- 0
Marathon Equipment What You Should Know Before You Enter That Brisk Walk
Running is one of the oldest, as well as the simplest, sports in human history. Running requires no equipment or gear (although having running shoes is a great help), nor does it need anything special for a venue. A flat or slanted surface is all a runner needs. Humans were known to have run competitively as early as the second millennium B.C.E. (the most famous event being, of course, the ancient Olympics). The “marathon” is in fact rooted in an ancient Greek legend of the Battle of Marathon, in which a “runner” for the Greek army sprinted 26 miles in order to tell the Athenians that they won the battle against the Persians. Since then, the marathon has been celebrated (and reenacted) countless times over.
Modern running, however, has evolved somewhat since that fateful battle in Antiquity. Running has turned into a highly-organized and popular competitive sport participated by people of all ages and skills. The marathon (and its variations) is still very popular, though no less daunting. Did you know, for example, that nearly 2,000 half-marathons (approximately 13 miles) are held every year in the US? Furthermore, nearly half a million Americans participate in some kind of marathon every year. In 2012, there were more than 15,000 “5k” events (five kilometers or 3.1 miles) in the US alone. With so many runners and races in this country, it comes to no surprise that running gear and accessories are popular athletic products.
There are a number of running gear products to choose from. From running decals and running shirts to running headbands and runners LED lights, running gear are useful for serious runners who want that extra edge when competing. There are even products like runners mugs and necklaces! So, if you are interested in participating in a marathon (or, if you want something more modest, a simple jog in the park), looking into running gear is one of the best investments you can make. The Athenians would agree.