Finalising your half marathon prep? We’ve pulled together our marathon checklist full of the essentials that will see you through every mile, right through to recovery.
Half Marathon Prep
If you have an upcoming half-marathon, you need to make sure you have all the essentials with you on the day, especially if you’ll be travelling to another city or country to race. To help with your marathon prep and ease the pre-race stress, we have partnered with Runna to create the ultimate half-marathon checklist that you can download to refer back to whenever you need.
Half Marathon Essentials Checklist
Let’s first look at the basics:
- Trainers: This one is pretty self-explanatory; run day is not the time to be testing out your new trainers! It might also be worth considering a gait analysis.
- Running tights or shorts: We recommend moisture-wicking tights or shorts that feel comfortable and don’t restrict your movement. Again, opt for a pair that you’ve already run in during your marathon training.
- Running top: Pick a long-sleeved shirt or a t-shirt based on the weather. Remember that you’ll feel warmer during your race, so make sure you don’t overheat. You can bring an old throw-away layer to the start line that you can take off just before you start.
- Running socks: Opt for moisture-wicking running socks that are comfortable to run in. Compression socks might be a good idea.
- Comfortable underwear/sports bra: Running in uncomfortable underwear is torture for any runner, and especially for longer races. Chafing is a real risk.
- Suncream: Even on a cloudy day, sunscreen is always a good idea; 21km is a lot, and you don’t want to get a nasty sunburn.
- Hairband: A key item if you need to tie up your hair to keep it out of your face or off your neck in the race.
- ID: If you need an ID to get your race bib, remember to take it with you to the race bib collection point.
- Race bib: No bib, no race. Make sure you take your bib and timing chip with you.
- Safety pins: On some races, you’ll be able to get safety pins from the organisers on the start line, but it’s best to have them with you.
- Hydration: Most races in cities have a few hydration stations every 5 or 10km, but if you’re running in nature, you might need to plan for your own hydration.
- Smart watch or phone: Make sure you take your smart watch or mobile phone with you to keep an eye on your pace and make sure you’re sticking to your race strategy.
- Directions to the start line: On the day before, check where exactly the start line is and how to get there.
- Pre-race breakfast: Ideally, eat a carb-heavy breakfast 2-3 hours before the start of the race.
Weather related items
The items below will depend on the weather. Make sure you check the forecast so that you are prepared.
- Rain poncho or trash bag: If you’re expecting chilly or rainy weather on the day, a single-use rain poncho might be sufficient to keep you warm and dry.
- Running jacket: For colder days, a running jacket might be necessary.
- Sunglasses: If you’re carrying sunglasses, make sure you’ve already tried doing a longer run with them.
- Running cap or a headband: Protect your head and ears from the sun or the cold weather with a cap or a headband.
- Running gloves: Running in cold weather? A light pair of running gloves could make your experience much more comfortable.
Optional race gear
These items aren’t half marathon essentials, but you might find them necessary to have a good race:
- Headphones or earbuds: Some runners like to have pace cues, listen to music or even a running podcast on longer races. Not all races allow headphones, so check whether yours does.
- Marathon fuel: To keep you energised and reduce the risk of hitting the wall in the latter parts of the race, it’s important to fuel regularly throughout it. Depending on the fuel options provided during the race, you might want to bring your own.
- Vaseline or Body Glide: If your skin is prone to chafing, vaseline or Body Glide might be a necessary addition.
- Plasters: If you get blisters easily, you might want to carry a few plasters with you.
- Gear check bag: If you’re checking your personal belongings at the race, make sure you carry a bag for that purpose. Some races only accept official race bags.
- Running backpack or belt: If you’ll be carrying some of your personal items with you (keys, phone, hydration) a running backpack or a belt might be helpful.
Your Post Half Marathon Essentials
After you cross the finish line, there are a few things that will help you have a positive post-race experience, and we don’t mean the huge lunch you’re probably going to get. Here are some post-race essentials you’ll probably thank yourself for bringing:
- Post-marathon fuel: Some races provide snacks, but if yours doesn’t (or you aren’t sure), you might want to take a banana and a protein bar with you… Or whatever you like eating after a race!
- A change of clothes: Changing into clean, dry clothes as soon as you can will help you feel much more comfortable after the race. Don’t forget clean socks!
- A towel: If you’re able to take a shower right after (or even if you aren’t), take a towel to dry yourself off.
- Wet wipes: If there are no showers at the race, wet wipes are the second best thing you can get.
- Deodorant: Make sure you pack one to freshen up for the transition to your post-race celebrations.
- Foam roller or a massage ball: A foam roller can be very helpful for releasing tension in your muscles, along with a nice post-race stretch. Foam rollers can be rather cumbersome, however, so if you don’t want to carry one with you, a massage ball is a good alternative.
- Comfortable shoes: Change into another pair of shoes or slippers if you can. Your feet will appreciate it!
- Money/bank card/driving license: You probably didn’t carry those with you during the run, but they might be essential for getting home quickly.
Don’t Leave Half Marathon Prep Till the Last Minute
With the day of your race fast approaching, make sure you have everything ready and have boxed off your half marathon checklist so that you’re not leaving anything to chance. Then you have time to sit back, enjoy the build-up and go and smash a new PB!
