Every runner has done it. Unpacking the night before a big race, in a hotel far from home, you discover that you've forgotten something. Maybe you left behind socks, gels, safety pins, or something that can be replaced. But maybe you forgot those shoes you've been training in all season. Or that lucky pair of shorts. Avoid the pitfalls of the forgetful runner by planning ahead.

Whether you're running a local race, road-tripping a couple hours away, or traveling hundreds of miles to an exotic locale, our runner's race checklists have you covered.

LOCAL RACE
Think of this as your neighborhood 5K, where you'll walk out the door wearing most of your gear.

Pre-race

  • Race confirmation
  • Give A Gift
  • Sunscreen
  • Healthy, carbohydrate-laden snacks for the flight
  • Hat or visor
  • Safety pins
  • Water bottle

Race

  • Watch or GPS
  • Sunglasses
  • Gels or sports drink if you've been training with them
  • A BIT OF A DRIVE

Post-race

  • Extra socks
  • Extra shirt and shorts/pants
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Food if you won't be fed at the post-race festivities
  • Towel

Shoes, orthotics if necessary
For this race, you'll be in the car for an hour or longer, but won't be staying overnight. You may not be wearing your race gear for the trip.

Pre-race

  • Race confirmation
  • Extra shirt and shorts/pants
  • Give A Gift
  • Sunscreen
  • Healthy, carbohydrate-laden snacks for the flight
  • Hat or visor
  • Safety pins
  • Water bottle/hot beverage travel mug for the drive
  • Toilet paper

Race

  • Watch or GPS
  • Nutrition - Weight Loss
  • Singlet/short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt for race, as weather dictates
  • Sports bra
  • Shorts/tights for race, as weather dictates
  • Socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Gels or sports drink if you've been training with them
  • A BIT OF A DRIVE

Post-race

  • Extra socks (Published: May 17, 2002 12:00 AM EDT)
  • Extra shirt and shorts/pants
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Food if you won't be fed at the post-race festivities
  • Towel

THE BIG ONE
You've trained several months for this race, which may be a half or full marathon in an unfamiliar city. Prepare for any weather, regardless of what the forecasters predict.

Pre-race

  • Race confirmation
  • Hotel confirmation
  • Plane Tickets
  • Headphones for the flight
  • Course Map
  • Extra shirt and shorts/pants
  • Give A Gift
  • Hat or visor
  • Sunscreen
  • Healthy, carbohydrate-laden snacks for the flight
  • Hat or visor
  • Safety pins
  • Fanny pack if you run with one
  • Toilet paper
  • Healthy, carbohydrate-laden snacks for the flight
  • Area maps
  • Area guide for restaurants and events
  • Extra cash or credit cards
  • ID (and passport if necessary)
  • Street clothes and shoes
  • Toiletries including a travel-sized first aid kit
  • Ear plugs
  • Travel alarm
  • Toilet paper
  • Area guide for restaurants and events

Race

  • Watch or GPS
  • Nutrition - Weight Loss
  • Singlet/short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt for race, as weather dictates
  • Sports bra
  • Shorts/tights for race, as weather dictates
  • Healthy, carbohydrate-laden snacks for the flight
  • Socks
  • Gels or sports drink if you've been training with them
  • Energy bars if you'll be standing around for several hours before the race
  • Sunglasses
  • A BIT OF A DRIVE
  • These Are the Worlds Fastest Marathoners

Post-race

  • Extra socks (including compression sleeves or socks to wear on the plane)
  • Extra shirt and shorts/pants
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Food if you won't be fed at the post-race festivities
  • Towel
  • Ibuprofen
  • Jess McClain Takes Eighth at NYC Marathon.