UPF Clothing for Runners: The Best Sun Protection for Fall Marathon Training
Fall marathon season is here. Your training plan is ready, your shoes are broken in, and your fueling strategy is dialed in. But have you thought about protecting your skin for all those miles?
Fall may bring cooler temperatures, but marathon training still means spending hours outdoors and UV exposure doesn't take the season off. From long training runs to race day, UPF clothing for runners is an easy way to add sun protection to the gear you're already wearing.
Why Do Runners Need Sun Protection?
Marathon training can mean spending several hours outdoors at a time. While fall temperatures may feel more comfortable, cooler weather doesn't mean UV exposure disappears.
For runners, sun protection is especially important because of the amount of time spent outside during long runs. Building sun protection into your running gear can help reduce the amount of skin exposed to UV radiation throughout your training.
One of the easiest ways to do that is with UPF-rated running clothing.
What Is UPF Clothing?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Unlike SPF, which measures the protection provided by sunscreen, UPF measures how much UV radiation can pass through fabric and reach your skin.
UPF 50+ blocks approximately 98% of UV radiation, making it one of the highest levels of fabric-based sun protection available.
For runners, UPF 50+ running clothes provide consistent protection across the skin covered by the garment without requiring reapplication as you sweat.
UPF clothing and sunscreen work best together. Wear sun-protective clothing to cover as much skin as practical and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed areas.
What Should You Look for in UPF Running Clothing?
The best sun-protective clothing for runners needs to do more than provide UV protection. It should also be comfortable enough to wear for miles.
UPF 50+ Protection
When shopping for UPF running shirts and activewear, look for a clearly labeled UPF 50 or UPF 50+ rating rather than assuming a standard athletic shirt provides sufficient protection.
Lightweight, Breathable Fabric
A long run can generate plenty of heat, even on a cool fall morning. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics designed for active movement.
For marathon runners, the ideal sun-protective shirt should help you stay comfortable without feeling heavy or restrictive.
Comfortable Fit
Your running clothes should allow you to move naturally throughout your stride and arm swing. A comfortable fit becomes even more important when you're wearing a garment for several hours.
Coverage
More coverage means more skin protected by your clothing.
Long-sleeve UPF running shirts can provide coverage across your arms and torso, while UPF Sun Sleeves offer a flexible option for runners who prefer short sleeves or singlets.
Moisture Management
Sweat is inevitable during marathon training. Look for running fabrics designed to manage moisture and keep you comfortable as the miles add up.
Long-Sleeve vs. Short-Sleeve UPF Running Shirts
You don't have to completely change your running wardrobe to add sun protection.
Long-Sleeve UPF Running Shirts
A lightweight UPF 50+ long-sleeve running shirt provides coverage across your arms and torso and can be a great option for long runs and marathon training.
Don't assume long sleeves are only for cold weather. Lightweight sun-protective fabrics can provide coverage without the bulk of traditional cold-weather layers.
Short-Sleeve UPF Running Shirts
If you prefer running in short sleeves, a UPF-rated short-sleeve running shirt can provide protection across your torso and shoulders while leaving more of your arms exposed.
Remember to apply sunscreen to uncovered areas.
UPF Sun Sleeves
UPF Sun Sleeves for runners are a versatile option if you prefer a short-sleeve shirt or running singlet but want additional arm coverage.
They're also easy to add or remove as temperatures and conditions change.
Don't Forget Your Head, Neck and Hands
When runners think about sun protection, they often focus on their arms and legs. But your face, ears, neck and hands can also be exposed during a long run.
A running hat or visor can provide additional coverage for your face and scalp, while a UPF neck accessory can help protect your neck.
For uncovered areas, apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and reapply according to the product's directions, particularly during extended runs and heavy sweating.
What to Wear for Fall Marathon Training
Your ideal running outfit will depend on temperature, humidity, sun exposure and personal preference.
Warmer Fall Morning
- UPF 50+ short- or long-sleeve running shirt
- Running shorts or UPF bottoms
- UPF Sun Sleeves, if desired
- Running hat or visor
- UV-blocking sunglasses
- Sunscreen on exposed skin
Cooler Fall Morning
- Lightweight UPF 50+ long-sleeve running shirt
- Running tights or leggings
- Running hat
- UV-blocking sunglasses
- Sunscreen on exposed skin
For changing temperatures, lightweight layers can help you adjust as the morning warms up.
How to Protect Your Skin on Marathon Race Day
Don't experiment with new gear on race day.
Your marathon outfit should be clothing you've already tested during your long training runs. That includes your UPF running shirt, shorts or leggings, socks, shoes, hat and other accessories.
During your training runs, pay attention to:
- Chafing or rubbing
- Comfort when you're sweaty
- Freedom of movement
- Temperature changes
- Areas of skin that remain exposed
When race day arrives, you want your clothing to be one less thing to think about.
UPF Clothing and Sunscreen: Why You Need Both
UPF clothing for marathon runners is an important part of a complete sun-protection strategy, but it doesn't cover every area of your body.
Before a long run, apply sunscreen to exposed areas such as your:
- Face
- Ears
- Neck
- Hands
- Legs
- Tops of feet
For extended outdoor activity, follow the sunscreen's directions for reapplication.
Think of UPF clothing as your first layer of sun protection and sunscreen as protection for the skin your clothing doesn't cover.
Fall Marathon Sun-Protection Checklist
Before your next long run, ask yourself:
- Am I wearing UPF 50+ running clothing?
- Does my outfit provide enough coverage?
- Is my clothing lightweight and breathable?
- Have I applied sunscreen to exposed skin?
- Do I have a hat or visor?
- Am I wearing UV-blocking sunglasses?
- Have I considered my neck, ears and hands?
- Have I tested my outfit on a long run?
Run Far. Stay Protected.
You've spent months preparing your body for race day. You've logged the miles, built your endurance and fine-tuned your training.
Don't forget about your skin.
Whether you're heading out for a long training run or 26.2 miles on race day, UPF clothing makes it easy to incorporate sun protection into the running gear you're already wearing.
Because every mile counts and so does protecting your skin along the way.
