If you’re traveling for a marathon, pack in three layers: race-critical, comfort, and recovery. Put everything race-critical in your carry-on or main bag, including shoes, full kit, and race fuel. Bring duplicates of socks, nutrition, and anti-chafe, the stuff that can ruin your day fast. Also screenshot logistics like packet pickup, QR codes, and race morning transport info so you are not hunting for it in a pinch.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned since becoming an “accidental runner” back in Thailand, it’s that running a marathon is hard enough.
But traveling for one? That’s a whole different kind of endurance sport.
In the last year, I’ve lined up at two races, the Pittsburgh Marathon and the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. Both trips taught me that while you can’t control the weather or the hills (looking at you, Pittsburgh), you can control what’s in your suitcase.
And trust me, realizing you forgot your favorite anti-chafe balm the night before a race is a panic I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
So whether you’re heading to a major marathon or planning the perfect runcation, this is the marathon packing list I swear by to run fast and travel slow.
Quick Rules For Every Marathon Packing List
1. The most important items go in my carry-on/main bag
The NUMBER ONE runcation tip I can give.
Race shoes, my kit, nutrition, watch, and anything else I ABSOLUTELY need for the race will stay with me no matter what. I’ve seen too many ‘lost luggage’ horror stories on Instagram to risk it. If it goes on my body on race day, it stays with me on the plane.
So, I cannot emphasize this enough, have anything you need on race day in your main bag/carry-on so you don’t lose it. And while I try not to pack with a checked bag, sometimes you just have to do it.
As you run more marathons, this list will grow and change. But, for now, your shoes, kit, nutrition, and watch are a solid start. Next is knowing when to start packing so you don’t leave anything behind!
2. Bring duplicates
Socks, underwear, nutrition, anti-chafe — every single one of these should have a twin and be packed away just in case.
I often make fun of people who say “just in case” to everything because they end up overpacking.
But when it comes to comfortability or fueling during a race, it becomes an essential and not just an add-on. Plus, the items are usually small so they’re easy to stow.
Plan Your Next Runcation Without Overthinking It
A free, runner-tested weekend kit with:
- A simple trip-planning framework
- A packing checklist that actually works
- A quick decision guide for short travel runs
3. Screenshot all important information before you leave
This isn’t so much a packing tip as just a general rule of thumb.
Whether it’s a QR code to scan at the expo, your flight info, Airbnb instructions…whatever it is — SCREENSHOT IT.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been somewhere and couldn’t pull up the information I needed because of bad cell service, the app not loading, or a whole host of other reasons. Before I leave for any trip, I sit down and screenshot every piece of information I’ll immediately need once I arrive…then I send it to my fiancee (who’s usually with me) but also as a backup.
If I need my QR code at the expo to get my bib and kit, I can pull it up in my photos or messages.
Just trust me on this one. You don’t want to be THAT runner scrambling for all the things you need. The best marathon weekend is a smooth one, and that starts before you leave.
4. Add start line throwaways to my marathon packing list
Both Pittsburgh and Indy were chilly and had most people dancing around at the start line, especially me.
It was also where I learned that many races offer a free donation service at races. Check with the race to be sure, but many allow you to toss an old hoodie, sweatpants, etc., that you don’t mind parting with into a bin right at the start line.
You get to stay warm until the start, and then you pass that warmth on to someone else. It’s a win-win.
So, keep that in mind when you’re packing and pack an old hoodie or warm clothing piece for the start!
My Ultimate Marathon Packing List
The essential race day kit
- Running Shoes: The pair I’ve been training in. I wear these on the plane so they never leave my sight (following rule #1). If you’re looking for versatile options for the rest of your trip, check out my guide to the best travel running shoes.
- Race Outfit: Singlet/Shirt and Shorts/Tights. I always try this combo on a long run beforehand to check for chafing points. But, after running this long, I’ve learned what I like.
- Socks (x2): One pair to wear, one pair as a backup.
- Sports Bra (for women) / Underwear: Again, bring duplicates.
- Watch & Charger: A dead watch is a tragedy. I have a keychain charger so I always have one handy.
- Shoe Pod: Not a must-have, but I like the accuracy it gives my COROS watch.
- Race Bib & Safety Pins: If mailed in advance, pack it immediately. If picking up at the Expo, pack a bib belt or magnets if you use them.
- Sunglasses & Hat: Weather depending, but I almost always wear a hat when I run.
- Anti-Chafe Balm: Body Glide & Squirrel’s Nut Butter are my go to.
- Sunscreen: On sunny/exposed days. It’s vital to protect my skin when I’ll be out there for 3+ hours.
- Rain jacket (optional): Only if the weather is calling for it.
Nutrition & hydration
- Gels/Chews: I pack 2–3 more than I think I need (Learned this the hard way at mile 22 in Pittsburgh). And the greatest variety of flavor is best. I’ll never know what will sound good on race day.
- Salt Tabs/Electrolytes: I’ve added these to my gear list after robbing myself of electrolytes late in races. And, I’ve gotta say, they’re a game changer.
- Snacks, food, etc.: I’ve made too many fueling mistakes during races, but that doesn’t even include outside the race. But, along the way I’ve learned a lot about eating healthy while traveling to ensure my stomach was ready.
- Water Bottle/Hydration Vest: I always have the debate on relying on aid stations or bringing my own. Either way, I’ll have a small water bottle with me to carry or put in my pack.
The recovery bag
- Recovery Sandals (HOKA Slides): My favorite piece of recovery gear. Nothing is better than sliding my feet into these after a long run/race.
- Massage Ball / Mini Massage Gun: Travel-sized versions are lifesavers for hotel room recovery. I have a ball and gun I pack to use for a great foam rolling style session.
- First Aid Basics: Band-aids (for blisters), Imodium (for the stomach), and Biofreeze for sore muscles.
- Comfortable clothes: This will vary based on you, but I love nothing more than sliding into a pair of joggers and a hoodie post-race and lounging. The ultimate comfort clothing for me. And, trust me, it’s the little things post-marathon that make a difference.
Control What You Can
Packing for a marathon doesn’t have to be chaotic.
And after running traveling for many races, I realized that the travel logistics are often more stressful than the race itself. But by sticking to a system (and through reps) the entire process becomes a whole lot easier. And, if you’re struggling to fit all of your gear and clothes in, check out my guide on how to fold clothes for travel to save space.
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