RUNNING arm sleeves have lately become a common sight at marathons.
First popularised by elite athletes, they are now run by many marathon runners.
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Why do marathon runners wear arm sleeves?
Arm sleeves are primarily worn for the benefits of the compression they provide.
Various sports medicine studies have shown that this compression helps to stabilise the arm muscles and prevent swelling.
It also increases blood flow which help in recovery after hard exercise or minor injuries.
Arm sleeves are also worn as a way to protect the skin from the sun – as most runners spend large portion of their time outside.
While there are many benefits to running outside, doing so increases your exposure to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays – but running sleeves can protect runners from this, along with the application of sunscreen.
On the opposite end of the scale, arm sleeves can also provide runners with warmth if they are out training or running in cold weather.
The running arm sleeves keep your arms nice and warm with protection from the wind – and therefore shield you slightly from the elements without having to wear another top.
And if that wasn’t enough – running arm sleeves can also keep runners safe when out at later times, if the sleeves have reflective detailing on them.
Why do marathon runners wear gloves?
Many marathon runners during the cooler months and start early in the morning before things warm up.
Also, the other thing that happens is during the race the runners have a fairly high core body temperature, but as the race wears on and energy stores are lost, especially if conditions worsen.
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What to wear when running a marathon?
A good combination is a technical t-shirt and mid to lightweight leggings.
As well as gloves hats can be worn to keep warm as they are very light weight.
Blankets are put over the runners at the end to help them maintain body temperature.