A half marathon is the sweet spot—long enough to feel like a real achievement, short enough that almost anyone can work up to it. Whether it's your first or your fifteenth, this checklist makes sure you don't forget anything important.
The half marathon is the most popular race distance in the world, and for good reason. But even experienced runners sometimes overlook the basics. Use this checklist to make sure race day goes smoothly.
How a Half Marathon Differs from a Full
If you've used our marathon checklist, you'll recognize much of this. But a half has some key differences:
- Less nutrition needed — 1-2 gels vs. 4-6 for a marathon
- Less recovery time — you'll bounce back in days, not weeks
- Breakfast timing is more forgiving — 2 hours before is fine (vs. 3-4 for a marathon)
- Warm-up matters more — you'll be running faster from the gun
One Week Before
- Confirm registration and bib pickup details — check your email for expo hours
- Review the course map — note aid stations, elevation changes, and turns
- Check the weather forecast — plan your race-day outfit
- Do your last long run (if not already done) — keep it short this week
- Test your race-day outfit — no new gear on race day
- Plan transportation and parking — know where to go and when
- Charge your GPS watch
- Pick up your bib (if expo is the day before)
Night Before
- Lay out all your gear — shoes, socks, shorts, top, hat/visor
- Pin your bib to your shirt (timing chip side facing out)
- Set 2 alarms — phone + backup
- Prepare your race bag:
- Bib + timing chip
- Race outfit (full set)
- Throwaway top layer (donate bin at start)
- 1-2 energy gels
- Anti-chafe balm (Body Glide)
- Sunscreen
- Post-race snack and change of clothes
- Phone, ID, and cash
- Eat a carb-rich dinner — pasta, rice, or bread (nothing new)
- Hydrate normally — don't overdrink
- Get to bed early — quality sleep 2 nights before matters more
Race Morning
- Wake up 2-3 hours before start time
- Eat your planned breakfast — see our breakfast guide
- Sip water or sports drink — 8-12 oz in the first hour after waking
- Apply anti-chafe — under arms, thighs, nipples, feet
- Apply sunscreen — even on overcast days
- Get dressed and do a final gear check
- Arrive 60-90 minutes before start
- Use the restroom — go early, lines grow fast
- Do a 5-10 minute warm-up — easy jog + dynamic stretches
- Find your corral and settle in
Half Marathon Nutrition Plan
Fueling for 13.1 miles is simpler than a marathon, but you still need a plan:
- Breakfast: 300-500 calories, 2-3 hours before start. Toast + peanut butter, oatmeal + banana, or a bagel
- Pre-race: Small sip of sports drink 15 min before
- During: 1 gel around mile 5-6 (if running over 1:45). A second around mile 9-10 if needed
- Hydration: Drink at every other aid station. Don't skip the first one
- After: Eat within 30 minutes — protein + carbs
After the Race
- Keep walking — resist the urge to sit down immediately
- Collect your medal and finisher gear
- Change into dry clothes — you'll cool down fast
- Eat and hydrate — post-race food is earned
- Stretch gently — or use our recovery guide
- Log your finish time — capture it while the details are fresh
- Celebrate! — 13.1 miles is no joke
Get a personalized half marathon checklist
Startly builds smart checklists based on your race distance, weather, and timeline. Free for your first race.
Try Startly FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How many gels do I need for a half marathon?
Most runners need 1-2 energy gels for a half marathon. Take the first around mile 5-6 and the second around mile 9-10 if needed. Always test in training first.
What should I eat the morning of a half marathon?
Eat a familiar carb-rich breakfast 2-3 hours before the start. Good options include toast with peanut butter, oatmeal with banana, or a bagel with honey. Avoid high-fiber and high-fat foods.
How early should I arrive at a half marathon?
Arrive 60-90 minutes before your start time. This gives you time to park, pick up your bib (if not already collected), use the restroom, warm up, and get to your corral.
Good luck out there — 13.1 miles of awesome awaits. 🏃♀️
