Packing for a Marathon. 5 Marathon Race Day Essentials.
What will you pack for your marathon? 5 essentials.
5 Essentials to Pack For a Marathon
It’s almost time for your marathon and you need to get your bags packed and ready to go for race day. Of course you will need your favorite running clothes and your running shoes but what other essential items should go in your bag? Experience racing marathons has helped me to refine what I bring in my bag for the big race in order to be 100% prepared. Figuring out what you will need during those 26.2 miles will be something that you will figure out as you train. You should “practice” your runs using the gear and essentials that you will want on race day.
- Body Glide, Vaseline, Aquaphor, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste . . . really any of these will do. Running long distances can mean one thing, CHAFING! Even if you have worn your marathon day gear on long training runs chafing can always rear its ugly head and when it does it can mean miles of excruciating torture and may necessitate grabbing a glob of vaseline of the cardboard from a volunteer at an aid station just to get some relief. Be sure to apply one of these lubricants to any and all areas of skin that can become problematic during the run and you will be much happier!
- Compression socks or sleeves.ย I like to wear mine while I run a marathon but they can also be an essential tool if you spend tool long on your feet at the marathon expo (this is a no-no!). Your legs will also be screaming for them the day after the race as you hobble around and attempt to climb flights of stairs. Compression socks can aid in post marathon recovery.
- Sunscreen. I have learned me lesson to remember sunscreen after too many sunburns. The key is to find a sunscreen that is waterproof and sweatproof (if you are like me you will be sweating a ton!). Also, look for sunscreen that will not make your eyes sting in case sweat causes it to get in your eyes. Another strategy for preventing this is to wear a visor or hat and to skip applying sunscreen to your forehead.
- Fuelbelt, Flipbelt, Fitletic Hydration belt or some method for carrying fuel.ย This essential gear is completely personal. During long training runs I carry a Nathan Hydration pack which is not allowed at some marathons so I like to carry my gels and other fuel in my Skirt Sports pockets and any addition fuel in a Flip Belt which fits close to the body. You will want to practice wearing your fuel carrier during training to make sure that it is comfortable and fits without riding up.
- GPS watch.ย I have come to love wearing a GPS watch during a marathon. You can use the watch to check your pacing, to check your mileage . . . essentially your watch will become a best friend during marathon training. I feel naked without mine when I run even if I don’t look at it at every mile.
Now that I have shared my top 5 essential items to bring in your marathon bag with you I’d love to hear your must-haves! Please share your ideas with a comment below!
Proud member of Team Stonyfield for the 2016 Boston Marathon
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I definitely tried to get everything laid out that I’ll need days before hand, especially if it’s a traveling race. I’d say the 5 things I check 100000x that I have are: my bib (most important), extra socks/shoes for after the race, functional headphones, throw away clothes if it’s cold, and like 5 extra hair ties just in case.
Colleen @ CSmith Run recently posted…STL Half โ 4 Weeks To Go!
selfie stick?! LOL
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…“Find A Way” March Book Club
Oh my gosh… it’s almost time to start packing! I can’t believe the next time we see 18 on the calendar, it will be Marathon Monday!!!
These are all great essentials. I can’t believe how much sun I have gotten during this cycle! Sunscreen is so important for me. I would add your favorite chapstick or lip balm – I don’t like having chapped lips during the race. I never used to chafe at all, but I have been chafing near my armpit area this cycle, so Vaseline is KEY. Love this post!! Have a great weekend, friend!
Natalie recently posted…Boston Marathon Training Recap: 5 Weeks Till Race Day!!
Clean socks! They feel AMAZING after a race haha (or slip on sandals)
Carmy recently posted…The Top 6 Trails in Scarborough
I just did my first 5K on Saturday, and in dressing for it I suddenly realized, what do I do with my key? Fortunately it was a bit on the cool side and I found I had a jacket with a deep enough pocket to stash a couple of small things, but I was wondering, as a newbie — what do people do with their stuff, if you don’t have anyone there to hold it for you?
Michelle Rogers recently posted…Week includes a parade and my first 5K!
I would recommend getting running shorts/capris that have a built in pocket or you can wear a fuel belt where you can put your key, phone, and nutrition for the run.
I also bring throw-away layers (because the weather is always unpredictable) and all my fuel to put in my fuel belt! ๐ – also: comfy sandals to put on after!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Green Blender Review + Discount
Sunscreen might be the number 1 thing that people forget on the road. Essential!
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: Featuring The Killers, Dear Rouge, P!nk, TLC and More!
Those are all on my list. And don’t forget the running shoes, kind of important too! ha ha
And comfy shoes for walking around before/after when you’re doing a destination race.
Though I have never brought body glide/vaseline to a marathon, nor sunscreen (though I should), one thing I always need is my extra warm clothes for afterward. I tend to get extremely cold very quickly when I finish a long run so love to have my warm clothes in my bag and on myself almost as soon as I’ve crossed the finish line.
Do you also “pack” your music selection?
My sandals are a must for after a race. My sweaty feet always appreciate being able to air out once I’m done running.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon Training Log โ Week 7
Fabulous list! I have a hard time with sunscreen – it is forever getting gin my eyes, so I tend to just do without, and wear a visor to cover my face. Probably not the best solution, but it’s the one I have for now.
Jenn recently posted…weekly recap: 3/13รขยย 3/19
Those are definitely essentials! i’d add a hat too.
Coco recently posted…The Workout I’m Regretting
Glad you reminded me about compression. I don’t normally use compression socks but for Big Sur, I’ll want them for recovery since my husband and I are going to Yosemite after!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Big Sur Marathon Training Week 7
I almost always want/NEED to get my shoes & socks off within minutes of crossing the finish line…so I always bring a comfy change of shoes, usually my OOFO’s. Compression is also key….during and after. ๐
I’ve found that I can fit everything I need in my Skirt Sports pockets and a handheld water bottle. Thank goodness for 3 pockets on the Happy Girl LOL.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…To shirt or not to shirt
Great packing list! I make sure I have a throwaway for the morning and something comfy for after. If I’m traveling to a race
If it’s local I just get home as quickly as possible ๐
Thanks Mar! And yes, definitely some comfy and fresh clothes are need for post race!
Yes to all of this. I forgot vaseline before one marathon and couldn’t find any at the starting area :-O I would also pack some sort of recovery shake or meal in my bag for post-race.
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…5 Yoga Tips For Beginners
Forgetting vaseline is the worst! Chafing can be a real killer!A recovery shake or small meal is definitely a great idea!
Butt paste o_0 Maybe I’m doing something wrong!
In all seriousness, though, this is a great list! I’m always freaking out the morning of a race, and inevitably forget something. I won’t be able to get away with this for my first marathon. I need to be super prepared!
Thanks! There are definitely other things that are important too and you will learn with each race what works for you!