7 Stores Every Athlete Training for a Marathon Should Know About

Updated: January 6, 2026 by Michael Kahn. Published: January 6, 2026.

Running 26.2 miles requires more than determination. You need the right shoes, proper nutrition, hydration gear, and recovery tools. The wrong energy gel can wreck your stomach at mile 18. Shoes that pinch will leave you with blisters by mile 5. A hydration pack that bounces throws off your stride for hours.

Finding stores that understand these problems saves you time, money, and a lot of frustration during training. Some retailers focus on gear, others on nutrition, and a few try to cover everything. Knowing which store does what well helps you make better choices as you prepare for race day.

This list covers 7 stores worth knowing about. Each one serves a different purpose for marathon training, so you can match your needs to the right retailer.

1. The Feed: Your Nutrition Headquarters

Marathon training burns through calories and depletes your body in ways that regular eating cannot fix. You need targeted nutrition before, during, and after long runs. This is where The Feed earns its place at the top of the list.

The company operates out of Boulder, Colorado, and carries products from over 175 sports supplement brands. Their total catalog spans more than 300 brands, with 15+ brands you cannot find anywhere else. The selection covers hydration mixes, protein powders, recovery shakes, energy chews, gels, bars, bottles, and packs.

What makes The Feed particularly useful is their approach to purchasing. You can buy individual servings instead of committing to full boxes. This matters when you are testing different gels or chews to find what works for your stomach during long runs. Buying a single packet of Maurten to try costs far less than a box of 12 that might make you nauseous.

The platform reports serving over 200,000 athletes and provides access to expert coaches who can chat live. These coaches help create customized fueling plans based on your training schedule and race goals. Top brands on the site include Clif Bar, Skratch, Maurten, GU, Bonk Breaker, and Honey Stinger.

For marathon training specifically, having one place to compare hydration options, test different energy sources, and get personalized advice removes a lot of guesswork from your preparation.

2. Fleet Feet: Where Coaching Meets Gear

Fleet Feet takes a different approach by combining retail with structured training programs. Their stores offer shoe fittings and gear, but the training programs set them apart from typical running retailers.

The company runs marathon training programs with guidance from experienced coaches. These programs include professional coaching and volunteer mentors who support runners through the training process. For someone new to marathons, having a structured schedule with expert guidance reduces the risk of overtraining or injury.

Fleet Feet locations focus heavily on proper shoe fitting. Staff members analyze your gait, foot shape, and running style to recommend appropriate footwear. Getting the right shoes from the start prevents issues that compound over months of training.

With over 250 locations across the country, most runners can access a Fleet Feet store for in-person fittings and program enrollment.

3. Road Runner Sports: The VIP Approach

Road Runner Sports operates 48 locations across America and has built a membership model with more than 780,000 VIP family members. The VIP program offers discounts, free returns, and exclusive access to certain products.

Their inventory covers the full range of marathon training needs: running shoes, apparel, fitness trackers, hydration packs, and recovery tools. The stores carry products suited for early training runs through race day gear.

The physical store count is smaller than Fleet Feet, but the VIP membership benefits make repeat purchases more economical. If you plan to buy multiple pairs of shoes over a training cycle, the membership discounts add up.

Road Runner Sports also provides online access to their full inventory, so you can browse and order even if no store exists in your area.

4. REI: Premium Brands and Expert Advice

REI stocks the latest running shoes from top brands like HOKA, Altra, and On. Their focus on outdoor recreation means they understand the demands of long-distance running in various conditions.

Staff members at REI locations receive training on the products they sell. For running shoes, this means getting advice on cushioning levels, drop heights, and terrain suitability. If you train on trails or need waterproof options for winter running, REI carries specialized footwear that standard running stores might not stock.

Beyond shoes, REI provides fitness trackers and hydration gear for marathon training. Their co-op membership offers annual dividends on purchases, which makes the store more economical for runners who buy gear regularly.

With over 180 locations, REI provides accessible in-person shopping for most metropolitan areas.

5. Running Warehouse: Deep Shoe Selection Online

Running Warehouse focuses primarily on footwear and does it with a level of detail that helps runners find exact specifications. Their website allows filtering by brand, cushion level, drop, weight, and terrain type.

For marathon training, you might need different shoes for tempo runs versus long slow distance versus race day. Running Warehouse makes comparing options straightforward. Product pages include detailed specs, user reviews, and often video reviews from staff runners.

Shipping is fast, and returns are simple. This matters when you order shoes online and need to exchange for a different size or model. The company operates online only, so there are no physical fitting sessions. However, if you know your shoe preferences, the selection and convenience are hard to beat.

6. GU Energy: Direct from the Source

GU Energy manufactures some of the most popular energy gels and chews used by endurance athletes. Buying directly from their website guarantees fresh products and access to their complete lineup.

Their site organizes products by activity type and helps you calculate how much nutrition you need for different race distances. For a marathon, the calculator factors in your pace and fueling strategy to recommend quantities.

Buying direct also means access to variety packs that let you test multiple flavors before committing to bulk purchases. During training, you should test your race day nutrition repeatedly. Having variety packs available simplifies this process.

GU also sells electrolyte mixes and recovery products, though their primary strength remains gels and chews.

7. Amazon: Convenience and Comparison

Amazon serves as a useful tool for price comparison and convenience, even if it lacks the specialized expertise of dedicated running stores. Most major nutrition brands sell on Amazon, often with subscribe and save options that reduce costs on products you use regularly.

User reviews provide real feedback on products, though filtering helpful reviews from unhelpful ones requires some effort. For commodity items like hydration bottles, foam rollers, or compression socks, Amazon often offers competitive prices with fast shipping.

The platform works best as a supplement to specialty stores. Use dedicated retailers for advice and fitting, then check Amazon for reorders on products you already know work for you.

Matching Stores to Your Training Phase

Early training calls for proper shoes and basic gear. Fleet Feet or REI provides the fitting expertise needed to start with appropriate footwear. Road Runner Sports covers general gear needs with their VIP discounts.

Mid-training is when nutrition testing becomes important. The Feed offers the variety and single-serving options needed to find what works for your body. GU Energy provides direct access to popular gels for testing.

Late training and race prep require restocking proven products. Amazon and The Feed both work for reordering nutrition and hydration supplies. Running Warehouse handles shoe replacements when your training pair wears out before race day.

Putting It Together

Using the right store for the right need makes marathon training more efficient. You spend less time searching for products and more time putting in miles. When race day arrives, you want confidence in every piece of gear and every calorie you consume. These stores help build that confidence through their specific strengths.