Marathon Packing List by Jamie Pang
This checklist will provide a small measure of relief from those last minute packing woes...

Part of the thrill and (and exasperation) of the marathon lies in the preparation - the hours upon hours, miles upon miles of training. Once you get that part of the ritual out of the way, there's the headache of putting together a packing list, a task which will be rendered even more important if the race is an "outstationer".

After a couple of marathons (both out-of-towners), coming out with my third packing list going into my third marathon would now be simpler. Through personal learnings and incorporating some priceless advice from other marathoners, I've come up with a sample list for first-time marathoners to start with. It is by no means exhaustive, so you should feel free to adapt accordingly. Some items are only applicable if it's an out-of-town event.

My list is designed with well-organized marathons and also a potential timebomb of an event which will require a more thorough think-through. This is also assuming that you're a mid-packer like me as Elites will want to travel and run light. Another assumption is that your race destination is somewhere warm. Lastly when it comes to racewear and shoes, pack only those that you've tested in your longest runs. Now you're good to go. Don't forget to set your alarms (I set 3 alarms - Palm, watch, clock - for fail proofing) and lay out your race gear the night before the race!

Items	Alternative	Marathons	Marathons
Clothing
Pacesetters Brooks Vest	Any favourite pairing
Pacesetters Brooks Shorts
Dri-FIT Vest
Dri-FIT Shorts
Dri-FIT T-Shirt	Any lightweight T-Shirt	This is mostly for sightseeing use. Lightweight shirts wash and dry easily
Response T-Shirt
Underwear	Any tested briefs, bras
Waist Belt	Race-Ready Shorts with pockets	Optional. Some runners pin their gel packs to their shorts like grenades
Water Bottle Belt			Not required as there will be ample/regular water/isotonic stations
Swimming Trunk		Optional
Other non-race clothing items		Unless you go about naked
Footwear
Shoes that you've gone the distance with in training	If you're a sub-4 marathoner, a racing flat may be suitable. Else stick to your trusted trainers. Your feet will thank you for it for the added support and cushioning
Dri-FIT socks
Spare socks
Sandals / Slippers
Nutrition
PowerGel
PowerBar
Snacks (Mars, Snickers bars)	Any convenient and tested cereal bars
Vitamin & Mineral Supplements
Coffee/Chocolate Drink Sachets		Optional but useful for morning pick-me-ups in the hotel room
Bananas
Bread/Bagel
Sports Drinks (re-packed into smaller serving-size packs to reduce bulk)	Bottled or canned (powdered)
Post-Race/Recovery Drinks (re-packed into smaller serving-size packs to reduce bulk)	Protein, Endurox
Kitbag
Flanil	Any sports massage creams	Optional
Icepack, Compress, Bandages		Optional
Watch
Shades
Band-aids	Nip Guards
BodyGlide	Vaseline (a poor alternative)
Sun Block		SPF130 is now available
Tylenol
Alarm Clock
Others
Camera, Palm (for memories and race reports)
Reading Glasses		Optional
Bin Bag (for pre-race insulation), spare plastic bags
MP3 Player		Optional
Spare Contact Lenses		Optional
Contact Lens Solution
Small Change (To buy refreshments. Notes only)		Certain pathetic marathons don't provide adequate drinks	Leave some in your bag to enjoy the post race carnival
Toiletries		Unless you don't shower
Small Backpack (for race expos and walk-abouts)
Water Bottles (To hydrate throughout pre/post. Also to carry to the start line. 500ml)		Mineral water bottles work best as they're disposable

Jamie Pang
Aug 11th, 2004