Packing For Race Weekend

Runners World has a great list of what to pack if you are running a race out of town. Their intended audience is those traveling for the upcoming NYC marathon, but its great for any one of us traveling to a race. Its hard to think of all of these things when you have so much else going on in your head (duh, 26.2 just around the corner?) so a little list might be beneficial for at least a quick peek.

Race Weekend Packing List

RUNNING STUFF
• Running shoes (plus extra pair)
• Light running jacket and/or vest
• Race day apparel
• Extra running shirts and shorts
• Running socks
• Fleece pullover or insulated jacket
• Running pants or tights
• Running watch (plus extra, if you have one)
• I.D. bracelet
• Sunglasses
• Knit cap
• Running cap with visor
• Thin gloves


NUTRITION
• Race day gels, beans, or bars (if you plan to carry some)
• Sports drink or drink mix of choice
• Healthy snacks for trip (fruit, fig bars, pretzels, etc.)
• Any special pre-race foods you might not be able to find locally
• Fast-food salt packets, if you plan to "do the salt"


ELECTRONICS, ETC.
• Cell phone
• Cell phone charger
• MP3 player
• MP3 player dock and/or charger
• Travel alarm clock


MISC.
• Copies of Runner's World and Running Times magazines (to read while waiting for the start Sunday morning)
• Large garbage bag (in case of rain)
• Directions to race expo
• Registration/confirmation card
• Band-Aids
• Extra safety pins
• Petroleum jelly or Body Glide
• Antacid tablets


OH YEAH, AND...
• Street clothes and toiletries and stuff.

Personally I think the list is a bit excessive, but its a great list to go over. Pick and choose what you think you need and go from there. Also, dont forget to bring everything you pack back home with you. I forgot my cell phone charger in my hotel room after the Vegas Marathon ;)

By the way - good luck to any and all who have a race this weekend. NYC or otherwise!