Half Marathon Checklist: Everything You Need to Pack and Prep

Ever wonder what you really need to cover 13.1 miles? Half marathon gear isn’t crazy, but having the right things can make a difference.

The new gizmos, running gadgets, shoes, shirts and such that pop up online make it easy to overinvest. Though my list is now longer than when I first started running, only some of it is truly necessary.

In the week leading up to the race, taper brain can take over giving you too much time to think and yet not really getting any specific planning completed!

Click here to get a PRINTABLE version of the half marathon checklist to get you race ready!

This half marathon gear list will break down everything from your race morning needs, to post race sanity and all the miles in between. Use it to make sure nothing is forgotten and you’re on your way to a better race!

What Gear Do You Need for a Half Marathon?

After 20 years of racing, I can tell you that it’s always worth having a little more than you need. My race packing list is roughly the same whether I’m sticking local or travelling out of town!

Make sure you go through your gear checklist ahead of time and get everything packed before so race morning runs smoothly!

Race Day Gear

Let’s start with the most important list, what you’ll need for the race! Do you have all the basics?

The list of the essentials you need to (quite literally!) make it through the race.  A week before your race, start to put together a pile of everything that you need. As you go through your list and start to pack it into a bag you can remove the extra stuff or keep it as a just incase!

For each of these, I’ve linked to an article with some of my favorites in case you are still looking for ideas.

• Running shoes
• Short sleeve shirt
• Shorts/capri pants
• Wicking socks
• Throw away layers
• Anti-chafe Cream
• Sports bra
• GPS Watch
• Hat, sunglasses
• Phone, headphones
• Road ID
• Fuel (gels, electrolytes, pre-race snack etc)
• 4 safety pins (add a few extra just in case!)
• Bib and timing chip
• Gear check bag

Post-Race Bag

Pack that post-race bag! Most races will have a gear check with a provided clear bag so that you can be comfortable if you plan to hang out at the post-race festivities.

Here’s some things you may want to throw in your post-race bag:

• Flip flops/extra shoes
• Dry clothes
• Money/ID
• Wet wipes
• Phone (unless you’re carrying it)
• Snack (gotta refuel and you may only want to eat certain things)

Additional Gear for Weather Issues

Check the weather and plan accordingly. It’s an uncontrollable on race day, but you can always pack things to at least be somewhat comfortable.

It could be below-freezing or even raining when you start the race, and the sun may be shining by the end of it so make sure you have everything you need.

• Light weight rain jacket or running jacket for other conditions.
• Long sleeve shirt (that you don’t mind throwing away)
• Running gloves
• Throw away gloves (an old pair of socks is great to use)
• Rain poncho/trash bag (perfect at the start line of a rainy day, so at least you stay dry while standing around)
• Heat sheet (get these on Amazon or if you have from a previous race!)
• Hat or visor (the last thing you want to worry about is the sun or rain in your eyes!)
• Plastic grocery bags to throw over your shoes
• All Natural Sunscreen (less burning and stinging)
• Shoe cleats for snow

An extra shirt in your bag to wear to the start is preferable to waking up and finding it’s 30 degrees and you have nothing…then you do things like pick up gloves other people discard (yes this occurred during the Las Vegas marathon!)

Throw away gear is ALWAYS in my bag now. If I don’t need it, no big deal. But very big deal to need it and not have it.

I know some of these seem like crazy extras for a half marathon checklist, but this is years of experience talking!

Race Day Logistics

Sometimes, with all of the prep and packing, you forget to go over the logistics of the day. Make sure to review the race details beforehand so you know exactly where to be and when. Don’t add to race day nerves by being late to the starting line!

• Race day schedule of events- what time does the race start, what time do you need to be in the corral etc.
• Directions to the start line
• Meet up location at finish (this is especially important in the chance that cell service doesn’t work!)
• Gear check locations

Time spent looking at the details of the race and planning your post-race meet-up will help to alleviate a ton of unnecessary stress!

Travel Race Must Haves

Travelling to your race? While you usually can head to a store to buy what you may have forgotten, you don’t want to have to stress! Whether flying or driving there’s some key items that you’ll want to make sure you have with you.

It’s easy to forget the little things that on your half marathon list that are still super important to a great day.

• Night before the race meal plan
• Race morning breakfast (your tried and tested foods, don’t rely on it being available there)
• Bottled water (you must drink while on the plane or in the car!)
• Snacks so that you’re fueled and not hangry
• Electrolyte drinks or electrolyte tablets
• Headband or hat
• Ear plugs (helps with sleep and cuts down on air travel intensity)
• Chargers (phone, earphones, watch etc.)

Handling Last Minute Race Nerves

If you’re to the point of looking for your packing checklist, then you’ve done the bulk of your half marathon training work. Now there are few key things to help ensure you have your best race ever.

Each of the links below is a full post with info to help you finish this race out exactly the way you want!

Taper the Right Way
Don’t try to cram in any last minute miles, follow your taper so that you’re feeling fresh by race morning.

Race Day Etiquette
Not only do you want to have a great race, but you want to make sure everyone around you is enjoying it too. Find out some of the common issues that throw people off and avoid them!

Manage Race Day Nerves
Put all that nervous pre-race energy to work and harness it for a great day with these tips.

Race Day Tips to PR
What you need to know about that pre-race pasta dinner and throw away clothes to keep your race day on track.

Half Marathon Pace Chart
Find your goal finishing time and the average per mile or per kilometer pace you need to hold.

Once you’ve nailed this race and you’re ready for a brand new goal, checkout the Sub Two Hour Half Marathon Training Plan!

Other ways to connect with Amanda
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