I’ve traveled to a lot of races. I’ve run races at the beginning of vacations and at the end of vacations. I’ve driven us much as 6 hours just to run a race (ok, I admit it may have been more to spend time with the lovely ladies I was racing with.) Last year I flew out to the west and ran 5 races. So, I have this packing thing down to a science. The only things I’ve forgotten in recent trips have been Gu and Glide – both of which I can live without. The below tips will work for a single race, but I’m mostly focused on multi-race events. If you are running Goofy or Dopey or just doing two half marathons in the same weekend, this is YOUR guide.
1. Create a spreadsheet and do inventory – Do you have enough bras? Enough socks? Shoes? etc. I have enough running bras to last a few weeks, but my inventory quickly showed me I was low on compression socks and that my shoes all had too many miles on them. Thankfully, I had a PROCompression code (Use code: BLG14) and both my favorite Altras and the Brooks Pure Flow 2s were on clearance. Start stalking the weather sites.
2. A few days to a week out from the event, get completely caught up on laundry. Really. Otherwise, I can guarantee you that at least one vital item will be dirty. Trust me on this. And if you hang dry your running clothes like I do, washing the day before you leave is a problem. Check the weather again.
Yes, I did a huge amount of laundry. Despite that, my yellow running bra is MIA.
3. Organize your outfit for each day – everything from underwear to hat to hair bands. Everything you expect to wear only once for a specific race, put in that pile. If you plan to use something every day or multiple days, put that in a separate pile (things like sunglasses, bib belts, waterbottles). Check a different weather site and maybe add a few items.
4. Put each pile in a gallon zip bag. If you are flying, sit on the bag before you zip it to make sure it takes as little space as possible. Don’t sit on it if you’ve included your fuel in that bag. (I put all my fuel in a separate bag). Label your bags. Pick them up multiple times to REALLY make sure every item is there. Stalk the weather and second guess your choices.
5. Pack your suitcase and check things off on your list. Do NOT check it off the list until you actually put it in the bag. (Learn from my mistakes…) Stalk the weather one more time. Start questioning your memory. Did you pack your sunglasses? What about your Garmin? Check the suitcase. Check the list. Drive yourself crazy right up until you leave the house.
Got all your running stuff in? Now you can see how much real clothes and accessories can fit LOL.
Some other tips:
- If you check bags, make sure you have a pair of shoes and one complete running outfit in your carry on, as well as anything that you MUST have and would have trouble replacing.
- Plan your nutrition – either pack food (we are driving, I’m taking all of our breakfasts + lots of snacks) or make a list and hit a store when you get to your destination. Have more healthy foods on hand than you think you’ll need. Otherwise you’ll find yourself either yelling at your traveling companions (hello, hangry!) or stalking the scary gas station for food.
- Compression, compression, compression. Even if you don’t run in it, wearing it afterwards, especially for car rides and plane rides is a “must do.”
- If at all possible, take a post-race soak. I swear by Epsom Salt baths. Others swear by ice baths. Do whichever works for you and do it after ever race if you can.
I’m heading out in a few hours to run another half marathon. I get to spend tonight with friends and then run through my college town. I’m pretty excited.
Any tips I missed? I’m always looking for better ways to handle race travel!


i’m a terrible overpacker! i’m always like, “well i don’t know what i’ll FEEL like wearing!” lol
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…Studio Maternity Photoshoot | St. Louis Maternity Photographer
This is great! I am the LEAST organized runner in the world. I’ll show up to a destination race with 10 pairs of socks, 5 sports bras, and no shorts. Actually, my VERY FIRST marathon (MCM!!) I had to buy shorts at the expo because I forgot to bring any. Who does that?
RFC recently posted…#WIRBF. It’s a Real Thing.
Great tips! I am a last minute packer- I need to work ahead a bit more. 🙂 Pinning these!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted…Two strength workouts for runners
These are all great tips! Making a list and checking it multiple times is key to packing for a racecation, especially if multiple races are involved. Its amazing how quickly things accumulate that you’ll need to pack!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – April 4th
I do lots of destination races and like your idea of putting each outfit in a ziplock bag. I’ll have to try that.
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…5 Things You May Hear at PT: and you wont know how to fix them
Good luck, I’m sure you’ll be ready for a full next time!
Great tips! I never thought to put each outfit in it’s own little bag. Brilliant!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Five Race Day Essentials
great expert tips! i always pack food when i’m traveling to races — it’s key!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run, DC recently posted…Friday Five: Free Friday Edition
Great tips, especially the packing full outfits together in a gallon bag. And I hadn’t thought about compression socks for planes. I might have to try that on my next flight, even though it’s not a race-cation.
Chaitali recently posted…Friday five grab bag
I am a big list maker when I travel for a race! I make sure to start making a list about a week before so whenever I think of something I won’t forget it! I am a big believer in compression! I ran my marathon and then had to travel about 2 hours home in a car and my compression sleeves saved me. I also make sure to take my foam roller. The thing is huge and a pain to travel with but I can’t go without it!
Michelle @Baby Blues to Running Shoes recently posted…Friday Five!
great idea to put outfits in ziplocs! I will definitely do that! I always wear my race shoes on the plane if I have to fly just in case they lose my luggage.
Deborah Brooks recently posted…What happens in Vegas…A weekend at Canyon Ranch @ The Venetian Las Vegas
I’ve never participated in a destination race but would imagine you pack as ifyou were going on vacation. Seems like you got everything. I would love to do that one day.
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…D is for Diet
I hope that yellow bra turns up in time.
Char recently posted…Disco Lights, Spiders Webs and How To Get To Sesame Street.
I sort of want to do the multiple race thing now just to have an excuse to pack using a spread sheet (I’m a nerd!).
Sounds like great advice!
Have fun tonight and running tomorrow!!
Kim recently posted…Do You Ever Want to Just Scream?
You’ve got the tips covered! Not checking it off until it’s actually in the suitcase is key!
jill conyers recently posted…The Ultimate Coffee Date #1
Great tips! I like the gallon bag idea. I make sure I always have a bottle of water with me (post security line at the airport) to stay hydrated. Good luck!!
Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Favorite DC Brunches
thanks for linking up with us!! These are all great tips! Good luck this weekend and all your races upcoming in such a short time! you’re gonna rock it 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Countdown #RunHomePGH
This is great advice! I haven’t traveled far for any races yet, but I never would have thought to pack my clothes in ziplocks. Thanks for the tips!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…What’s for Dinner: Week of March 30, 2014
I should have done the ziplocks for the Glass Slipper Challenge! It was hard to think through two back-to-back days of running without being able to wash sports bras, etc. in between. Thanks for the tips!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…Headsweats Ambassador & Coupon Code
Seems complete. Love the reference to “Real Clothes”
Half-Crazed Runner recently posted…I’m In!
Great tip to keep the fuel out of the bags you’re going to sit on 🙂 I would’ve missed that!
AmyC recently posted…Workout Wednesday: Hip Openers