Race Day Checklist: Be Ready with These 13 Essentials

When race day arrives, you’ll have loads on your mind. Nerves will be high and you’ll likely be bleary-eyed due to an early start. Save yourself extra stress by having your race day essentials ready.

Here’s a checklist of 13 items you’ll need on race day. Make life easier by packing them, or having them laid-out ready. For first-timers, I’ve added some tips.

1. 1. Running Top – Choose something you know will be comfortable for the duration of the race. Also, take into account the conditions you’ll be running in. If it’s a chilly morning, you may be tempted to overdress. However, the temperature may change as the start time approaches. Plus, you’ll warm up once you get running. Instead, stash a warm layer in your kit bag or wear a disposable layer you can shed at the start line.
   2. Disposable Warm Layer – If it’s a cold morning, you’ll want to keep warm on your way to the race. However, you’ll need to shed any excess layers before the gun goes off to avoid carrying unnecessary weight. So, go for something disposable. Believe it or not, bin bags are a popular choice. Chop a head-hole in the sealed end and arm-holes in the sides and – voila – you have a waterproof poncho! If polyethylene isn’t your best look, wear an old sweater you don’t mind parting with. It won’t go to waste – many races organise charity sweeps to gather unwanted garments for worthy causes.
   3. Shorts, Leggings or Joggers – By now, you’ll know what legwear you’re comfortable running in. However, think about the terrain you’ll be covering. Leggings are often the garment of choice for off-road races as they provide some protection against branches and nettles.
   4. Socks & Underwear – Business as usual. Save any experimentation for your training runs.
   5. Trainers – Select a trusty and familiar pair. Race day is not the time to test new kit, especially something as crucial as your footwear. If you have multiple pairs, base your decision on the terrain you’ll be facing. Racing flats are fine for road. However, off-road may require a little more tread.
   6. Kit Bag – Most races have a bag drop area where you can deposit personal belongings during the race. Your bag will be labelled with your race number. However, using a recognisable bag makes it much quicker to point out in a busy queue.
   7. Stopwatch – If you are aiming for a specific finish time, you’ll find a stopwatch invaluable. Calculate your mile splits beforehand and check your time at key mile-markers to monitor your pace.
   8. Fuel – Plan your fuelling strategy in advance. Will you carry a sports drink? Energy gels? Water bottle? Or will you just use the water stations on the course? Make a decision and pack accordingly.
   9. Race Number – For most races, you’ll be issued a numbered bib. You will need to fasten it to the front of your top so you can be identified during and after the race.
   10. Safety Pins – You’ll need these to fasten your race number to your top. The organisers will usually supply pins in the race pack or at registration. However, it doesn’t hurt to have some spares handy just in case.
   11. Timing Chip – Timing chips are used during most races to record your time and position. The chip is usually secured to the back of your race number. However, you may receive a loose chip to fasten to your shoe. Keep it safe. Many races are strict on the rule ‘no chip, no time.’
   12. Phone Armband – Races are busy places. After you cross the finish line, locating friends and loved ones can be a challenge. Carry your phone to keep your options open.
   13. Change of Clothes – You’ll cool down rapidly after the race. Plus, you’ll have a weary homeward journey ahead of you. Make the trip more comfortable by packing a change of clothes – or even just some extra layers. During the race, you can leave these in your kitbag (at the bag drop) or stash them in your car where they’ll be safe and dry.

Now you’ve ticked off the race day essentials, you can simply focus on the race ahead!