Simple Tips for Running Lifestyles

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Training for a marathon is a huge milestone. You’ve put in the time and effort to get to the race, and packing for race day can feel daunting. It can be overwhelming to ensure everything goes perfectly. 

Whether it’s your first marathon or your twelfth (hello London Marathon!), having a comprehensive marathon packing checklist ensures you’re equipped for the race ahead. This guide will break down what to pack for a race, including running gear essentials, what to wear on marathon day, and seasonal adjustments to ensure your race day goes smoothly.

The Basic Marathon Packing Checklist

Here’s your go-to packing list for marathon day essentials to keep you focused on running and not on what you left at home.

Pack Your Marathon Gear Essentials

For calm and focused vibes on race day, lay out your race gear the night before. And I mean everything. Your marathon essentials include your race outfit and nutrition, your throwaway clothes, and your kit for after the race.

One habit I have added as part of my training routine is to include this as part of my long run preparation routine. On Friday nights I lay out all my running gear. I set out my Golden Girls coffee mug on the Keurig with a Breakfast Blend k-cup ready for when I wake up and set a Pop Tart on the counter. I find that laying out my marathon race kit during the training season makes it easier for preparing my race day checklist.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling for a race, lay out your essentials for a marathon before you pack your suitcase. I lay it out a “flat runner” before I pack and snap a photo to easily remember what I included if I think I missed something while laying it out at the hotel when traveling for a destination marathon.

Essentials to Bring to a Marathon

Remember to lay out your marathon race day gear the night before the race. Your race day gear should include the items you bring to your long run every week. The saying, “Nothing new on race day,” is the key to your success.

Don’t try a new pair of shoes, a new shirt, or eat anything you haven’t eaten on a long run before. You don’t want discomfort to ruin your race day if your new items don’t agree with you. Save those items for a long run where you can bail if something goes wrong.

Remember to include on your marathon packing list:

1. Running Shoes: Lay out your well-loved, broken-in pair. Marathon day is not the time for new shoes!
2. Running Socks: Opt for moisture-wicking, anti-blister socks.
3. Race Outfit: Your top, bottoms, and sports bra that you tested during training runs to ensure it doesn’t chafe or rub your skin. Running outfits should be made of moisture-wicking fabrics to protect your skin. Also, include your race day glitter with your outfit.
4. Race Bib & Pins: Double-check you have your bib and safety pins! Most races require you to pick it up ahead of time, so make sure to plan for attending the expo in your timeline!
5. GPS Running Watch or Fitness Tracker: Reminder to ensure your watch is fully charged and bring the charging cord with a battery charger.
6. Running Belt: Handy for holding gels, a phone, or small essentials. Only bring a belt you’ve trained in to ensure it’s comfortable when you run.
7. Headphones or a Clip-On Speaker: If you run with music, include your listening devices! I love this clip-on speaker from Noxgear as the perfect running party companion. It’s light, cordless and can clip on or attach with a magnet anywhere on your body.
8. Hydration Gear: Include your handheld water bottle or hydration vest in your gear pile. If you normally run with a hydration vest, check the race’s policies to see if they’re permitted (at the Chicago Marathon, they are not). My personal vest recommendation is the Nathan Pinnacle vest since it has front-access water pouches (which are easier to fill on the course than a bladder). Also some courses do not allow a bladder in a running vest, so know what is allowed before you head to the race!
9. Energy Gels, Salt Tabs, Energy Bars or Chews: Pack the exact fuel you trained with. Race day isn’t for trying something new! Also, don’t depend on getting your race day fuel at the expo.  Your tried-and-true fuel brands (or flavors) might not be available so you’ll want to ensure you’re ready to go. Some races offer alternative beverage or snack options on the course, so make sure you’re covered on the course if you use a different type of product.
10. Sunscreen and Anti-Chafing Balm: Lying out my sunscreen, anti-chafing balm or body glide is a good idea to remember to put it on. Include this in your race kit so you can apply sunscreen right before the race (my sunscreen for runners is Sun Bum Spray-on Sunscreen and Happy Curves anti-chafing balm for my favorite balm).
11. Emergency Items: Extra safety pins and band-aids or blister pads in case you need them!

Extra Race Day Items to Consider for Running a Marathon

These items might be on your necessary list, but here are a few items to consider bringing while running a marathon.

• Hair ties, headbands, or hats
• Small cell phone charger with a built-in cord
• Sunglasses 
• ID and cash or card
• Throwaway layers for the start line: Grab an old sweatshirt or sweatpants/joggers (or purchase from a thrift store) to wear at the start line. Some races have bins to collect these layers and donate the clothing to charity.
• Rain poncho

Pro Tip: Check with your race on bag requirements for gear check. Some races have strict requirements for gear check bags (such as you must use the bag provided at the expo). I love this travel backpack since it has so many compartments as a marathon pack. You also can’t go wrong with a gigantic bag!

What to Wear for Marathon Day

Your marathon day outfit can make or break your race experience. You should test your race day outfit prior to marathon race day to ensure nothing rubs or chafes your skin. You should be comfortable in your race day outfit!

How to Choose Your Race Day Outfit

1. Base Layers: Marathon runners should opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking materials to keep you cool and dry. Whatever you do, avoid cotton blends since cotton doesn’t wick moisture off your skin. 
2. Leggings or Shorts: Depending on the weather, go for tried-and-true options. I prefer the biker short-style, like these, since they have the side pockets for my phone.
3. Outer Layers: If it’s chilly, choose a breathable long-sleeve top or a running jacket.
4. Comfortable Accessories: A wide headband or a running hat will keep the sun out of your eyes. Pair it with sunglasses.

Seasonal Running Outfit Adjustments

• Spring/Fall: Dress in layers. Temperatures at the start may be chilly, but you’ll warm up quickly once you get moving.
• Summer: Prioritize lightweight, breathable fabrics and add a sweatband (my favorite brand is JUNK Brands) or visor.
• Winter: Invest in thermal running gear, gloves, and a hat. Your running layers should include merino wool and absolutely no cotton. A windproof jacket is especially helpful when the wind makes it feel colder outside.

If you’re unsure of how to layer for race day, use the 20°F Rule (6°C) – Dress as if it’s 20° warmer than the actual temperature. Once you start moving your body will adjust as if it’s warmer than it actually is. You can also use Dress My Run to see if you’re on the right track.

Marathon Packing Checklist for All Seasons

While hopefully your race day forecast isn’t that far off from what you’ve anticipated, the weather is one of the race day pieces outside of your control.

Here’s a seasonal breakdown of what to consider adding to your marathon packing list:

Spring Running Gear

Spring weather can be really unpredictable, so you might need to pack for wind, rain or colder temperatures.

• Waterproof Jacket: (for elements such as wind or rain)
• Lightweight Gloves and a Headband: Ideal for cooler racing temperatures 

Summer Running Gear

While thinking about warmer temperatures might seem obvious, if you’re traveling to a new location, having summer running gear might be handy as part of your marathon gear checklist!

• Warm Weather Running Clothes: Summer running clothes consist of a lot tank tops or lightweight shorts made of moisture-wicking fabric.
• Extra Electrolytes: Pack extra servings of hydration beverage mixes or sodium tablets for electrolyte replacement
• A Running Belt: If you’re used to carrying your nutrition in a jacket, you may need something to carry your nutrition if you have fewer pockets.

Fall Running Gear

Fall temperatures are moody! Any given fall marathon can have cooler temps in the morning and be blistering hot in the mid-day. Consider these clothing items when running a fall marathon:

• Layer Up! Pack a variety of layers since the temperatures can fluctuate from morning to mid-day. Arm sleeves are great for transitional temperatures.
• Gloves or a Winter Hat: Light gloves or a hat for the start corral or chilly race mornings.

Winter Running Gear

Be prepared in the temperature drops on your race morning! Here’s a list of winter running items to consider in your marathon travel bag:

• Winter Running Gear: Fleece-lined leggings and thermal top. Make sure your base layers are made of merino wool (top, socks and hat). Merino wool is a thinner wool material that isn’t bulky. This base layer from Smartwool is my winter go-to base layer.
• Hand Warmers: Disposable hand warmers are great for pre-race waiting areas or the first few miles before you’re fully warmed up.
• Protect Your Neck: Pack a gaiter or buff to cover your neck and face

Pro Tip – Need more tips for running in the winter? You must check out this post to learn how to make running in cold temperatures comfortable!

Post-Race Items to Pack for Running 26.2 Miles

Marathon Gear Checklist

After crossing the finish line, you’ll want these items handy in your marathon pack for comfort and recovery after the race.

• Dry Clothes for Post-Race: (including clean underwear and socks!) Pack simple items you can slip into like joggers and a t-shirt.
• Wallet – Include your ID, credit card, cash and transit card for after the race.
• Body Wipes and Deodorant: Feel fresh after your run with body wipes. My favorite body wipes are Lume Wipes (in cool cucumber) and these individually-wrapped wipes from Armoray. 
• Basic Grooming Items: Pack a hairbrush because unless your hair is braided, you’re going to need it. The Unbrush is my go-to brush because it untangles like a dream!
• Recovery Sandals or Shoes: Whenever I cross the finish line at a race, the first thing I want to do is get recovery shoes on my feet! Pack comfortable shoes for after the run, you’ll thank me later (have you tried these recovery slides? LOVE.)
• Your Favorite Snacks or Recovery Drinks! Who doesn’t love a sweet treat after a major accomplishment?
• A Battery Pack: After a long race, your phone battery will likely need some attention. I love this Anker 20K battery since it has options to plug in any cord type!
• Laundry Bag: Pack a plastic bag for your sweaty clothes to keep them separate from your other items on your post-race outings.
• Massage Tools! You’re probably not going to have the space to use a foam roller after your race; however, the Original Stick does the same work while you’re standing up. This tool is perfect for traveling since it takes up minimal space. If you really want to spoil yourself, the Theragun Mini is small enough to pack in your bag and bring for a post-race massage.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you have compatible outlet converters to ensure your items like your massage gun, watch and phone have charging options.

Tips for Stress-Free Packing

1. Pack Early: Start packing a few days before your race to avoid last-minute stress.
2. Use a Checklist: Follow this marathon packing checklist and check off items as you go.
3. Lay Out Your Outfit Before Race Day: Lay out what to wear for your marathon race day the night before to ensure everything is ready.

By organizing your gear with these tips, you can focus on getting to the starting line, enjoying the race and crossing that finish line. Whether you’re running in the heat of summer, the crisp fall air, or the chill of winter, hopefully this guide has you prepared so you can focus on your next PR!

What’s on your must-pack list for marathon day? Share your tips in the comments below!