- Marathon Race Day checklist

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail!

Use our check list to help ensure you’ve got yourself covered. 

1. Rise & shine! What to wear on race day morning.

Race kit - Race bib pinned/clipped on

Favourite Monkey Sox!  (Treat yourself to a new pair here!)

Race timing chip (some races now have them on the back of your race number) 

Warm layers + comfy/race shoes

Spare layer you’re happy to donate at the start line once your bag is in bag drop 

Waterproof you don’t mind donating/binning in case it rains while waiting for start: a bin liner, poncho or old waterproof do the job nicely

2. What’s in your bag: Pre-Race essentials: 

Number sticker/tag on your bag so it doesn’t get lost in bag drop

Your start time, start zone, and directions of how to get there

Race shoes (unless already wearing)

Spare safety pins/race bib clips 

Chafe stick/vaseline

Period pad/tampons/pants (just in case)

Fuel while you wait for the start 

Weather dependent accessories: Sunnies/Hat/Gloves 

Medication

Baby wipes for the portaloos

Pen to write motivation on hand 

3. Toes to the line - It’s race time: the must haves!

Watch (charge it!)

Phone (charge it!)

Headphones (charge them!)

Gels/Race fuel

Gel belt/armband/however you carry your fuel

Fresh legs (trust the taper!)

Your head (nerves and adrenaline can sometimes make us lose our heads, stay calm and trust your training)

Your tummy (pre-race checks are important, in more ways than one) 

4. Post-Race essentials: 

Directions to location of where to meet your friends, fans, and family post race

Comfy shoes for after (trust us - you won’t want those trainers on your feet any longer)

Victory Compression socks.  Get your recovery started right away.  Compression socks improve circulation therefore reducing swelling and muscle fatigue and help to remove lactic acid faster.

Fuel for immediately after (salty + sweet! Tastebuds get tired after many gels/sweets so keep it varied)

Electrolyte tablets + water

Baby wipes for the post race freshen up

Cash/ID just in case (always plan for emergencies)

Plastic bag for the gross stuff

Medication

Portable charger 

Dry clothes to change into for after, including underwear

Plasters

Roller/recovery aids

Celebratory meal booked

This is not an exhaustive list of what you can bring but on a marathon race day, after 12-16weeks or however long you’ve spent training, the rule is: it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! A little prep will go a long way and future you will thank you!

Good luck everyone!!