Eliud Kipchoge, a marathon legend, stood out at the Paris 2024 Olympics by wearing the Omius cooling headband. This high-tech gear costs about Ksh 25,000 ($200) and helps athletes manage their body temperature during intense exercise, crucial for top performance in marathon running.
The Paris Marathon presented challenges, with temperatures reaching the mid-to-high 60s Fahrenheit. These warm conditions tested the athletes’ endurance, making it essential to stay cool. Kipchoge, known for his smart race strategies, chose the Omius headband to help maintain his performance.
The headband includes replaceable cooling pieces in a silicone grid that absorb sweat and enhance cooling through evaporation, helping to stabilize the athlete’s body temperature.
The Omius headband is extremely lightweight, weighing just 15 grams. It offers comfort, making it perfect for long-distance runners like Kipchoge. Made from high-quality elastic material, it adjusts to fit most head sizes, ensuring it stays in place throughout the race. Athletes can choose between black and white, depending on their style preference.
Kipchoge wasn’t alone in recognizing the benefits of this cooling technology. Silver medalist Bashir Abdi also wore the Omius headband during the marathon. Triathletes increasingly favor this headband, appreciating its continuous cooling effect as long as the cooling pieces remain wet and airflow is present.
Despite using the advanced headband, Kipchoge did not win the marathon. He finished in a disappointing sixth place, far from his usual dominance in the sport. This result surprised many, as Kipchoge is widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners of all time.
You can purchase the Omius cooling headband online through the official Omius website or on major sports retailers like Amazon. It’s available in black and white, priced around $200.