Best Gear
Our first picks for 24-hour, backyard and multiday races, chosen for the problems that only show up after many hours: feet that swell, batteries that die at 3 a.m., and a gut that stops accepting sweet gels. Each guide compares dated specifications and prices and says who should choose each alternative.
Read our gear review methodology before using these guides for purchase decisions.
Best Shoes for 24-Hour Races (2026): Spec Comparison
First pick: HOKA Bondi 9
Our first pick for most 24-hour runners is the HOKA Bondi 9: plush cushioning, a 5 mm drop, a rocker to assess during your own walking tests, and regular, wide and extra-wide versions for feet that swell. Pick the New Balance More v6 if you want a 4 mm drop or need 4E, the Saucony Triumph 24 if weight matters most (8.8 oz), and the Altra Paradigm 8 only if you already run in zero-drop shoes. Buy the size that leaves about a thumb's width (1 cm) beyond your longest toe late in a long run. Specs and prices were checked between September 14 and October 3, 2026.
Best Headlamps for Ultrarunning (2026): Spec Comparison
First pick: Petzl NAO RL
Our specification-based first pick is the Petzl NAO RL for reactive lighting and swappable batteries. BioLite’s $149.95 HeadLamp 800 Pro is an alternative: its constant-brightness High mode is rated for 2 hours; the 7-hour Regulated figure includes dimming. Test useful runtime and carry an independent backup, such as the lightweight Nitecore NU25 MCT UL, if adequate for your route.
Best Ultramarathon Nutrition (2026): Spec Comparison
First pick: Tailwind Endurance Fuel
Our first pick is Tailwind Endurance Fuel: two scoops (one standard packet) give about 50 g carbohydrate and 620 mg sodium in a single bottle, our hourly carbohydrate default. One bulk-bag scoop is half that. Add Maurten Gel 100 (25 g, no water needed) for hours when you cannot drink much, and Spring Awesome Sauce (28 g, food-style) when sweet gels stop going down. PH 1500 and LMNT are sodium add-ons for heat or salty sweaters; PH 1500 also adds some carbohydrate. Drink to thirst whichever you choose.
Best GPS Watches for Ultrarunning (2026): Spec Comparison
First pick: Garmin Enduro 4
Our first pick is the Garmin Enduro 4: 120 hours in Extended Battery mode (60 hours in Max Accuracy), maps, a flashlight and 66 g. Our planning rule is a mode rated for at least 1.5 times your expected finish time: those ratings allow for 80 or 40 hours respectively, before checking your own runtime with race settings. The Enduro 3 lists the same battery hours for $799.99; the COROS VERTIX 2S is $699. Apple's 25-hour Extended Workout rating does not meet our 36-hour minimum for a 24-hour race: plan charging or test the reduced-function 45-hour mode. For a 100-hour 200-miler, even the Enduro's 120-hour rating needs a charging plan or another tested mode.