The Best Marathon & Half Marathon Packing List

A marathon packing list is essential if you run destination races.

If you’ve ever run a marathon you had to travel for, you may know the awful feeling when you wake up on race morning and realize you forgot something!

Anti-chafe balm. Running shoes. Your watch.

I’ve been there, and it’s awful. So what can you do to prevent forgetting the necessities on race day?

You can use this marathon and half marathon packing list to ensure everything is packed for an easy race day. I’ve even included a printable marathon packing list PDF with this post. 🙂

Marathon and Half Marathon Packing List: Clothing Items

You’ve sorted out the best training plans, completed the training, and now it’s time to travel to the race. So, what should you pack for a marathon?

First things first. Be sure to pack the best running gear to help you succeed on race day, whether running a half marathon or a marathon.

Remember, if you’ve stayed consistent in your training, you may experience some weight loss before race day. Ensure you have the best-fitting clothes for race day.

Think about the items you might wear from head to toe and ensure they find their way into your marathon gear bag.

Tops to Pack for Race Day

There are many things to consider when choosing a top for race day. Consider the weather and remember that the forecast can change overnight in some places.

Whether this is your first marathon or your 50th marathon, remember the golden rule of running:

Nothing new on race day!

Many of us have broken this rule from time to time (I’m guilty), but It’s a wise rule to follow. It’s the easiest thing to prevent issues like unexpected blisters or chafing in strange places.

Keeping this rule in mind, you may need to pack any of the following tops:

✅ Sports Bra

✅ Moisture-wicking T-shirt

✅ Singlet

✅ Long-sleeved shirt

✅ Throwaway clothes

Bottoms to Pack for Race Day

Once again, there are many things to consider when choosing bottoms to pack for your marathon or half marathon.

Please be sure to test all of your options during your training and in different weather conditions. This allows you to be fully prepared for anything on race day.

Bottom options may include:

✅ Shorts

✅ Tights

✅ Running Skirt

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Socks for Race Day

When it comes to choosing your socks, you should pack several pairs.

These tend to take up very little space in a bag, and it can be helpful to have options.

You might want a tall pair of your favorite socks if it’s a colder race day. You may wish to wear no-show socks if the heat is extreme—after all, the less material on a hot day, the better.

I always pack one pair of compression socks for post-race. Sometimes a race leaves my legs feeling incredibly stiff, and having compression socks to help blood flow has been a lifesaver.

Shoes for Race Day

Unless you’re a part of the barefoot running community, you’ll want to remember to pack your shoes for your marathon or half marathon.

This is one item that generally requires a break-in period. So it’s imperative to pack a pair of shoes you’ve covered at least a few miles.

Halfway through your marathon is the wrong time to find that your cool, new shoes cause hot spots on your feet and give you blisters.

Marathon Packing List: Accessories

Accessories are essential and often dependent on the weather.

Identify what you like to use during training. This way, you’ll know what accessories to add to your marathon packing list.

A Hat for Race Day

I like to wear a hat when the weather is cool or it’s raining.

A good brim hat helps keep the rain from hitting your face. This prevents strain from squinting as you dodge the raindrops.

I’ve tried to use a hat to keep the sun out of my eyes, but I warm up quickly when I run. I struggle with the heat that gets trapped when wearing a hat.

This is an excellent example of why you should try different race gear during options training!

Sunglasses for Race Day

If marathon race day ends up sunny, remember your sunnies!

Sunglasses are beneficial on a bright day by helping to relieve tension and strain caused by squinting.

I prefer sunglasses if the sunny day is also hot. Sunglasses mean that the top of my head can better dissipate heat.

Gloves for a Cold Race Day

A cold race calls for warm gear.

Gloves are often crucial for those cold-weather races, but plan accordingly as I run hot I rarely wear gloves while running. However, it’s too cold some days, and gloves are necessary.

It’s a good idea to purchase a cheaper pair of gloves. Then you can drop on the course once your hands warm up.

Another option is to be sure you have a pocket you can place them in once your hands warm up.

For runners who run cold and suffer through the winter races, count on wearing your gloves throughout the race.

Fuel Belt for Race Day Fuel

If you’re running a half marathon, you might not hit a point where you need fuel. This is the case for many runners.

However, it is always a good idea to have a fuel source prepared and on hand, just in case. So you want to avoid getting on the racecourse and trying a new fuel your body isn’t used to.

You can stash your fuel there if you have pockets on your bottoms.

Otherwise, you may need to invest in a fuel belt. A fuel belt can also be great for holding other items during your race (credit card, I.D., etc.).

👉🏼 I recommend the SPIbelt for any runner who wants to carry a few items, like fuel, without a bulky bag!

Compression Sleeves

Some runners prefer to run using compression sleeves. Various options include calf sleeves, quad sleeves, and arm sleeves. You may have checked this box if your preferred running sock is a compression sock.

Marathon Packing List: Fuel

Any good packing list for a marathon or half marathon is only complete with fuel. But remember, you’ll need more than fuel to get you through the race.

Pre-race Food

Some runners like to eat full meals. Some runners eat a banana. And others may eat nothing at all before the race.

Everybody is different, but it’s essential to determine what nutrition your body needs before race day.

Some of the best options for pre-race fuel include:

🍴 Oatmeal

🍴 Toast

🍴 Bagel

🍴 Dry cereal

Peanut butter or honey can help add some flavor to your meal—some runners even like to have a little caffeine before the race.

Whatever you do, remember, nothing new on race day!

Run Fuel for the Race

While on the course, you’ll likely need some run fuel.

There are plenty of brands and natural options, so you must do homework during your training cycle to see what works best for you.

The first time I tried a run gel was during my first half marathon. Instantly I thought I was swallowing some thick, oddly tasting toothpaste, and I was not a fan.

Learn from my mistake and try different fuel types during your marathon training to find what works best for you!

Hydration for the Race

Like fuel, you must test what hydration will work best for you. Some sports drinks can be too sweet, bland, bubbly, or just not delicious.

Experiment if you have not determined what hydration will be best for you. It would be best if you did so on days you have flexibility. Some hydration options contain caffeine for added energy.

If caffeine makes your stomach churn, you’ll want to be sure you aren’t too far from home.

When you’ve settled on the best hydration option, order enough to get you through your training and race day.

I recommend Nuun as a great hydration source for runners.
✅ Healthy ✅ Delicious ✅ Low Sugar

You can just research the race’s hydration option to avoid carrying your hydration on the course. Then you can test this hydration during training to ensure it works for your body during the race.

Marathon Packing List: Race Day Necessities

You’ve got your clothes and your accessories packed for your marathon.

You’ve crossed off fuel and hydration on your marathon and half marathon packing list.

What’s next? Remember, odds and ends!

Anti-Chafe Balm for Race Day

If you’ve ever chafed during a long run or a race, you’ll (almost) never forget anti-chafe balm again.

Body Glide and Gold Bond are two tried and trusted anti-chafe balms worth investing in.

You should also assess this during your training to prepare for race day.

During a stormy race, I’ve chafed on my ribs from my sports bra band and between my thighs. If you’ve ever experienced chafing or bloody nipples during a run, invest in something like NipEaze for added protection.

You don’t want to figure out in your post-run shower that you do chafe after all. OUCH!

Smart Watch/Tracker

I like running with my Apple Watch.

Many runners say if you’re going to wear a fitness tracker, you should avoid focusing on its data too much. This is especially true early in the race as it’s common to go out too fast and crash earlier in the marathon.

Using a proper heart rate monitor with your watch could be helpful. This can help you stay in the correct heart rate zone to maximize your running efforts.

A smartwatch is helpful for many reasons, so remember to pack this device.

Also, remember your charger for it, and make sure you charge it the night before!

Race Bib/Timing Chip for the Race

Your race bib is the number assigned to you that you wear during the race. This lets organizers and security know you’re supposed to be on the course.

Often the race bibs have a tracking chip attached to the back to help record your time.

Just to let you know, not all races attach the timing chip this way. For example, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series previously used a chip that needed to be attached to your shoe. They’ve also used a chip that is pre-attached to the back of your race bib.

Regardless of the type of timing chip, please keep in mind what you’ll need to do to ensure your race can be tracked and your bib number visible.

Safety Pins for Your Race Bib

I always pack extra safety pins.

The race organizers will likely supply these – they have them at every race I’ve run.

However, you want to avoid spending race morning panicking when you’ve misplaced this small but essential part of attaching your race bib to your shirt.

Sunscreen for a Sunny Race Day

This is important even on cloudy days. If you’ve ever been to the beach on a day with overcast skies, you know you can still get a bad sunburn.

Running a half marathon or a full marathon means potentially spending hours in the sun. Do your best to protect yourself and your body’s biggest organ, and invest in sunscreen for race day.

If race day does become overly hot, you should try using the run/walk method to be sure you can safely finish the race.

I.D. & Money/Credit Card

Often a post-race party at the finish line will include food and beverage.

Some races may I.D. you at the Expo the day before to provide you with a wristband for a post-race beer. Other races may have items to purchase afterward, including race memorabilia.

Ensure you have a secure place for these items so they stay in your pocket on the course.

Marathon Packing List: Extras

Some things might miss your marathon packing list. Items you could run a marathon without but might need in specific scenarios.

The following are a few of those items.

Camera

Remembering a camera might be crucial for you if you like to capture the moment.

I’ve been known to carry my GoPro camera and take a selfie or two during a race, especially during races like runDisney.

Sometimes a race begs to be remembered in more ways than just your sore legs.

Throwaway Gear

Is your race going to be very cold? Will it be rainy? If so, think ahead!

For cold weather, it’s a great idea to have some warm layers that you can toss off in the start line corral or along the course when you warm up. Many races will even collect these items to donate to local shelters.

If it’s a rainy race day, stay dry for as long as possible. Having exterior layers that keep you dry and can be tossed is necessary.

It’s common to see runners donning black trash bags on the morning of a rainy race day.

My Rainy Half Marathon Experience

The 2013 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon was my first half marathon.

It started raining right before the start and only stopped hours after the race. I still loved every moment, but I wish someone had told me about the trash bag tip!

Cell Phone

Only some people are minimalist runners, and that’s okay!

Remember to charge your cell phone the night before race day if needed. You will need a phone with a charge to be helpful. Otherwise, you’ll only add unnecessary weight.

Add those cell phone and fitness tracker chargers to your marathon packing list!

Headphones

Are you a runner who loves to listen to music (I am!) or a running podcast?

If you want to do the same on race day, add your headphones to your marathon or half-marathon packing list.

⭐️ My favorite alternative to headphones is the Noxgear 39g wireless Bluetooth speaker.

I always use music and podcasts during my training cycles. However, when I know there will be a lot of spectators, I leave my headphones at home on race day.

There’s something magical about listening to the chants and cheers from the crowd.

Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape

If you’ve recently been injured or recovered, have a tweak in a muscle, or find that Kinesiology Therapeutic (KT) tape brings you added stability where you need it most, remember to throw this in your bag before you leave.

Toilet Paper!

You won’t need a whole roll of toilet paper (or maybe you will, you know you better than I do!).

Pack enough to use if the portable toilets run out. This is a handy tip that was shared with me many races ago.

You can blow your nose on the course if you don’t use it for a pre-race bathroom visit. This is especially helpful during cold weather races when my nose runs.

Marathon Packing Checklist

Tip: Laminate this list for repeated use with a dry-erase marker. Another option is to save it on your phone and check it off as you go right on your mobile device.

Final Thoughts: Marathon and Half Marathon Packing List

To succeed on race day, you’ll need everything that made you successful during training. Keeping a marathon and half marathon packing list handy is the perfect way to remember everything you need for the big day.