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Race day checklist: what to pack and when to arrive

Most race day problems are small, avoidable and happen before the start: a forgotten bib, a late arrival, a long toilet queue. Work through these checklists and the only thing left to think about is the running.

The week before

  • Read the final instructions from the organiser from start to finish. They cover start times, waves, bag drop, road closures and parking.
  • Check whether your race number is posted to you or collected on the day, and whether you need identification to collect it.
  • Plan your journey and a backup. Road closures often begin well before the start, and early Sunday public transport can be limited.
  • Check the weather forecast two days out and again the night before.
  • Cut your toenails a few days ahead, not the night before.
  • Decide your pacing. Print a pace band or note your key split times.

The night before

Lay everything out on the floor, then pack it. Seeing it all in one place is the most reliable way to spot what is missing.

  • Pin your number to the front of your top, one pin in each corner, and fill in the emergency contact and medical details on the back.
  • If the timing chip is separate from the bib, attach it as instructed. The page on how chip timing works explains why its position matters.
  • Charge your watch and your phone.
  • Set two alarms.
  • Eat a familiar evening meal at a normal time, and prepare breakfast so it is ready to go.

What to wear and carry while running

Nothing on this list should be new. Everything should have been tested on at least one long training run. The race day kit guide goes into more detail on each item.

  • Running shoes you have trained in, with laces in good condition
  • Running socks you know do not rub
  • Shorts or tights, and a top suited to the forecast
  • Race number and safety pins, or a number belt
  • Timing chip, if separate
  • Sports watch, charged
  • Gels or other food for longer races, plus a way to carry them
  • Anti-chafing balm or petroleum jelly, applied before you dress
  • Cap or visor and sun cream in summer; gloves and a thin hat in winter
  • An old jumper or a bin bag to keep warm at the start and discard

What to pack in your bag

  • Spare safety pins
  • Warm, dry clothes for afterwards, including a complete change of top
  • Dry socks and comfortable shoes or sandals
  • A waterproof jacket
  • A small towel
  • Water and a snack for the finish
  • Tissues or a small pack of toilet roll
  • Plasters and blister plasters
  • A carrier bag for wet or muddy kit
  • Phone, a bank card and a little cash
  • Your race instructions, printed or saved to your phone
  • Any medication you normally carry, such as an inhaler

Label your bag clearly if you are using a bag drop. Leave valuables at home where you can.

Race morning

  • Eat breakfast two to three hours before the start. Choose something you have eaten before long runs, such as porridge, toast or a bagel.
  • Sip water through the morning. There is no need to drink large amounts.
  • Dress in your race kit at home, with warm layers over the top.
  • Check you have your number before you leave the house.

When to arrive

Arriving early costs you a little standing around. Arriving late can cost you the start. As a guide, aim to be at the venue by the times below, and add more if you have to collect your number on the day or park some distance away.

Type of event Arrive before the start Why
Small local 5K or 10K 45 to 60 minutes Number collection, one toilet visit, a short warm-up
Larger 10K or half marathon 60 to 90 minutes Longer queues for toilets and bag drop, a walk to the start pens
Big city half marathon or marathon 90 minutes to 2 hours Crowded transport, security checks, bag lorries that close early, large start areas

A countdown from arrival

  1. On arrival: find the bag drop, toilets and start area. Collect your number if needed.
  2. 45 minutes to go: join the toilet queue. It will be longer than you expect.
  3. 30 minutes to go: remove warm layers, drop your bag, have a final few sips of water.
  4. 20 minutes to go: warm up with five to ten minutes of gentle jogging for a 5K or 10K. For a marathon, a brisk walk is enough.
  5. 10 minutes to go: be in your start pen or wave. Line up according to your expected finish time, not your hopes.
  6. At the start: wait until you reach the timing mats before starting your watch. Your chip time begins there, as explained in chip time vs gun time.

After the finish

  • Keep walking for a few minutes. Do not stop dead.
  • Put on dry, warm layers quickly, even on a mild day.
  • Drink, and eat something within the hour.
  • Agree a meeting point with friends and family beforehand, because phone signal is often poor at big events.
  • When times are released, the guide on how to read race results explains each column.