Simple Tips for Running Lifestyles

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Whether it’s your first marathon or your fifteenth, the key to a smooth and stress-free race day is planning ahead. From navigating the marathon race expo to coordinating with your friends spectating the race, there are a lot of moving pieces! Race days are stressful and having a clear plan to navigate the logistics makes all the difference.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to planning for your marathon race day, so you can focus on running your race.

Marathon Race Day Checklist

Marathon Expo Tips

Most large marathons require you to pick up your race bib at the expo, which usually takes place 1–2 days before the event. Plan ahead to ensure you know when and where to pick up your bib in advance so there are no surprises.

Things to research before you go:

• Expo Location & Hours of Operation: Check the official race website for the expo address, open hours, parking details and last pickup times.
• Transportation: Is the expo walkable from your hotel? Will you need a rideshare, public transit, or parking to get there?
• Avoid Peak Hours: Early afternoon on day one will usually be less crowded. Saturdays tend to be busier since everyone traveling from out-of-town will need to pick up their bibs.
• Research the Vendors: Check the vendor list ahead of time so you’re not wandering the expo aimlessly. Review the map ahead of time if there is a vendor you’d like visit to minimize your time on your feet. If you’re going to spend time on your feet taking pictures, make sure you’re not adding to your day wandering the expo.

Related Post: If you’re traveling for a race, this is the most important packing tip for your trip!

What to Bring to the Expo

You may need your confirmation email, photo ID (or a passport for international races), or a QR code from the race with your bib information. Keep in mind some expos also have security screenings to enter the expo itself, so give yourself plenty of time. If you’re coming from the airport, check ahead of time if they offer bag check for your suitcase if you can’t bring in large bags.

Pro Tip: Build in some extra time to browse, shop, and take photos at the expo, but don’t stay on your feet too long! It can be tempting to walk around and look at everything but stay off your feet and focus on your goal: The race day.

Plan Your Pre-Race Day Timeline

The day before your marathon should be relaxing and intentional. Plan out your schedule so you don’t end up running unnecessary errands or walking too far. Include time for a shake out run to prime your legs for race day and ensure you’re ready for an early bedtime. Plan your race day strategy ahead of time!

Sample Pre-Race Day Timeline:

• 8:00 AM: Easy shakeout run (1–2 miles at a conversational pace)
• 9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Visit the expo
• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch + hydration
• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Errands, lay out race gear, prep fuel. Take a cute “flat runner” picture (and if you’re running for charity, use it as an opportunity to share on social)
• 5:00 PM: Dinner (ideally a familiar, carb-rich meal)
• 7:00 PM: Final check of weather and outfit
• 8:30 PM: Lights out and lay in bed. Stay off your feet!

Pro Tip: Don’t try anything new! No new foods, drinks, or shoes! Stick to what you’ve practiced on your long runs. While it might be tempting to try the samples at the expo, it’s better to pass or take them home to try after the race.

What to Bring to a Marathon

There are a lot of logistics for marathon day. Make sure you have everything you need with these tips!

What to Pack for a Marathon

Not only should you pack your items for the race, but you should also include a clean change of clothes for after the race (include underwear).  Pack a change of clothes, flip-flops, snacks, and a charger in your gear check bag for post-race comfort.

Related Post: Here is a complete list of what to pack for a marathon race. Get the details for what to include in your race bag before and after the race here.

What to Wear for a Marathon

Marathon morning can be chilly, so it’s important to plan your outfit in layers. You’ll also want to double-check all your essentials the night before.

Race Day Outfit Checklist:

• Running shoes you trained for your long runs in
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Race day kit (top, shorts/tights, sports bra, etc.)
• Throwaway clothes for the start line (old sweatshirt, gloves, etc.). If you don’t have something to part with, visit a local thrift store for a cheap sweatshirt.
• Race bib and safety pins or race belt
• Hat, sunglasses, or sweatband (weather-dependent)
• Fuel (gels, chews) and hydration plan. Pack your hydration (if you plan to run with a water bottle)
• Anti-chaffing cream, sunscreen and race day glitter

Sustainability Tip: Many races donate discarded clothes left at the start line. Pack items you don’t mind parting with!

Race Day Tips for Runners

Your Race Day Timeline

Race morning is often chaotic, so work backwards to figure out what time you need to wake up. Remember: the bigger the race, the longer everything takes! From transit to bag check to porta-potty lines, overestimate how much time you need to stay calm and collected.

Pro Tip: Always triple-check what time the corrals close and factor in any security checkpoints or gear check cutoffs.

Sample Race Morning Schedule:

• 4:45 AM: Wake up, eat light breakfast (bagel with peanut butter)
• 5:15 AM: Head to the race start
• 6:00 AM: Arrive at start area, wait in the line for the portapotty, warm up
• 6:45 AM: Drop gear check bag
• 7:00 AM: Enter your corral (corrals often close 20–30 min before race time)
• 7:30 AM: Race begins (adjust time based on your wave/corral)

Consider taking a picture at the start line so you can take an after photo once you cross the finish line. Take in the moment of the starting corral, while you’re likely going to be nervous, taking pictures or filming content can help you look back on the day.

Related Post: Need tips for how to recover after your marathon race day? This guide will teach you how to take of yourself after the big race.

Marathon Spectator Tips

Having loved ones on the course can be a huge emotional boost. But planning is key—races are crowded, and it’s easy to miss each other without a clear plan. If there are things as a runner you’re expecting, it’s important to advocate for yourself to get support on the course.

How to coordinate with your cheer squad:

• Pick specific mile markers where you’ll see them (such as Mile 8, Mile 16, Mile 24). Avoid using landmarks like intersections since most of the race you might not be clear on the name of the road you’re running on.
• Tell them which side of the street you’ll be on (noted by “runner’s left” or “right” to avoid confusion).
• Let them know what you’re wearing so they can look for you from the crowds. Also know what your runner is wearing so you can also spot them easily.
• Share your estimated pace so they know when to expect you.
• Share your location (Apple location or through an app, like Life 360) if you’re planning to run with your phone.
• Use signs, cowbells, and bright colors to stand out.

Pro Tip: Print a small pace band and give it to your crew so they can estimate your arrival more accurately. You can also save a pace breakout as the screen saver on your phone for easy reference.

Post-Race Meet-Up Plan

The finish line can be overwhelming and your phone battery may be hanging by a thread. Have a set plan for how to reconnect with friends and family after the race in case your phone dies.

Tips for meeting up after a race:

• Designate a specific spot nearby (a landmark, street corner, hotel lobby)
• Drop a pin in your maps app the night before with the meeting spot.
• Use the runner tracking app or share your location with your crew.
• Pack a small portable charger in your checked bag just in case.

If all else fails, write your hotel name and room number on the back of your bib so you can be guided home by race staff or another runner if you need directions.

Related Post: Pack clothes for after the run and check it in with gear check to have dry clothes waiting for you after the race. Read this for tips on what to pack for a marathon.

Final Thoughts on Marathon Weekend Planning

Marathon race day is a mix of nerves, excitement, and adrenaline! With a little planning, you can focus on the miles ahead without worrying about logistics. Make your plan, stick to what you know, and trust your training.

You’ve got this!

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