Marathon Checklist From Someone Who Has Run 80 (Updated With Your Tips)

Last week I posted this and got a lot of great feedback, so I thought I'd repost with everyone's additions folded in. If you didn't read the last post, I've run 80 marathons, and this is the list I still work from. Big thanks to everyone in the comments who added what was missing.

Race essentials

• Race bib and safety pins or race belt
• ID and confirmation email for bib pickup
• Emergency contact info written on the back of your bib
• Double-check the start time and arrive 2 hours early. You'll rarely be mad because you got there too early. The same is not true if you're rushed or worse, late to the start.

Running gear (make sure you have done multiple training runs with everything you plan to wear on race day)

• Broken in shoes, never brand new on race day
• Moisture-wicking socks, no cotton
• Shorts or tights
• Technical shirt or singlet
• Sports bra for women runners
• Hat or visor
• Sunglasses
• Watch that you know how to use, fully charged the night before
• Phone fully charged the night before
• Headphones if the race allows them

Fuel and hydration

• Gels or chews you've already tested in training, plus extras in case you drop one
• Salt tabs, also with extras
• Water bottle or hydration belt, or a vest with pockets to carry your gels
• Pre-race breakfast you know works (mine is a bagel and a banana)
• A granola bar or extra snack for the start in case nerves kill your appetite

Comfort and protection

• Body Glide on thighs, underarms, feet, anywhere that rubs. Women, lubricate the waistband of your sports bra front and back
• Chapstick on your lips, and a swipe across your eyebrows to redirect sweat and sunscreen out of your eyes
• Sunblock, applied early enough to absorb. Don't forget shoulders, and apply before the start
• Bandaids or athletic tape for nipples
• Throwaway sweatshirt for cold starts
• Arm sleeves, gloves, and hand warmers for cold weather
• Travel toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste in your drop bag for after the race. Gel mouth is real
• Trim toenails a few days to a week before the race

After the race

• Full dry change of clothes, including socks and shoes
• Recovery drink with protein and carbs
• Towel and wet wipes to clean off
• Flip flops, sandals, or recovery shoes to let your feet expand
• A gallon of water in the car for a quick rinse if you drove
• Extra trash bag in case of upset stomach
• Plan your post-race meal in advance, you'll be hungrier than you think

Extras

• Phone and armband
• Cash or card
• Toilet paper or baby wipes (trust me)
• Hand sanitizer
• Hair ties, plus a couple of bobby pins if you have long hair
• Extra safety pins for wardrobe malfunctions
• Band-Aids and moleskin or duct tape blister covers
• A safety pin or diaper pin to attach your car key to the inside of a pocket

Two things people forget

• A large garbage bag. Sit on it if the ground is wet, wear it if it rains, throw it on at the start if it's cold.
• Directions to parking before you leave the house.

Two from people flying in

• Put all your race gear in your carry-on. Checked bags get lost.
• If you can, scout your route to the start the night before. Road closures will surprise you.

One more thing. Know your pace plan before the gun goes off, but be a little flexible. Things will happen. And when you cross the finish line, look up at the camera and smile.