Marathon Travel: Pack Early, Review Often

This entry was written on Oct 16, 2008 by our Running Guru Heidi Splete

If you are going out of town for your fall marathon, I recommend getting out your suitcase 2 nights ahead and assembing your race day essentials. This helps reduce the chance that you will forget something because you are throwing everything into a bag the night before.

Start by laying out  your race day clothes, with a few different options, because you never know how the weather could change. I recommend bringing one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved shirt, and a throwaway t-shirt or vest. Also set out your race socks, shorts, sports bra (as appropriate) and accessories that you usually wear, such as a hat, sweatband, watch,  and belt pack for water, if you use one. And don't forget the other essentials, namely sunblock, bandaids, Advil (or pain reliever of choice) and energy gels or other sustenance. Think through everything you use on your long runs; that's what you need.

Personally, I prefer to wear shorts with a strechy pocket. on the hip or in the back. Most of these pockets are big enough to hold a packet of Advil, a couple of bandaids, and a few energy gels. I have never had to break out the bandaids or Advil during a marathon, but psychologically I like knowing that I have them.

By assembling your marathon day gear early, you have time to review it at least once (maybe more) before you pack.

Here's another important travel tip: If you are flying and you can't carry your whole suitcase on as a carry-on,  I recommend packing your shoes in your carry on bag. Every other clothing item you can buy the day before a race if you have to, but you don't want to be stuck without shoes (also your orthotics, if you wear them).

I'll share one story of a couple I know from my yoga class who went to Edinburgh, Scotland, to run the Edinburgh Marathon. The had all their race gear in their checked luggage, which didn't make their flight and was lost in London for several days. They weren't able to run, and I don't think they got much satisfaction from the airline. The happy ending is that they returned to Edinburgh another year and did run and enjoy the marathon. But the moral of the story--keep your shoes with you!