Welcome to Starter Pack, a gear-obsessed collection that offers WIRED readers a peek into how notable personalities dwell, store, and tinker.
Marathon runner Hellen Obiri begins her day like many people: by checking her telephone. First, she appears on the climate, then her schedule, and at last her group chats. After that, “I say a phrase of because of God,” the 35-year-old Kenyan athlete tells WIRED on the telephone. “To guard me as a result of I’m going to have a protracted day. From there, I put together myself for my run.”
This Sunday, November 2, 2025, marks Obiri’s fourth New York Metropolis Marathon—which, as of final yr, was the most important marathon on the earth. It runs by way of all 5 boroughs, crossing iconic bridges and ending in Central Park. The 2022 race was her debut; she positioned sixth. “It was wonderful,” she says, recalling the roar of the group. “Whenever you do one thing like this for the primary time and also you just like the place, you’re going to say, ‘That is my finest place to be.’ New York is my finest place to be.”
If she’s lacing up for a 6:30 a.m. run (which she typically does), she retains breakfast mild: a banana. If she’s working later—say 9:30—or on marathon day, she has a extra conventional breakfast: cereal, two slices of toast, scrambled eggs, and a banana, washed down with black tea. In 2023, Obiri gained the marathon, and in 2024, she completed second—simply 14 seconds behind Sheila Chepkirui. After I ask what she’s aiming for this Sunday, she doesn’t miss a beat: “I’m on the lookout for a win.”
Under, Obiri shares her marathon day starter pack.
Operating Sneakers
Obiri believes that everybody ought to personal a pair of trainers. For her, that shoe is the Cloudboom Strike LS. She has worn these footwear whereas profitable the Boston Marathon and competing within the Paris Olympics, and the NYC Marathon. The ultralight mesh higher, crafted with On’s LightSpray expertise, feels almost elastic, wrapping across the foot like a second pores and skin. The hyper-foam max cushioning supplies the plushest experience supplied by On, delivering springy propulsion when velocity is most important. The laceless design eliminates any distractions throughout runs, and the marginally elevated heel (4 mm greater than the forefoot) shifts the load ahead, making it ultimate for midfoot and forefoot strikers like Obiri.
The Finest Operating Socks
Courtesy of On
For marathons, Obiri steers clear of latest socks which may trigger discomfort. Her trusted companion is the Elite Run Sock Excessive, which is sort of sure to accompany her throughout the race. Crafted from light-weight polyamide material, these socks guarantee her toes stay cool and dry, even over the longest distances. The compression zones, air flow panels, and built-in arch help work collectively to attenuate fatigue, permitting Obiri to take care of peak efficiency. Plus, additional cushioning across the Achilles tendon protects towards blisters, so she will be able to lock in on the race forward.
Open-Ear Headphones
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Courtesy of Shokz
When Obiri runs, she listens to gospel music. Her self-made playlist options Christian gospel tracks from Kenyan artists, together with Msanii Music Group. Her present favourite pair of exercise headphones is the OpenRun Professional 2, an upgraded model of the basic bone-conduction headphones. The brand new twin air conduction items improve energy, depth, and bass, whereas minimizing the bone conduction “tickle.” These headphones are rated IP55 for sweat and rain resistance, and the bodily buttons make it simple to pause or modify the amount with out breaking her stride.
Operating Gas
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Courtesy of Maurten
Maurten
Gel 100 (12 Servings)
For Obiri, Maurten gels are important. Every packet accommodates 25 grams of carbohydrates in a hydrogel type, which is much less syrupy and far simpler to digest than most endurance gels. Made with simply six elements—water, glucose, fructose, and three gelling brokers (sodium alginate, gluconic acid, and calcium carbonate)—these gels are each clear and environment friendly. Obiri additionally carries the Maurten Race Bottle, which has a capability of 400 ml.
A Gentle, Versatile Pack
Courtesy of On
“I want to journey with my purse,” Obiri says. “I don’t like to hold fancy baggage, so I exploit the Observe Pack for every part.” Made out of ripstop material with a sturdy nylon base, this versatile pack is designed with quite a lot of considerate particulars. It consists of each exterior and inner zipper pockets for organized storage, compression straps for adjusting its measurement, and generously sized bottle holders to maintain you hydrated. It is good for athletes and anybody with an lively life-style.
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