Contents
Pre-Race Gear Checklist
Never forget essential race-day gear again. A comprehensive packing checklist for 5K through marathon distances, including race morning, during race, and post-race items.
Pre-Race Gear Checklist
Prepare everything the night before. Nothing new on race day!
Race Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Race Name | |
| Date | |
| Distance | |
| Start Time | |
| Bib Number | |
| Corral/Wave | |
| Weather Forecast |
The Night Before
Lay Out All Race Gear
Running Outfit: ☐ Race singlet/shirt (pinned bib if needed) ☐ Shorts/tights ☐ Sports bra (women) ☐ Underwear (if wearing) ☐ Socks (tested pair) ☐ Racing shoes (broken in!)
Accessories: ☐ Watch (charged!) ☐ Hat/visor ☐ Sunglasses ☐ Gloves (if cold) ☐ Arm sleeves (if cold) ☐ Sunscreen (if sunny)
Race Bib & Timing: ☐ Bib (attached to shirt/shorts) ☐ Safety pins (4-6) ☐ Timing chip (if separate) ☐ Race belt (optional)
Fuel & Hydration
☐ Gels/chews for during race ☐ Pre-race snack/breakfast items ☐ Water bottle for morning ☐ Sports drink (if using) ☐ Electrolytes
Race Documents
☐ Race confirmation email/printout ☐ ID (often required) ☐ Emergency contact info ☐ Health insurance card ☐ Cash (for emergencies) ☐ Phone (charged)
Night Before Tasks
☐ Check weather forecast again ☐ Review race course map ☐ Set multiple alarms ☐ Prepare breakfast (if possible) ☐ Pin bib to shirt ☐ Charge watch and phone ☐ Get to bed early
Race Morning Bag
Getting to the Start
☐ Warm-up layers (throwaway clothes if cold) ☐ Jacket (to keep warm) ☐ Old clothes for gear check ☐ Flip flops/sandals (keep feet rested) ☐ Bag for gear check
Nutrition
☐ Pre-race breakfast ☐ Water ☐ Coffee/caffeine (if using) ☐ Pre-race gel (15-30 min before)
Personal Care
☐ Anti-chafe balm (Body Glide, Vaseline) ☐ Toilet paper/tissues (lines can be long) ☐ Sunscreen ☐ Hair ties/headband ☐ Deodorant
Race Fuel to Carry
☐ Gels: __ (number) ☐ Race belt/shorts pockets for fuel ☐ Salt tabs (if long race + heat)
During Race Checklist
Start Line
☐ Used bathroom (final time!) ☐ Applied anti-chafe ☐ Watch is charged and GPS locked ☐ Fuel is accessible ☐ Throwaway layers removed ☐ Warm-up completed ☐ Starting corral located ☐ Race strategy reviewed
During Race
☐ Start watch at start line ☐ Check pace at mile 1 (don't go out too fast!) ☐ Fuel at planned intervals ☐ Hydrate at aid stations ☐ Adjust effort based on conditions
Post-Race Bag
Leave in gear check or with spectator
Recovery Items
☐ Dry clothes (full outfit) ☐ Warm jacket/hoodie ☐ Comfortable shoes ☐ Towel (small) ☐ Hat (if cold)
Nutrition
☐ Recovery drink/chocolate milk ☐ Snacks (banana, bars, etc.) ☐ Water bottle ☐ Salty snack
Personal
☐ Phone ☐ Wallet ☐ Car keys ☐ Toiletries (if showering)
Weather-Specific Gear
Hot Weather (70°F+)
☐ Light-colored clothing ☐ Extra sunscreen ☐ Visor (not hat - allows heat escape) ☐ Ice bandana ☐ Extra hydration plan ☐ Arm coolers (optional) ☐ Salt tabs ☐ Post-race ice
Cold Weather (Below 45°F)
☐ Long sleeves/tights ☐ Gloves (throwaway pair + race pair) ☐ Hat/ear cover ☐ Arm warmers (can remove) ☐ Hand warmers ☐ Extra warm layers for before/after ☐ Vaseline for exposed skin
Rainy Weather
☐ Throwaway poncho (pre-race) ☐ Hat with brim (keeps rain from eyes) ☐ Light rain jacket (optional) ☐ Extra socks (post-race) ☐ Plastic bags (for phone, electronics) ☐ Anti-chafe (extra!) ☐ Dry gear bag
By Race Distance
5K/10K
Minimal gear needed: ☐ Basic race outfit ☐ Watch ☐ Maybe 1 gel (10K) ☐ Water at aid stations sufficient
Half Marathon
Add: ☐ 2-3 gels ☐ Race belt or pocket shorts ☐ Fuel strategy planned ☐ Post-race recovery gear
Marathon
Add: ☐ 4-6 gels ☐ Salt/electrolytes ☐ Throwaway gloves (for pre-race) ☐ Anti-chafe everywhere ☐ Detailed fuel plan ☐ Post-race compression (optional) ☐ Blister supplies (just in case) ☐ Change of shoes for after
Travel Racing Additions
If Flying
☐ Running shoes in carry-on ☐ Race outfit in carry-on ☐ Gels in checked bag (>3.4oz) ☐ Directions to start/finish ☐ Hotel confirmation
If Driving
☐ Pre-mapped directions ☐ Parking plan ☐ Early departure time (allow extra)
General Travel
☐ Hotel gym access (for shakeout) ☐ Healthy food options identified ☐ Extra day for packet pickup (if possible) ☐ Spectator meeting spot planned
Emergency Contacts
| Contact | Phone |
|---|---|
| Emergency contact | |
| Race emergency line | |
| Hotel (if traveling) |
Medical conditions to note: **___**
Pre-Race Checklist (24 Hours Out)
Two Days Before
☐ Check race-day forecast ☐ Pick up packet (if available) ☐ Plan race-morning logistics ☐ Shakeout run
Night Before
☐ Lay out all gear ☐ Attach bib ☐ Charge devices ☐ Pack race bag ☐ Set alarms ☐ Early dinner ☐ Review race plan ☐ Early bed
Race Morning
☐ Eat planned breakfast ☐ Use bathroom at home ☐ Apply anti-chafe ☐ Leave early (buffer time) ☐ Arrive 60+ min before start ☐ Use bathroom at venue ☐ Warm up ☐ Final mental prep ☐ Race!
Personal Race Day Notes
Things I always forget:
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My race morning routine:
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Post-race must-haves:
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