How To Run a Marathon with Eczema | My First Marathon

Running Your First Marathon With Eczema: Making It to the Finish Line Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Skin)

We all know eczema is a burden to deal with. The constant fear of “Will this cause another flare-up?” plagues our day-to-day existence. We have to be extra cautious about the clothes we wear, the foods we eat, and pretty much everything else. So when the day came that we decided to take on something as ambitious as running a marathon, we quickly realized we’d have to be even more careful. After all, no one wants their big milestone to be overshadowed by an angry, red, itchy rash.

Speaking from personal experience, I get it—really, I do. My name’s Ben, and I’m the founder of My First Marathon. When I started my own marathon journey, I knew training would be tough, but I never guessed my eczema would take me on a rollercoaster ride. After my last marathon, things got so bad I ended up spending days in the hospital because my skin became infected. Let me tell you: it sure was a pain in the…well, everywhere. But if there’s one thing I learned through that ordeal, it’s that you can conquer 26.2 miles (or 13.1 if you’re doing a half) without losing the battle against your skin—as long as you plan ahead and prioritize your health every step of the way.

Tips to Help You Train Smarter (and Itch Less)

1. Don’t Shrug Off Flare-Ups:
   If your eczema feels more fierce than usual—maybe you see new patches appearing or your skin looks angrier—stop everything and go see a doctor right away. It’s not worth pushing yourself into serious complications. Better to take care of yourself now, so you can keep training safely later.

2. Choose Your Gear Wisely:
   Clothing can make or break your comfort. Look for soft, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that won’t trap sweat or rub you raw. And don’t forget to wash everything in fragrance-free detergent to avoid extra irritants.

3. Moisturize Like Your Race Depends on It:
   Before and after your runs, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. This gives your skin a protective layer and helps it recover from sweating, chafing, and exposure to the elements.

4. Pace Yourself and Adjust Your Schedule:
   If you’re seeing a spike in flare-ups, consider spacing out your runs or incorporating more rest days. Sometimes, dialing back intensity or switching to cooler times of the day can keep your skin happier—and that means you’re more likely to stick to your program.

5. Reevaluate Your Diet:
   Certain foods can be a hidden culprit for flare-ups. Start a simple food diary; note how your skin reacts after meals. If you notice patterns (e.g., dairy seems to set you off), experiment with cutting it back. Balance your meals with anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens and fish rich in omega-3s.

6. Manage Stress, Manage Eczema:
   Training for a marathon is stressful enough—toss in eczema worries, and it’s next-level. Try to build in mini stress-busters, like a quick meditation, a short stretch session, or a relaxing playlist. Less stress often means happier skin.

Keep Your Health Front and Center

As someone who’s literally been there—sitting in a hospital room thinking, “Is this really worth it?”—I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to put your health first. Nothing, not even crossing the finish line, is worth risking a serious infection or burning out completely. And the good news is, with the right approach, you don’t have to choose between your marathon dream and your skin’s well-being.

If you need a community that gets it, plus the guidance of certified running coaches and nutrition experts who understand how crucial it is to keep eczema under control, check out The Starting Line Plan. We’re here to help you train for your big day without letting your skin sabotage your hard work. Believe me: you’ve got what it takes to cross that finish line—eczema and all. It just takes a little extra caution, a solid plan, and a lot of heart. Let’s do this together.