Guide · Race day
What to bring to a marathon: race day packing list
Quick answer
For a marathon, pack your bib and pins, timing chip, tested shoes and socks, race-day clothes and a throwaway layer, your usual fuel and fluids, skin protection (nipple guards, anti-chafe film or balm, blister patches), sunscreen, and a post-race bag with dry clothes. Check your race's rules: many big marathons only accept their own clear gear bag.
- Use only gear you've tested on long runs.
- Skin problems made up 21% of finish-area medical visits in a 12-year Twin Cities Marathon study.
- Many major races only accept their own clear gear bag; read the participant guide.
- ACSM advises drinking to avoid losing more than 2% of body weight; know your sweat rate.
Race essentials
- Bib, safety pins and timing chip. The Boston Marathon guide asks runners to wear the bib on the outer layer and fill in the medical information on the back.[1]
- Photo ID and race confirmation.
- Your race's official clear gear bag, if it requires one.[1]
- Watch, charged.
Clothing
- Tested shoes and moisture-wicking socks, plus a spare pair of socks.
- Race-day top and shorts you've run long in.
- A throwaway layer for the start corral; many races donate discarded clothing.[1]
- Hat or visor, sunglasses, rain poncho if needed.
Fuel and fluids
The American College of Sports Medicine advises drinking several hours before the start and, during the race, drinking enough to avoid losing more than 2% of body weight; sweat rates vary widely, so plan individually.[2] In one midwest marathon survey, 88.7% of runners didn't know their sweat rate.[3] Weigh yourself before and after a long training run to estimate yours.
- Gels or chews you've trained with, and a handheld bottle or belt if your race allows it.
- Electrolyte drink or tablets if you use them.
Skin, blister and breathing care
Skin problems are a big share of race medical visits: in a 12-year study of the Twin Cities Marathon, they were 21% of finish-area medical encounters.[4]
- Nipple guards or tape.
- Anti-chafe film or balm for thighs, underarms and seams.
- Blister patches for known hotspots, plus one spare in your pocket.
- Sport nasal strips if you train with them.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
The Marathon Race Day Kit packs the first four in one pouch. For application order, see the race-day skin checklist.
Post-race bag
- Dry clothes, warm layer and comfortable shoes or sandals.
- Wipes, a towel and a plastic bag for wet kit.
- Snack and drink.
- Foam dressings and blister patches for anything that opened during the race.
FAQ
What should I not bring to a marathon?
Anything you haven't tested in training, and anything your race bans. Some large marathons ban hydration backpacks on course and accept only their own clear gear bag.
Should I carry water in a marathon?
Most big-city marathons have frequent aid stations. Carry a handheld bottle only if your race allows it and you've trained with it.
Sources
- Boston Marathon participant guide (2019). Boston Athletic Association.
- Exercise and fluid replacement (ACSM position stand). Sawka et al., Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2007.
- Lack of awareness of fluid needs among participants at a midwest marathon. Brown et al., Sports Health, 2011.
- A 12-yr profile of medical injury and illness for the Twin Cities Marathon. Roberts, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2000.
