healthy active living

Your race day kit requirements

Preparing for race day is just as important a part of you preparations as the training itself. Preparing your kit and all the other vital things you'll need is crucial if you're going to be fully focused on the race ahead. Here's the realbuzz 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. Don;t make the mistake of wear brand new shoes for a race. Always take spare laces with you.
Running clothing. If all your gear (shorts, sock and top) is new ensure that you have washed it all beforehand. Take spares of everything.
A towel. For use if there are shower facilities at the end of the race.
Refuse sack or old top. It’s essential to keep warm on race day once you’ve deposited your kit. Wear this to stay warm and then ditch it just before the gun goes off.
Sun cream and shades. You may have been training all winter in the cold and dark, but remember race day could end up being hot and sunny.
Mobile/cell phone. This is useful to meet up with friends and family, either on route, or at the end of the race.
Vaseline and muscle rubs. Vaseline could prove useful for the nasty chafing that could occur without it, particularly on the nipples, while other creams such as your muscle rub should not be forgotten.
Muscle support, strapping, bandages and plasters. A small first aid kit with other essentials is always useful.
Snack foods. Bananas, cereal bars, chocolate and energy gels could all be useful additions. It is important never to eat anything on race day that you aren’t used to, or you could spend more time with the runs rather than running.
Drinks. Being well hydrated is essential before the start of any run or race, so water and energy drinks are essential .
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 and race information. Read the information provided by the organisers to make sure you know all you need to know about the race. Pin the number onto your running top the night before. If you were provided with a kit bag to deposit in the baggage area, don’t forget to bring that along.
Timing device. The chips that many of the big races use are essential if you are to get a finish time. Without it you won’t appear on the results. Make sure you give it back at the end of the event or you could lose any deposit you put down on it.
Cash. Make sure that you money just to cover you in the event of any unforseen emergency purchases that you need to make before or after the race.