashionable Friday is as good a place as any to share it, right? Right! Take a looksee:
Eddie Bauer Incendiary ¼-zip Pullover – I got this pullover from the Fitness Blogger Meet & Tweet. It has become one of my cold weather favorites. The long sleeves and thumbholes will keep you warm and the zipper will allow you to bundle up or get a little air in if need be.
Victoria’s Secret Sports Bra – This is one of my favorite high-impact sports bras. It’s super cute and comfortable for the long miles.
PRO Compression Leggings – I’m sad PRO Compression no longer sells these leggings because they are my favorite. They stay right in place (no slippage here), are nice and lightweight but still keep me warm.
Smartwool PhD Run Ultra Light Socks (click for a full review)– Warm socks made for running are great for crisp fall days. Ones with a tab on the back, like these, mean no slipping and no blisters!
Adidas Energy Boost 2.0s – I’ve mentioned many a-time how much I love these running shoes. I even put the latest version in my Ultimate Gift Guide for Runners!
SPIbelt Performance Series (click for a full review) – This baby is a must to hold your fuel, phone, ID and some money just in case.
CamelBak Women’s Charm Hydration Pack – Another must. Sometimes you don’t want to pull over at the aid station and sometimes you want water in-between aid stations. This uber comfortable hydration pack lets you have enough water on hand to hydrate at your own pace.
Ear Warmer Headband (similar) – Fall races may be chilly at the starting line, so these are great for staying warm. If I get too hot, just wrap it around your wrist.
TomTom Spark Watch (click for a full review)– GPS watches will help you stay on pace. This one houses up to 500 songs to keep you entertained while you work on said pace.
AfterShokz Bluez 2 Headphones (click for a full review) – If you need some form of audio entertainment like me, I highly recommend these headphones. They are very comfortable and will let you run cord-free!
I also suggest having a throwaway layer. It will keep you warm while your waiting in your corral and you won’t mind tossing it if you get too warm (most races donate throw away layers, so that’s another plus!). I’m also planning on having some Vega Recovery and a Lara Bar on hand for post race fuel.
Eek! This is really happening!
Ok, before I start nervous rambles, let’s hear how you’re staying fit & fashionable. Check out the link up rules here and join in below!

Let’s Chat:
What would you wear for racing in high 40s and sunny weather?
Do you think I’ll need gloves?
This post contains affiliate links.

I’d love a pair of wireless headphones. It’s definitely an item on my Christmas wish list this year!
Lucie Palka recently posted…Fashion Friday: Winter Running Outfit
Perfect weather for your race this weekend! Go get it girl and have a blast. Thanks for the link up
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Why Runners Make The Best Black Friday Shoppers
Yes to those smart wool socks!! And cozy leggings are a must.
Bri recently posted…{Friday Favourites} Cozy winter running gear, natural make-up & more
What a great outfit combination!
I usually wear capris and a half zip like that for upper 40s, sunny and no wind. That’s great running weather!
Good luck!!!! I’ll be thinking of you!!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Fashion Friday- Perfect Travel Dress
Your outfit looks “on point” (ugh, I know) for this weekend’s marathon!! I can’t wait for the recap! You’ve got perfect weather.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Road therapy
haha!
Ermahgerd! Can’t believe your marathon is this week- SO excited for you!!!!!
Annmarie recently posted…Foodie Friday: Goji Almond Granola
Weeeee!!!!!!
I wishing you the best this weekend. I’d probably wear layers that can be removed but carried on my waist or something like that. I hate being cold but I hate being hot too! This is a great list, thanks
Ivanna recently posted…5 Must Have Black Leggings and Capris for Petites
Thanks, Ivanna!
I love my Boost 2s! They have taken me through the last 2 marathons & training cycles. Also really like my Victorias Secret sports bra. I only have 2 but definitely have it on my christmas list!
Lauren recently posted…Gingerbread Protein Bites and Sunwarrior Review
My Energy Boosts are near retirement, so I’m definitely looking to the new Boosts 🙂
Good luck at your race lady! You are going to rock it!
Thanks, Jen!!!
Yay! So excited for you! You are going to do great and you are right, that is PERFECT running weather! I had no idea that Pro Compression doesn’t make those anymore, I was hoping to try them!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Rock N Roll #Stripatnight Half Marathon Recap: An epic racecation
I’m sad they don’t make them anymore either. I would get another pair in a heart beat!
I never would’ve thought the Victoria’s Secret sports bras are effective. I’ve only ever seen the super padded PUSH UP sports bras…but that pattern is so cute and if it’s Nicole approved, I’m checking it out
Cayanne Marcus recently posted…WIAW & What’s Goin On
Oh gosh, no! Those are useless. This one is great! Perfectly supportive, comfy and cute 🙂
For a high 40s race with sunny weather, I think I’d feel comfortable in full length leggings, a tech t shirt, and a tech long sleeve zip up on over that (just in case it gets a bit warmer, I like to have the option to take off the longer layer). I think you’d be okay without gloves if it was sunny, but I feel like as soon as that sun goes away it just feels chilly and I’d want some light running gloves just in case 🙂
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers recently posted…Black Friday Themed Workout!
You were exactly right! I shed my top layer at mile 2 but kept taking my ear warming headband on and off throughout the race. It got chillier than I expected!
The weather sounds absolutely perfect and you’ll be stylin’! Have a great race!
Marcia recently posted…What Stayed in Vegas…
Thanks, Marcia!
I actually wrote a post this week about running in winter and the rule of thumb is to always dress as if it was 15-20 degrees warmer. This takes into consideration how hot you’ll get, sweating, etc. Good luck on your marathon!
Fit Magnolia recently posted…BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR RUNNING IN THE WINTER
Yes! Love that tip! Thanks!
That bra is super cute!
Carmy recently posted…Foodie Friday Roundup! Thanksgiving Edition!
Thanks, Carmy!
Good luck this weekend!! I love your fall running ideas 🙂
Thank you!
I like your suggestion of running tights and a long sleeve shirt. I might bring a top “throw away” layer too if it started in the early morning.
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Amazon Fitness Fanatic Gift Ideas
I’m so happy I brought the throw away layer!
Throw away layers are key! We used to buy cheap mittens and scarves before the Thanksgiving Half and just ditch them when it warmed up. The race volunteers collected them and donated it all to homeless shelters. Win-win!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Curried Pumpkin & Turkey Stuffed Mushroom [Recipe]
Yes! I’m so glad I brought throw away layers – and I saw volunteers picking them up as we were racing 🙂
good luck! I don’t have much experience with running in the 40’s but it all looks great! I love the idea of a throw away! Be speedy!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…SOS to the Rescue!
Thank you, Mary Beth! It went really well 🙂
Great post. I have the Eddie Bauer pullover and love it, although now that I am in Florida I don’t see it getting much use.
Toni recently posted…NYC Marathon Weekend with #TeamASICS Day 3
It’s my favorite top! You might need it come December/January for a few days before it goes back to the back of the closet haha.
I’m always on the look out for no slip pants! I don’t know what it is about most capris but the longer I work out in them, the more likely they are to fall/slip etc. I’ve never tried ProCompression pants, will have to see what they currently carry.
Becki S recently posted…Fluffy Friday: Work Out With Your Dogs
I hate having to hike up my pants mid-workout. If you can’t find the PROCompression ones on their site, I saw them on Amazon 🙂
Good luck this weekend!!! Go get it!! 40’s is perfect running weather!!
Love that Eddie Bauer half zip – I could have a million half zips – they are so perfect to throw on after a run. Cute running bra!!
Natalie recently posted…Rock N Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon: Day One and Two!
Agreed! Thanks, Nat and congrats again on Rock N Roll!
I love my pink CamelBak and I need wireless headphones. Looking forward to hearing about the race!
jill conyers recently posted…Banana Pumpkin Bread
I think wireless headphones are the big gift for runners this year 😉
Ooo I need those headphones! I always have an epic battle with my cord while I run.
And side note: I saw your post race pic and you looked SUPER cute! Even after having ran 26.2 miles! You take this fit & fashionable thing right to heart; I love it!
Ariana recently posted…Holiday Sweater: 10 Sweaty Minutes a Day to Rock Your Party Dress, Banish Holiday Stress, & Celebrate 2016 Feeling AWESOME
The headphones are great! Highly recommend and thank you!! Though, I didn’t feel very cute haha!
I still wear that Eddie Bauer top all the time as well! Seems so light but is the perfect base layer. I am intrigued by those headphones!
It’s my favorite running top, hands down.