Running Race Weekend Packing Checklist
Are you getting ready to travel for a running race? Do you need a race weekend packing list? This is a great marathon packing list. I have you covered. Packing for a marathon can be a little different than just packing for a regular trip. You want to make sure you bring everything you need for your race. Here is a packing checklist for a marathon weekend. 
What to Pack for a Marathon
I have broken it down for you, so you can make sure you have everything you need for your “racecation”. Below is your packing list.
Marathon Packing List and Marathon Gear Checklist
- Shoes– You will want to train in the shoes you are planning to run in. Don’t buy a new pair of shoes you have never ran in before!
- Race Day Clothes– This includes, pants/shorts, socks, sports bra, shirt, and anything else you use like a hydration pack.
- If you are running a challenge race series, like a runDisney race, and you are running multiple days I always recommend bringing two pair of running shoes. This allows for you to change shoes for the other race if needed like if they are wet from rain or gave you a blister.
- Fuel– If you have trained with Gu or specific food items, make sure you pack and bring those. You don’t want to change up your fueling routine in case they don’t have it there.
- Sun glasses
- Throw Away Layers- If it is going to be a cold morning while waiting to start you will want throw away layers like mylar blanket, you can get these on Amazon for cheap. Or go to Good Will and find a large sweatshirt or bathrobe.
- For men, bandaids or tape for your nipples. No one wants to see a bloody shirt.
- Vaseline or BodyGlide– This goes anywhere your clothes will rub. Ladies, I always put it around the band and straps of my sports bra.
- Waivers– Most races you can print a waiver there or you signed an electronic one, but if you need to bring one with you, make sure you have it.
How To Pack for a Race Weekend
- Tip: Pack your running clothes in a big zip lock bag. This keeps it all organized, but also allows you to pack it back up in the bag after you wear it and not stink up your whole suitcase.
- I also pack several other zip lock bags because they always come in handy during the weekend.
- I always recommend putting your running shoes and race day gear in your carry-on and not checking them. In the off chance your suitcase gets lost you want to make sure you have the shoes you have trained in.
- Remember that your running shoes are gross and dirty and after running a race, especially with the dropped Gu and Powerade, they will even be grosser. Invest in shoe bags so they don’t get the rest of your suitcase gross. These on Amazon are affordable.
- ANYTHING you need race day goes in your carry-on. Regular clothes can go in a checked suitcase.
5k Race Day Checklist
- Shoes and Socks
- Clothes- Shirt, pants, sports bra
- Sunglasses
- Bib and Safety Pins
- Throw away layers if it is cold
10k Race Day Checklist
- Shoes and Socks
- Clothes- Shirt, pants, sports bra
- Sunglasses
- Bib and Safety Pins
- Throw away layers if it is cold
- A small amount of fuel. For this length of race you might want one Gel or SaltStick or whatever you use.
Half Marathon Checklist
- Shoes and Socks
- Clothes- Shirt, pants, sports bra
- Sunglasses
- Bib and safety pins
- Fuel for 13.1 miles
- Hydration pack/belt if you use one
- Throw away layers if it is cold
Marathon Race Day Checklist
- Shoes and Socks
- Clothes- Shirt, pants, sports bra
- Sunglasses
- Bib and safety pins
- Fuel for 26.2 miles
- Hydration pack/belt if you use one
- Throw away layers if it is cold
- If you plan to take pictures and video with your phone during the race, I would put a backup charger in your gear check bag because your phone could have a low battery by the end.
What is at Marathon Medical Tents
If you run into a problem, big or small, during your race the medical tents can usually help. They will have vaseline if you need to reapply or notice an area that is starting to chafe. They usually have BioFreeze or Icy Hot. They will also have Tylenol and/or Advil if you find you need it during the race. They will usually also have staffed medical professionals if you have a big problem. They can sit you down and give you some ice, a ride to the finish area if you can’t go on, and can call an ambulance for an extreme emergency.
Remember to not worry too much. You have trained for this moment. Stick with what you know and your planned pace and your will have fun. Don’t go out too fast at the start. It will be tempting because people around you will bee going fast, but don’t give in to the temptation. You don’t want to hit a wall from starting too fast. Everyone needs to run their own race and listen to their own body. Good luck!
Here are some other posts you might like:
10 Marathons That Have A Lottery Entry
10 Reasons Why You Should Marry A Runner
10 Reasons Why You Should NOT Run A Marathon
What Runners Don’t Want You To Know
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