Kit & Gear

Race Day Checklist

You've done the prep work, your training is complete, and race day is almost here. Avoid any last minute chaos on race day by preparing your kit in advance. Check out our handy race day checklist below and get your kit ready the night before to stay cool, calm and focused on race-day morning.

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1. Running Shoes. Without a doubt the most important item on your list. Never wear new shoes for your race and always make sure they are comfortably broken in.

2. Running Top and Bottoms. Whether vest and shorts or capri tights and T-Shirt, wear the kit you feel most comfortable in. Make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and plan your race kit accordingly.

3. Breathable Running Socks.

4. Race Number and Race Information. Pin your race number to your running top or race belt the night before to save time on the morning of the race. Timing chips can be faffy and difficult to attach to laces, especially when you're shaking with pre-race nerves. Attach them the night before to avoid a last minute panic at the start. Make sure to take your race information pack so you know exactly where you need to be and when.

5. Hat/Visor/Sunglasses

6. Watch/GPS. Make sure your GPS is fully charged the night before and switch on in plenty of time before the race starts, so you're not waiting around for it to lock onto a satellite.

7. Gels/Energy Drinks. These are usually provided at bigger races, but many runners prefer to stay with the brand that they're used to.

8. Sunscreen and lip balm. Easily forgotten, but a must for summer races.

9. Vaseline/anti chafing lotion and band aids.

10. Extra safety pins

11. Water bottle. Most events will provide water at the finish and throughout the race, but this will particularly help you stay hydrated prior to the race.

12. Bin liners. Most races start early and there can be a lot of waiting around at the start. A couple of bin liners are great for staying warm and dry at the start and can be easily discarded just before you set off.

13. Phone/Phone holder. Switch this off during the race to save the battery, and if you're carrying it with you, don't forget your phone holder! Make sure it is fully charged. You'll struggle to get a reception at the start and finish of the bigger races as everybody tries to use their phone or check-in on Facebook, so arrange where to meet family and friends beforehand.

14. Money. Take just enough to deal with any emergency, and for drinks/food at the finish. You'll probably need to leave this in your bag on the baggage bus/tent and most organisers won't accept responsibility for any loss or theft.

15. Warm, dry clothes for the finish. You'll cool down fast after the race. Take a warm jumper and jogging pants to put on over your kit, as well as a waterproof jacket. Also take a towel and spare pair of socks, and you might also want to pack some post race food.

16. Kit bag with baggage tag attached. Pack this the night before the race and attach the tag. Avoid leaving any valuables inside.

Finally, if you do arrive at the race and find that you've forgotten something, don't panic and head over to the runner information area. Race organisers are usually ready to help and will often have spare safety pins and timing chip tags for forgetful runners. Good luck and enjoy the race!

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