Get Ready for Race Day with This Complete Marathon Checklist

Tank top, short sleeve shirt, or long sleeve shirt, as dictated by race-day weather, made from moisture-wicking fabrics, such as polyester or poly-blends 

 Shorts or cropped pants, also made of moisture-wicking material

Sports bra

Socks made from a wicking material

Tried and tested running shoes

Hat or visor 

Sunglasses 

Sunscreen

 Petroleum jelly, body glide, or other anti-chafing lotion

Lip balm with sunscreen 

GPS watch if you use one (make sure to charge it the night before) 

Gels or sports drink if you have been training with them

Throw-away shirt/pants to stay warm at the start

Adhesive bandages/nip guards

Safety pins 

Race bib with emergency contact information filled out 

Sandals or flip-flops so you can take your running shoes off when you’re done 

Your preferred post-race sports drink or snack

Wet wipes to get the gritty salt feeling off of your face 

Change of clothes 

Towel, if rain is in the forecast 

Lay out your race day clothes ahead of time — this will help you to not forget anything in the morning, especially if you are feeling nervous about the race. 

Try not to spend too much time on your feet walking around the marathon expo. 

Eat dinner earlier than usual the night before the race and try to go to bed early.

Set your alarm for the morning to give yourself enough time to eat breakfast and only eat something that you have already tested and has worked well for you in the past — nothing new on race day. 

Arrive early to the race start so that you can use the bathroom, get in your corral, and find your pacer. 

Don’t forget to breathe and have fun. Relish in your accomplishment.