Running a marathon is a big deal. You've trained for months. The last thing you want is to forget something essential on race day. This checklist covers everything—organized by when you need to do it.
One Week Before
- Confirm race registration — check your email for bib pickup info
- Review the course map — know where aid stations and bathrooms are
- Check the weather forecast — start planning your outfit
- Book travel/parking if needed
- Plan your pre-race meal — stick to foods you know
- Reduce training volume — trust your taper
- Charge your GPS watch
- Test all race-day gear — no surprises
Night Before
- Lay out all your gear — everything in one place
- Pin your bib to your shirt — timing chip is usually on the back
- Set multiple alarms
- Prepare breakfast — ready to grab and eat
- Pack your race bag:
- Bib (with timing chip attached)
- Race outfit and backup layer
- Throwaway warm-up clothes
- Post-race change of clothes
- Energy gels or chews
- Anti-chafe balm
- Sunscreen
- Phone and charger
- ID and insurance card
- Cash (for emergencies)
- Eat a carb-rich dinner — nothing new or heavy
- Hydrate well — but don't overdo it
- Get to bed early — even if you can't sleep
Race Morning
- Wake up 3-4 hours before start
- Eat your planned breakfast — nothing new
- Apply anti-chafe to all friction points
- Apply sunscreen
- Use the bathroom — multiple times if needed
- Get dressed — check the weather one more time
- Double-check your bib is secure and visible
- Arrive at least 60-90 minutes early
- Use the porta-potties early — lines get long
- Find your corral
- Light warm-up — easy jog, dynamic stretches
- Stay calm — you're ready for this
After the Race
- Keep moving — walk through the finisher chute
- Collect your medal and post-race snacks
- Change into dry clothes
- Hydrate and eat
- Celebrate! — you just ran 26.2 miles
- Log your result — record your finish time and how you felt
Never forget a checklist item again
Startly generates personalized race-day checklists based on your race distance, weather, and timing.
Prepare Your Next Race with StartlyWant a printable version?
Stick it on the fridge and check items off as you pack.
Get the Free Printable Checklist →Final Tips
The best race-day advice? Nothing new on race day. Every piece of gear, every food, every strategy should be tested in training. Race day is for execution, not experimentation.
Trust your training. Trust your preparation. You've got this.
Good luck out there. 🏃♂️
