The Marathon Packing & Travel Checklist

Nailing Race-Day Logistics Before You Even Leave Home

Nothing derails 4 months of training like a forgotten pair of shoes or gear lost in translation. Join me as I break down the travel tested essentials for your next destination race.

Preview

• Gear
• Travel docs
• Nutrition
• Recovery tools
• Weather backups
• Tech
• Conclusion

Related:

• What's a Race OS and why it may just help you improve your marathon times.
• Want to discover more exiting race destinations?

Race Day Essentials

The carry-on is a runner's best friend. Under no circumstance allow anyone to talk you into checking in your carry on or bringing only a large checked bag. Trust me, it's never worth the small convenience of not having to roll it around your local airport. Do check travel regulations to avoid brining anything that won't be permitted through baggage scanners. Now on to what to actually pack in your carry-on, the non-negotiables.

• Race shoes: without these you won't be able to race, unless you planned to go barefoot. Be sure to pack another pair of running shoes, like the ones you wore during training, for a shakeout run the day prior and for right after the race. Your feet will be sick of your race shoes, no matter how comfortable, come mile 26 and for some reason will be more than happy to hop into almost any other pair; also useful for getting around the expo if you only bring two pairs.
• Complete race kit: sounds intimidating, but doesn't have to be anything special, just your trustworthy pair of socks, shorts and athletic t-shirt (or race tights and singlet). Don't wear anything on race day that you haven't tried on, in a decently long and intense run, before. Sunglasses and hats are useful, but not required.
• Sports watch and headphones (the latter if allowed and you can't run without them): personally I train with headphones, but come race day I tune in to the crowds. Though, my sports watch is non-negotiable -- gotta get those stats.
• Bib (rarely sent beforehand): though usually picked up a day or two before the event at the official expo, some events mail it to participants, and let's face it, not having a bib will be the most important reason you can't run.

Travel Logistics and Documents

As you will notice, everything we list in this article should go in your carry-on. Your travel documents are no exception, but let's be real, you wouldn't be able to get on the plane without them; though be careful when traveling by car or bus as you won't feel compelled to check for your id until you're at the expo picking up your race packet. We'll keep it brief here and thereafter, jumping straight to the things we have to bring for each subsequent category.

• Passport (if abroad) / ID, visas (always check if required): don't leave any of these to the last minute. Passports and visas take time to process.
• Printed race confirmation: most races shouldn't make you print your confirmation email (why use paper when it'll be discarded soon after?) yet some still do, so consult each race's policy. We may even be able to tell you at 42cal (but do double check on the organizer's site). At the very least expect to be asked to show your phone or even a QR code when the race organizer provides one.
• Hotel and transport confirmation: crucial if going to a foreign country. Hotels should have your information on file most of the time, however.
• Cash in local currency for expo, taxis, post (in) race snacks: more and more countries have gone digital, but sometimes a taxi will only accept cash. At the very least bring your credit/debit cards. And as a pro-tip: never keep your cards all in one place. Keep your card with you during the race in a zipper pocket just in case.
• Compression socks: optional, but useful for long-haul flights (think 6+ hours). Prevents swelling.
• High value gear: inside of a waterproof bag inside your carry on in case of any spills.

Discover exciting races in different countries @ 42cal/countries.

Fuel, Hydration, and Health

• Gels: bring the gels you've tried in training and in long runs and workouts. Otherwise risk stomach issues come race day (in short: not good).
• Portable water bottle (one you can bring on runs comfortably): most races provide water and prohibit bringing your own. Otherwise comes down to preference. Check race regulations.
• Anti-chafing cream and sunscreen, lip balm: don't have to elaborate too much on this one. Checkout Asics' essentials.
• Meds: anything that you've been prescribed or take regularly (consult with your doctor before partaking in any race). Consider pain relievers and blister pads, as well as others such as allergy tabs.
• Reusable utensil & collapsible bowl: if you BYO oats/pasta to ensure pre-race carbs anywhere. I don't really do it or know many people who do this, but you never know.

Comfort and Recovery Gear

• Lightweight foam roller and/or massage gun: for those serious about recovery. Massage guns are great.
• Tennis or lacrosse ball: press down on it with your foot and roll it all over. Easy to transport Thank us later.
• Flip-flops and clothes change: another option instead of another pair of running shoes. More tips on reddit.
• Microfiber towel: also optional, but useful for drying sweat of your face.
• Compression sleeves/boots: especially useful if driving home the day after. Compression sleeves are more portable than compression boots (but they feel amazing), which you'll probably have to check in a larger bag.

Weather Contingency and Safety

I'll admit that I am not as organized so as to plan for weather contingencies, and that many races provide ponchos for rain and for post race chills, though it's always a good idea to check the weather before a race. More like mandatory.

• Disposable poncho: for windy/rainy start corrals.
• Throwaway layer: this I do endorse, especially for races that are even slightly chilly, as you'll likely arrive to the starting line hours before the starting gun is shot. If you don't have any old layers, go to Walmart and see what you can find (though don't quote me on this).
• Gloves and arm warmers: for more extreme temperatures, but can be useful.
• Hot weather add ons: salt tabs -- yes.
• Mini first aid kit: for those who are very prepared. Race organizers should have you covered though.

Tech and Nice to Haves

• Power bank
• Air tag: so your family can follow you. Some GPS trackers provide links and so does Strava (Beacon).
• Reading and streaming downloads for downtime: you'll make use of it on the day before the race and also when sitting down on the plane.

Putting it all Together

We've covered a lot, but it takes a lot to run a marathon. You wouldn't want to stress out a few hours before our race because we just noticed we're missing the socks you were going to race in. As a final checklist item I want to offer this: double check you have everything in your bag, even if you've already checked it off your list. And make sure everything is in a place you know you'll find it.

You can create your own customized checklists for every race, adding as many items as you want for every segment of race preparation from pre-registration all the way to post-race celebration, on 42Cal Pro. You'll also be able to store detailed breakdowns of all your previous races, from 5k to ultra-marathon.

Conclusion

Nothing beats peace of mind, and your marathon times will increase as a result of better preparation and certainty. If you have any additional comments do reach out to us at biz@42cal.com. Save this article for future reference, and consult our ever expanding library of content made for prepared runners like you.

External Resources