Equip yourself well for Marseille-Cassis

Running Conseil – How to gear up properly for Marseille-Cassis?

Whether you’re a beginner, an enthusiast, or a performance-driven runner, having the right gear is essential to succeed in your race. Running Conseil and New Balance, partners of Marseille-Cassis, share their personalized advice on shoes, apparel, and accessories along with the latest product innovations  to support you on this legendary Marseille-Cassis race, whatever your goal may be.

What is your runner profile?

The choice of equipment will depend on several factors: your goals, your needs, and your experience. In this article, we have defined three profiles and recommended three equipment strategies.

Recommended models according to your profile:

• For the rather beginner runner looking for comfort and protection to manage the 20 km without pain: choose the Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 for its cushioning or the Fresh Foam X 880 V15 for a balance between comfort and stability. They are reliable choices to handle the impact of descents and fatigue over these 20 km. If you have slight pronation, we recommend the Fresh Foam X 860 V14, which provides additional support.
  
  
• For the enthusiast with experience over the distance who needs lightness and versatility: prefer the Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 or the FuelCell Rebel V5 for its lightness and responsiveness, which will help you maintain your pace on the climb of the Col de la Gineste.
  
  
• For the performer focusing on dynamism and technicality: if you want a model without a carbon plate, the FuelCell Rebel V5 is a good option; otherwise, prefer the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5, ideal for experienced runners with a carbon plate for maximum propulsion.

Favor technical clothing

On a race like Marseille-Cassis, clothing plays a key role in regulating temperature, wicking sweat, and preventing chafing. Here are the recommendations by profile with New Balance technical apparel to keep you comfortable throughout the race.

Beginner: Opt for breathable fabrics (Dry Technology), avoid cotton, which retains moisture, and consider a lightweight windbreaker if the weather is uncertain.

• Technical T-shirt: Athletics T-Shirt New Balance – rapid sweat wicking.
• Technical shorts: RC Short New Balance 5’’ – lightweight and breathable, with a zippered back pocket.

Enthusiast: Choose technical clothing suited to the weather, prefer fitted cuts to avoid chafing.

• Technical T-shirt: Race Day Ultra Light T-Shirt – rapid sweat wicking and lightweight feel for better comfort.
• Technical shorts: RC Short New Balance 5’’ – lightweight and breathable, with a zippered back pocket.

Performer: Prioritize lightness and aerodynamics, opt for compressive fabrics to optimize circulation.

• Technical T-shirt: Race Day Ultra Light T-Shirt or Race Day Ultra Light Singlet – rapid sweat wicking and lightweight feel for better comfort.
• Technical shorts: RC Ultra Light Split Short 5’’ – split for greater freedom of movement, lightweight and breathable.
  

If you are sensitive to cold and the weather is uncertain, you can bring a lightweight windbreaker such as the Athletics Packable Jacket New Balance, which can be tied around the waist if needed. Don’t forget to have a change of clothes for after the race.

Some useful accessories for extra comfort

A lightweight and breathable cap can be helpful to protect you from the sun, especially on open sections of the course like the climb to the Col de la Gineste. It also improves comfort in bright conditions. If you are used to hydrating regularly, a hydration belt can be a good complement—even though there is a refreshment point on the course, it allows you to stay autonomous and manage your hydration according to your needs.

Don’t forget technical socks. Often overlooked, they play an essential role in comfort by preventing chafing with good support and effectively wicking sweat.

Whatever equipment you choose, it is essential to test it in real conditions before race day. This will allow you to check comfort, avoid unpleasant surprises, and run with confidence.

Discover the New Balance product range

For a complete experience and personalized advice, visit one of our 79 Running Conseil stores:

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New Balance and Running Conseil will be present at the event expo to give you advice.