By: Art Liberman

Packing Tips

For out of town races in particular, don't wait until the night before you travel to collect and pack needed items. Rather, make a list of things you wish to take and begin getting them together in the days prior to your departure

Whether you're running in your hometown marathon or traveling out of town, collect everything you need to take to the race site for your workout bag and have it ready the night before the race. Also, pin your race number to the front of your singlet or t-shirt. It's a good ideal to take along an extra roll of toilet paper in case there's none remaining when you visit the bathroom or port-o-potty. You'll have enough on your mind race morning, let alone worrying about items you need to wear or take to the starting line.

Plan for all types of weather as conditions can change rapidly. It's better to pack everything you might need rather than having to scurry around a new city looking for clothing and/or accessories at the last minute.

For races held in cold conditions, consider bringing some clothing that you can discard during the race after you warm-up.

If you are traveling out of town, be sure to pack healthy snack foods you may wish to eat the weekend of the marathon. Eliminate the need to search for a grocery store that stocks your favorite foods.

Carry bottled water with you if you will be flying to your marathon destination. Flying at high altitudes can contribute to dehydration.

If you're traveling to an out of town race by air, it is extremely important that the running shoes and apparel you plan to wear for the marathon are packed in carry-on luggage so that in the event your baggage is lost or delayed by the airline, you will at least have these "essential" items with you.

Packing List

Keep in mind that the list below of possible items to pack is not all-inclusive. Factors such as weather conditions, food preferences, etc. are quite variable. Nevertheless, refer to the list, as an aid in helping you organize and pack needed items for the marathon.

Essential Gear - "Carry On" Luggage Items

Running shoes

Socks

Singlet

Shorts

Warm-ups (Jacket and Long Pants)

Sports Bra

Gloves

Hat

T-Shirt (Long and Short Sleeve)

Sweatshirt

Tights

Other Handy Items

Vaseline or Skin Lube

Foot Power

Handkerchief

Shoe Laces

Workout Bag

Lock for Locker

Towel

Race Confirmation (to receive race number, if applicable)

Ibuprofen

Safety Pins

Sweat-bands

Analgesic Crèmes (e.g., Ben-gay, Myoflex, etc.)

Possible* Food Items

Power Bars

Gel Energy Supplements

Snack/Pre-race Items (e.g., Bagels, Muffins, Fruit, etc.)

Sports Drinks

Bottles Water (especially for the airplane)

*Be sure that you have experimented with these or any other food Items (during your training) prior to the marathon.

Other suggestions from members:

Garbage Bag (to use in cold or wet weather)

Sun-visor

Sunglasses

Sun-Block

Rain Jacket

ID Tags (for you and your bag)

Medical Alert (if needed)

Prescription Medications

Toilet Paper

Sample Size Toiletries

List of e-mails or phone numbers (of family and people you may now in area in case of emergency)

Medical Records (especially if traveling out of the country, either a hardcopy or CD if there is a language barrier)

Airport Check List (things you can take and not take on the plane and sizes and weights of bags)