In it for the long-haul: What to wear for a marathon

'At mile three of my first marathon in Dublin, a fella passed me in full GAA gear, from the jersey to the socks. At mile 11, I saw him crying on the kerb surrounded by medics. He was broken'

Paula Wright, Lackamore, County Tipperary, showing off Marathon Medals she has earned around the world. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Running a marathon is no mean feat. It’s a test of endurance, patience and fitness. Competitors spend months training, building their stamina to last the distance. While a marathon runner may have the endurance, a dodgy pair of runners could be their Achilles heel. As they say, a tradesman is only as good as their tools, so having the right running gear is crucial for any marathon runner making it to the finish line.

Taking on her first marathon 10 years ago, it would be an understatement to say that Paula Wright was hooked. A decade on, she has completed 130 marathons and is just about to head off to Japan for number 131. With extensive experience as a runner and a pacer for the Cork City Marathon, Wright has got it right when it comes to what to wear for the big race.