running-race-day-kit-bag-essentials

Your race day kit requirements

It's important not to have any unwanted last-minute surprises on the day of a race. As a result, preparing your kit, running shoes and other equipment is vital to make sure you're fully focused on the race and hard running ahead. Here's our guide on what running kit to bring with you on a race day.

Running shoes. Make sure that these are worn in with about 150 miles in them. Never wear brand new shoes. Take spare laces.
Running shorts, socks and top. If all your gear is new ensure that you have washed it all beforehand. Take spares of everything.
A towel. If there are shower facilities at the end of the race, this is a vital part of the kit bag!
Bin bag or old spare top. It’s essential to keep warm on race morning once you’ve deposited your kit. Just rip this off just before the gun goes off and place on the side of the start area.
Sunglasses and sun cream. You may have been training all winter in the cold and dark so this may not be at the top of your list but is important to remember that race day could be hot and sunny!
Mobile phone. This is useful to confirm meeting points with friends and family. Keep it switched off to save the battery.
Vaseline and other creams that you can’t live without like muscle rubs.
Muscle support, strapping, bandages and plasters. A small first aid kit with other essentials is always useful.
Snack foods like bananas, muesli bars, chocolate and energy gels. Never eat anything on race day that you aren’t used to.
Water and energy drinks. Being well hydrated is essential before the start of any run or race.
Safety pins for your race number. You can never have too many of these. Take enough for your friends just in case they forget theirs.
Race number, information and course map. Read the information that the organisers send to you time and time again. You can never know too much. Pin the number onto your running top the night before. It’s one less thing to worry about in the morning. If you were provided with a kit bag to deposit in the baggage area, don’t forget that.
Running timing device. The chips that many of the big races use are essential if you are to get an accurate race time. Without it you won’t appear on the results. Don’t forget to give it back at the end of the event.
Some cash. Make sure that you have money available just in case you need to make any emergency purchases before or after the race!