Marathon Newbies: Our #1 Tip for Female Runners in 2025

If you’re preparing for your first marathon in 2025, you’ve probably heard plenty of advice about investing in good running shoes, planning your nutrition, and managing your training schedule. But there’s one crucial piece of kit that often gets overlooked by female runners: the sports bra.

Our number one tip? Invest early in a supportive sports bra. It’s a game-changer for your health, performance, and comfort. Let’s dive into why this should be at the top of your marathon prep list.

Scary, But True, Facts

Many female runners don’t realise just how much their breasts move during a run. Without proper support, this movement can affect your performance, comfort, and even long-term health. Here are some eye-opening facts to consider:

By the time you cross the finish line of a marathon, you could be a whole mile behind if you’re wearing an unsupportive sports bra compared to a supportive one. Running in an ill-fitting bra reduces efficiency, making each step harder.
The average marathon involves about 55,000 steps. That means your breasts will bounce 55,000 times during the race—and that’s not counting your training runs! Each bounce puts strain on your Cooper’s ligaments, the connective tissue that helps maintain your breast structure.
During a run, unsupported breasts can accelerate faster than a Formula 1 car, reaching speeds of up to 45mph.
Your breasts can displace by up to 14cm with every step you take, moving in a figure of eight pattern. This means it’s not just about controlling downward movement—it’s equally important to stop upward movement to reduce overall motion.
Wearing an unsupportive bra increases perceived exertion, meaning your upper body feels more restricted and your run feels harder than it needs to.
Ground reaction forces also increase when running without proper support, leading to more strain on your body.

These stats aren’t just scary discovered by Portsmouth Research Group—they’re a clear call to action. Investing in a high-quality sports bra will protect your body and help you perform better.

Why MAAREE’s Sports Bras Are Perfect for Marathon Training

At MAAREE, we’ve designed our sports bras to offer unrivalled support, especially for high-impact activities like running. Our Solidarity Bra has been awarded Sports Bra of the Year multiple times, and it’s loved by runners around the world for its comfort and performance.

Maaree solidarity sports bras yellow, mint, black

Here’s what makes MAAREE bras stand out:

Overband® Technology: Our unique Overband® Technology reduces both upward and downward breast movement, keeping your breasts secure and reducing overall motion.
Customisable Fit: With eight points of adjustability, you can tailor the fit to suit your body perfectly.
Chafe-Free Guarantee: We offer a Chafe-Free Guarantee when you get a fitting with us, ensuring you’re comfortable for all 26.2 miles.
12-Month Guarantee: We’re so confident in our bras that we offer a 12-Month Guarantee on all purchases.

Check out our sports bras collection to find the perfect fit for your marathon journey.

My Personal Experience Running a Marathon

Before I founded MAAREE, I ran the London Marathon in 2016. It was an incredible experience, but I quickly realised how much of a difference the right kit makes—especially when it comes to sports bras. Back then, I struggled to find a bra that gave me the support I needed. The discomfort, chafing, and lack of support made the race harder than it should have been.

Maaree founder, Mari, London Marathon 2016

This experience inspired me to create MAAREE and design bras that solve these problems. I know firsthand how important it is to have the right support during long runs, and that’s why I’m passionate about helping other women find their perfect fit. A supportive sports bra isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for your performance and comfort.

The Science Behind It

Don’t just take our word for it—there’s science to back these claims. Research from The University of Portsmouth’s Research Group in Breast Health highlights how breast movement during exercise can significantly impact performance and comfort.

Studies show that a well-fitted sports bra can reduce breast movement by up to 73%. Another study from the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that runners wearing supportive sports bras reported lower levels of perceived exertion and improved running efficiency.

For more insights into breast health during exercise, check out CoppaFeel!, a UK charity focused on breast cancer awareness and education.

Get Fitted Before You Hit the Road

One of the best things you can do before starting your marathon training is to get a professional bra fitting. At MAAREE, we offer a free online bra fitting service to help you find your perfect size and style.

Many women are surprised to discover they’ve been wearing the wrong size for years. A well-fitted bra will make all the difference in your marathon experience, reducing discomfort, preventing chafing, and helping you perform at your best.

Final Thoughts

Running a marathon is no small feat. You’ll spend countless hours training and preparing your body for race day, so don’t overlook the importance of your sports bra. By investing in a supportive, well-fitted bra from the start, you’re setting yourself up for success—and saving yourself from unnecessary discomfort along the way.

Ready to take the first step? Check out our Solidarity Bra and discover why so many female runners swear by MAAREE. Let’s make 2025 your year to cross that finish line strong, confident, and supported.