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Last week I called upon readers of Will Run For Miles to share their packing lists, with an emphasis on traveling to marathons or ultra-marathons. Mary Harvey, a marathoner and ultra-marathoner extraordinaire, responded with her “list.” Wow, its exhaustive! I wouldn’t pack everything on the list, but, its an excellent checklist. There are a few items I would add, such as a can of Doubleshot Espresso from Starbucks, a swimsuit (if the hotel had a pool or was near a beach) and credit cards that earn extra points for travel (and don’t have foreign transaction fees, if I were traveling out of the United States). Overall, I’m so happy Mary shared this list.
Feel free to post your own list, or comment on what different or additional items you would pack.
General
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Copy of your travel itinerary
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Hotel info and directions
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Passport
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License or other ID
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Insurance card
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Photocopies of all IDs
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Traveler’s cheques or ATM card (
check if card works internationally)
Medicine/prescriptions
camera
Race Specific
copy of registration confirmation
Course Map + info
Expo info
Race Gear
BRING 2+ of EACH ITEM!
Guideline: bring clothing appropriate for running in weather both 20° F warmer and cooler than predicted
Running shoes
Socks (or compression socks)
Shorts/running skirt
Sports Bra
Singlet
Arm Sleeves
L/S top
Hat, visor or headband
Gloves
Warm hat
Running jacket
Running tights
Race Accessories
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Running watch or garmin
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Charger if applicable
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Road ID
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Plastic sandwich bag (for ID/cash/insurance card tucked into zippy pocket)
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Safety pins (4-5)
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Body Glide (or similar)
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Sunglasses
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Spi belt
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Wrist pocket thing
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Sunblock
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KT tape/sport tape
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Towel and/or baby wipes for post race
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String backpack to use for baggage
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Water bottle (if using)
Other Running stuff
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“The Stick”
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Foam Roller
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Blister kit: pin, Neosporin, band aids
Nutrition
Gels (pack in quart size ziplock and put in carry on!) (Airplane tip: no one at security checks how many quart size bags you have – just put them in different tubs if you have two+ )
Salt Packets/Enduralytes
breakfast: oatmeal packet(s), instant ffee/tea, cereal, peanut butter, etc. (Peanut butter in individual serving packets [size of a gel] is available at Whole Foods)
food for the plane: granola, nuts, crudités + hummus*, fruit* (*must consume in flight for overseas travel)
Hydration: nuun tabs, Gatorade powder in pouches or plastic baggies, etc.
Post race nutrition: protein powder (add water), protein bar or similar
Pre-Race Race Day Stuff
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Heat Sheet from old race
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Throw away clothes
(think big sport type pants or pajama pants from old navy or salvation army, old l/s cotton race t from NYRR, fleece blanket, etc)
Garbage bag (2) (sit on, use as rain gear or extra layer in case of very cold weather)
Plastic shopping bag (2) (to cover shoes in case of mud or rain)
Flashlight or headlamp
snacks
 |
| Before the NYC Marathon (lots of throwaway clothes – fear not, discarded clothing gets collected and given to charity) |
Tissues and/or baby wipes in plastic baggies (in case the porta johns run out!)
On the Flight
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Compression socks
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Yoga pants/comfy clothes
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Airplane pillow
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Eye mask
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Snacks
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Water bottle + nuun or similar
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Gum
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Clorox wipes in plastic baggie
(wipe down seat/tray table/arm rests)
Clothing
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A pair of jeans or similar
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Tops
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Something nice
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Shoes to wear to expo
(old running hoes – NOT your race shoes!)
Something comfy for post race
Jammies
Flip flops
Undies
Socks
Outerwear (rain jacket, umbrella, warm jacket, hoodie)
Toiletries
Comb/brush/hair ties + clips
Shampoo/conditioner/product
Deodorant
Razor
Chapstick
Nail clipper
Make up
Contacts/lens case/solution
Glasses
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Face wash/wipes
Moisturizer (face/night/body)
Towel/sheets for hostel (?)
Electronics
Phone
Charger
iPod + headphones
converter for International plugs*
mini power strip
So, what other suggestions or comments do you have?
(also, I apologize – tried using outline format, but it kept acting wacky)
–>
Editorial Note: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author's alone.
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
Kathy – I am with you on the can of coffee! I would also recommend Illy’s canned stuff – they have a few varieties without milk for the lactose intolerant (ME!)
Nice list. I also take pedialite if I’m not flying or pedialite powder if flying for warm or hot races. saved my life at the 2007 Chicago marathon. I drink. A little the night before and use it for recovery.
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