Half Marathon Race Day Tips: What we wore, ate, and learned

The Manchester Half Marathon was a special one. It was the first official half for both Liv and Cameron, and they both smashed it. Liv ran a sub 2-hour PB, and Cameron crossed the line in 1:44, another PB. Not bad for a debut if we do say so ourselves.

Before we even reached the start line, we were already on our feet hand-delivering SOLIS parcels across Manchester, making sure as many runners as possible got to race in reflective run wear. And the best part? Every single person wearing SOLIS got a new PB.

Whether you are training for your first half marathon or chasing a faster time, here is everything we wore, ate, and learned from race day.

✅ What to Wear on Half Marathon Race Day

The most important rule: wear something you have already trained in. Race day is not the time to test a new outfit that has never seen 10 kilometres.

We both raced in SOLIS shorts, which are designed with built-in side pockets spacious enough for your phone, gels, and keys. That meant no running belt needed and zero bounce.

Shop the Men's Reflect Running Shorts.

Shop the Women's Reflect Luxe Layer 2 in 1 Running Shorts.

✅ Fuel That Works for You

Everyone fuels differently, so use your long runs to test what sits best.

  • Liv used Blok energy chews and spaced them out across the race
  • Cameron used High5 gels, one every 5k (up until 15k)

The key is not waiting until you feel tired. Start fuelling before you think you need it.

✅ Our Pre-Race Snacks

Simple, familiar carbs are the safest bet the morning of your race.

  • Liv: A slice of toast with jam
  • Cameron: A Rice Krispies Squares bar about 20 minutes before the start

Nothing fancy. Just easy energy.

✅ Train in All Conditions

The morning of Mcr Half was freezing and covered in fog. If we had only trained in perfect sunshine, we would have struggled. Instead, we went out no matter the weather, wind, rain, and dark evenings included, and it paid off.

You have to assume race day will throw something at you. Train for it so nothing feels like a shock.

If you are stepping up to your first half marathon soon, you’ve got this. And if you want kit that carries your essentials, keeps you visible, and earns PBs, SOLIS is ready when you are.

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