Race day checklist

[El Gordo]

Note: I'm indebted to Tom Roper for reminding me about this message / list, which I had totally forgotten about. I have added a couple of things.
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For almost every race I do, I make a checklist. And each time I do it, I wonder why I haven't saved my previous one, so that I could just refer to it. So this time, I'll publish it, and invite additions and comments, so that we can produce a definitive list that may help others too, especially those new to the game.

No list is ever going to be right for everyone. I always wear lycra undershorts, for instance, to stop chafing. Other will slap on Vaseline. Some people run with a camera, others take one but leave it in the car. Same with a phone. I would never run with a jacket, but some people do. I'll include all, and you decide. Also, it's a given that the race distance makes a difference to what's needed. I wouldn't usually use gels for distances below half marathons for instance.

I'll keep editing this message to reflect additions / comments.

For the race:

• cap
  
• shirt
  
• shorts / leggings
  
• lycra undershorts
  
• socks
  
• running shoes
  
• jacket
  
• sports bra (SP)
  

• Championchip
  
• race number
  
• safety pins
  

• watch
  
• HRM strap
  
• sunglasses
  
• contact lenses
  
• nipple plasters
  
• gels
  
• elasticated belt (waist and/or arm) for gels / phone etc
  
• in-race hydration
  
• hydration belt / backpack
  
• Compeed or similar for blisters
  
• Vaseline / petroleum jelly
  
• knee support /calf bandage
  
• insoles / orthotics
  
• wrist / sweatband
  
• sun block
  
• medication / inhaler
  
  

• camera
  
• phone
  
• money / credit card
  

To check in if possible:

• fleece
  
• towel
  
• fluid
  
• snack
  
• car / house key (depending on security)
  

To leave in the car:

• race instructions
  
• duct tape or similar
  
• notebook
  
• pen
  
• glasses
  
• contact lens case / solution
  
• tracksuit bottoms or similar
  
• change of shoes / socks / teeshirt
  

Other:

• old shirt / bin bag for the start (dispose)
  
• label for gear bag
  

Day before the race

• Check weather forecast
  
• Decide what to wear - check it's clean / available
  
• Stretch
  
• Keep hydrated
  
• Eat wisely
  
• Charge up camera / phone / GPS watch etc
  
• Pin number on shirt
  
• Lay out kit
  
• Check Google Maps for directions and driving time
  
• Think about race strategy
  
• Read / watch / listen to something inspirational
  
• Aim for early night
  

What have I missed?

[marathondan]

Phew! Looks pretty comprehensive. Have you deliberately omitted an iPod as a political statement?

What's the duct tape for?

[El Gordo]

Have you deliberately omitted an iPod as a political statement?

Yes!

Duct tape -- I don't use it myself but some people swear by it as an anti-blister measure. Yep, they tape their feet. Can also be used to tape aggravating seams in shoes I hear, plus used to strengthen plastic marathon 'gear bags'. But it will remain an optional item for me.

Added - label for gear bag

[Seafront Plodder]

sports bra.

I swear by 'em.:o

[El Gordo]

sports bra.

I swear by 'em.:o

Cheers SP -- list duly updated.

[The Beast of Bevendean]

A great service to running humanity, El Gordo. I once turned up to the Isle of Wight marathon without my shorts.

[El Gordo]

You're a man of rare breeding and unquestionable taste, Tom, with or without shorts. Not everyone was able to grasp the value of my list so quickly.

[The Beast of Bevendean]

One thought though. Variable from individual to individual, but being one of the very many asthmatic runners (why? does running predispose to asthma, or is it t'other way round), my inhaler is on my list and is something I have forgotten before now.
So a line for one's medication, according to taste and prescription?

[El Gordo]

One thought though. Variable from individual to individual, but being one of the very many asthmatic runners (why? does running predispose to asthma, or is it t'other way round), my inhaler is on my list and is something I have forgotten before now.
So a line for one's medication, according to taste and prescription?

Good one, thanks. Will now add.