Packing for a marathon can feel extremely overwhelming. Whether it is your first marathon or your 10th, there is always that looming feeling that you will forget something. In my experience, every race is also a lesson for me. There is always something I walk away with, remembering to bring with me for the next time.
I compiled a list of essentials and ‘optionals’ that include everything you will need for pre race, during your race and post race! Remember, not all these items are necessary. Hopefully you will find something on this list that you makes race day a little less overwhelming for you.
Race Day:
- Race outfit. Lay this out the night before so you are ready to go in the morning. This includes, shorts, top, sports bra, socks, underwear, hat.
- Race shoes. Remember, nothing new on race day. If you have trained in the same shoes all season you can wear the new ones right out of the box. However, if its a new type of shoe I generally recommend a few miles to break them in and get your feet used to them.
- Race bib. Lay this out with your outfit the night before.
- Safety pins. You will probably get safety pins at bib pick up but it never hurts to have extra.
- Watch. Make sure your watch is charged the night before.
- Headphones. If your race permits headphones, make sure they are charged the night before. Some people prefer not to use headphones during their race. Personally I like to go through phases of my race listening to music and listening to the crowds.
- Chargers for watch & headphones. If you are traveling, do not forget these.
- Pre race nutrition. Whatever you ate during your training before your long runs, stick to this on race morning. Nothing new on race day. I usually prefer half a bagel and coffee before I start my routine and give myself plenty of time to use the bathroom.
- Nutrition for course. Again, nothing new on race day. Whatever you trained with, use for your race. Remember to also bring extra even if you do not think you will need it. There is always the chance of losing or dropping a gel. I also enjoy having extra just in case some one else on the course needs some.
- Electrolytes. This is purely optional. If you carried electroyles in a water flask during your training then feel free to carry it if your race permits. There is usually always a choice of water and some sort of electrolyte drink on course.
- Salt tablets.
- Hydration vest/handheld bottle. This is also purely optional. I train with a handheld water bottle but I prefer to utilize the water stations on course. Make sure to check if your race permits hydration vests on course.
- Running belt/phone carrier.
- Knee brace or KT tape.
- Sunscreen.
- Glide.
- Nipple covers/band aids for men.
- Gear check bag. Usually your race will provide you with one but if not, make sure to have a clear plastic bag with your bib number clearly labeled if you plan to utilize gear check.
- Toilet paper. The porta-potties always run out and you can never be too safe.
Optional items for Pre/Post race:
- Garbage bag. I bring one to sit on if the ground is wet and also to throw any wet clothes in afterwards.
- Poncho. Obviously, weather permitting but I always keep one in my gear check bag just in case.
- Rain Jacket.
- Emergency blanket. I cannot tell you how many times a thermal blanket has come in handy when I am waiting in my corral. You can order a multi pack cheap on amazon and throw one in your bag on race day. Better to have and not need than to need and not have.
- Plastic shower caps. If it is raining and you are trying to keep your sneakers dry before start time, these are the perfect thing to protect your shoes.
- Chap stick.
- Recovery shoes.
- Throwaway warm clothes. To keep warm before race start, you can pick up some clothes for cheap at Goodwill to keep you warm. Usually all races have donation bins that you can throw them into before you start. Remember to be courteous and use the donation bins instead of leaving discarded clothes on the ground for others to pick up.
- Throwaway gloves and/or arm sleeves. Instead of purchasing the expensive arm sleeves and having to ditch them on the course, you can take long socks and cut the ends off to keep your arms warm.
- Hand warmers.
- Portable charger. Not a necessity but I like to have in case my phone dies from cold or over use. No one wants to try to find their friends and family in a crowded finish festival with a dead cellphone. You can find a cheap portable charger on Amazon for around $25.
- Extra hair ties. Just in case yours breaks before race start, keep one on you.
- Imodium.
- Ibuprofen.
- Wet Wipes.
- Deodorant.
- Sunglasses.
- Warm clothes for post race.
As stated earlier, this is essentially a guide and checklist for you to look through and decide what you might want to add to your race bag. Not all items are necessary. Hopefully you found one or two items on my list that will come in handy for your next race! We will see you out there!
