Race Day Checklist
startly.run — Race-day preparation for runners
Race: ______________________________
Date: ________________
Distance: ________________
Start Time: ________________
Week Before
- Confirm race registration and bib pickup details
- Review the course map and elevation profile
- Check the weather forecast and adjust gear plan
- Plan your race-morning breakfast (test it on a training run first)
- Reduce training volume (taper week)
- Plan transportation and parking
Night Before
- Pick up bib and race packet (if not already done)
- Pin bib to race top (or attach to race belt)
- Lay out all race gear — head to toe
- Charge GPS watch and phone
- Set alarm(s) — give yourself 2.5-3 hours before start
- Eat a carb-rich dinner (nothing new!)
- Prep breakfast ingredients — set out everything
- Pack your race bag (see below)
Race Bag
- Bib + safety pins (or race belt)
- Running shoes (broken in!)
- Running socks
- Shorts / tights
- Race top / singlet
- Sports bra (if applicable)
- GPS watch + charger
- Sunglasses
- Hat / visor
- Body Glide / anti-chafe
- Sunscreen
- Energy gels / nutrition
- Water bottle / hydration
- Throwaway layer (old sweatshirt for the start line)
- Post-race change of clothes
- Flip flops / recovery sandals
- Cash / card for parking
- Phone + ID
Weather Add-Ons
Cold (< 45°F / 7°C)
- Gloves (lightweight)
- Arm sleeves or base layer
- Ear cover / headband
- Extra throwaway layer
Rain
- Brimmed hat (keeps rain off face)
- Light rain jacket or trash bag poncho
- Ziplock bags (for phone, bib)
- Extra pair of socks
Hot (> 75°F / 24°C)
- Visor (not a hat — lets heat escape)
- Extra sunscreen
- Electrolyte tablets or mix
- Light-colored, loose-fit top
Race Morning
- Eat breakfast 2-3 hours before start
- Drink 16-20 oz water on waking
- Apply sunscreen and anti-chafe
- Get dressed — nothing new!
- Start GPS watch (check satellite lock)
- Arrive 60-90 minutes before gun time
- Use the bathroom (get in line early)
- Warm up — 5-10 min easy jog + dynamic stretches
- Get to your corral / start area 10-15 min early
Nutrition Plan
- 5K / 10K: Water at aid stations is usually enough
- Half Marathon: 1 gel at mile 6-7, sip water at each station
- Marathon: 1 gel every 45-60 min starting at mile 5-6
- Write your gel/fuel times here: ____________________
After the Race
- Keep moving — walk for 5-10 minutes
- Grab water + food at finish area
- Stretch or foam roll when muscles are warm
- Change into dry clothes
- Take your finish photo!
- Log your race in Startly
Tip: Choose "Save as PDF" in the print dialog to save a digital copy.
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