. Athlete's FeetFor long summer runs, leave warm winter socks in the wardrobe and slip on thinner socks to sidestep sweaty feet, blisters, athlete’s foot or worse.

and bladder packs.Small gaiters (garments worn over the shoe) will keep mud, sand and stones out of your shoes, but send a fresh pair of shoes and socks ahead to aid stations if you're able to – there are few things more miserable than running for miles

generations of athletes - find out more at www.shoe4africa.org. Brilliant bamboo Textile production can hog scarce resources, so opt for bamboo-fibre technical tops and socks. Bamboo shoots up quickly, and doesn’t need pesticides or nearly as much water