How to Start Running: Your Guide to Run Club, Gear & Getting Started

Run club is officially the social plan of 2026. Between Sydney Marathon training, City2Surf prep and the wider fun-run calendar, everyone suddenly has a 6am group chat, a Strava account and an opinion on socks.

If you're wondering how to start running, or you're coming back after a break, the trick is not to overcomplicate it. You don't need an elite training plan or a drawer full of kit. You need the right shoes, breathable layers and a running outfit that works for the kilometres, the coffee after and everything in between.

Start with the right running shoes

The most important part of any run club outfit? The shoes. Knowing how to choose running shoes is the first step, whether you're a first-timer or training for an upcoming marathon. Here is what to consider before you buy:

Support : Not sure what to look for when you're browsing? Start here. A neutral shoe will suit runners who don't roll excessively inward or outward. If your foot rolls inward, look for "stability" or "motion control" in the product description. These are built with a firmer arch to keep things aligned. Comfort is the most important factor, and checking the heel-toe drop in the product details is a great way to find the right fit for you.
Surface: Think about where you do most of your running. For road running and your usual run club loop, a road shoe will cover you. Heading off-road? Look for "trail" in the product name or description for extra grip on uneven ground. If you're mostly on the treadmill or training in the gym, look for something lighter and more flexible.
Purpose: Your daily trainer should be versatile and durable. Look for balanced cushioning in the product details for impact protection and energy return, plus a standard heel-toe drop. For fast runs and race day, go lightweight and look for plastic or carbon plates in the sole for extra propulsion and speed. On recovery days or after a hard session, look for maximum shock absorption and plush comfort. You should hardly feel the road.
Fit: A good fit makes all the difference. You want about a thumb's width of space at the longest toe, a heel that sits snug and no pressure across the forefoot. Feet also swell on longer runs, so if you're between sizes, go up half a size.

Most pairs last around 600 to 800 kilometres depending on terrain and running style, so once yours feel flat or uneven, it's time to browse new women's or men's running shoes.

Start with brands like ASICS, HOKA, Brooks, Nike and On, whether you're looking for cushioned daily trainers, lightweight speed pairs or something with extra support.

Shop the look

Once your shoes are sorted, build the rest of your running outfit around temperature, movement and what you'll actually want to wear after the run. Early starts and winter 2026 training call for pieces that work with your body:

Breathable T-shirts and singlets for warmer sessions or as a base layer when it's cold
Long sleeves and lightweight jackets that work before, during or after the kilometres
For women, a supportive sports bra or crop is the base layer that holds the whole outfit together, especially for longer or higher-impact runs
For men, performance tops and running jackets are the right layer when the temperature drops

The best pieces feel technical enough for the run, but clean enough for coffee after. Lorna Jane brings a polished activewear feel, while 2XU is built for more performance-led runs.

Shop the look

Your bottoms should suit the weather, your pace and how much coverage you like when you run. Here is a simple guide:

Warmer days and faster sessions: running shorts or bike shorts for women, and lightweight running shorts for men
Cooler mornings and winter starts: leggings, compression tights or track pants that make the cold feel less brutal
Post-run layering: performance pants work for warm-ups, stretching and rolling straight into the rest of the day

Look for comfort, flexibility and breathable fabrics that don't distract you mid-run. If you're adjusting them every kilometre, they're not the one.

Shop the look

The small details that make running feel more consistent. A few worth adding to your kit:

A running watch to track pace, distance and progress, especially if you're building towards a 10K, half marathon or the full Sydney Marathon
A cap for sun protection on longer road runs
Sports sunglasses for bright morning sessions
A compact sports bag for run club days that roll into coffee, work or anything that requires a dry T-shirt

Garmin is the name to know for training watches, built to keep you on pace and the group chat honest. Oakley is a strong place to start for performance-ready eyewear.

Starting out as a beginner is mostly about making the first step feel easy enough to repeat. Choose the running essentials that work for the way you move and build an outfit that feels good before, during and after the run.

Explore the sports hub, including women's sports and men's sports at THE ICONIC, with quick shipping, easy returns and the gear to get you from run club to finish line. Join Front Row for free to earn ICONS as you shop, plus member-only perks.