One of the most common questions runners ask before race day is: how do I carry all my gels? If you’ve ever skipped fuel on a long run just because you didn’t want to deal with it, you’re not alone. But it’s a trade off you don’t need to make. The gear options available today make carrying your nutrition easier and more comfortable than most runners realize.
There’s really no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to where do runners put their gels on race day or what’s the easiest way to carry gels.
What feels comfortable for one runner may feel super distracting or uncomfortable for someone else.
Like anything else in training, it’s important to test different options during your long runs to figure out what works best for you. And definitely don’t wait until race day to practice carrying your fuel.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite options for carrying gels on race day, from sports bras and shorts with pockets to belts and handhelds that actually stay comfortable while you run.
Tips for Carrying Gels on Race Day
If you are getting ready to train for a half or full marathon, the logistics of race day fuel can feel overwhelming fast. How many gels do you need for a marathon? What is the most budget friendly way to fuel? And how are you supposed to carry all of it in the first place?
Take a breath. Here’s what you need to know:
- We’re talking about fueling for runs over 90 minutes
- This can be a combination of gels and hydration and is not based on body weight
- The higher the intensity the workout the higher the carb needs as well
- A 4 hour marathon could therefore mean needing to carry 8+ gels
How many gels do you need for a half marathon vs full marathon?
Current sports nutrition guidelines recommend 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour for runs over 90 minutes. Most standard energy gels contain around 20 to 30 grams of carbs, so that gives you a working formula to build from.
However, check out the options we listed in cheap running fuel to find 30+ gram options which can also assist in carrying less!
For a half marathon:
- Finishing under 2 hours – focus on topping up carbs pre-race and then 2-4 during the race may hit your needs
- Finishing in 2 to 3 hours – at 30 grams per gel you’ll need 6 to 8 gels
- Finishing in 3+ hours – at 30 grams per gel you’ll need 8 to 10 gels
Reminder that you don’t want to skip that last gel!! Hitting mile 11 and thinking you don’t need it will back fire.
For a full marathon:
This is where carrying enough fuel really matters and it’s where we start to look at high carb drinks as a way to assist in hitting the goal because it’s easier on the gut. Adding in that liquid nutrition might mean carrying a handheld for a portion of the race, but also can take you from needing 10 gels to 5!
- Finishing under 3 hours – minimum 4 gels
- Finishing in 3 to 4 hours – at 30 grams per gel you’ll need 8 to 10 gels/chews
- Finishing in 5+ hours – at 30 grams per gel you’ll need 12+ gels/chews
A few things worth remembering no matter the distance: always train with your race day fuel before you race with it, take gels with water not sports drink unless you know exactly how your stomach handles the combination, and never try anything new on race day.
Best Gear for Carrying Gels on Race Day
There are plenty of gear options designed specifically to help runners carry fuel comfortably, so you can focus on running instead of juggling gels or hydration for 13.1 or 26.2 miles.
Let’s take a look at some of our team’s favorite pieces of gear for carrying gels on race day.
Can You Carry Gels in Sports Bras?
Carrying gels in your sports bra on race day is doable, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you commit. First, anything sitting against your skin for miles needs to be secure enough that it is not shifting around, but positioned well enough to avoid a chafing situation by mile ten. Second, gels will get warm against your body, which is a non-issue for some runners and a deal breaker for others.
Stuffing gels directly into the cup is the quick and obvious move, but it tends to get uncomfortable faster than you might expect.
The better option is a bra with built-in pockets, and many brands now have them along the sides or on the back panel. Fit matters here more than anywhere else since those pockets do not work the same way on every body type.
Here are the sports bras our team recommends for a reliable place to stash your fuel on race day.
Ciele Sports Bras – Side Pockets
Don’t sleep on the Ciele brand, their sports bras are super comfortable and locked in.
The FSTbra will be a great long run and race day pick because of the two additional side pockets that you can stash extra fueling in.
It was never an issue for me having something in the side pockets of my sports bra. I was worried I would have some weird arm chafing but the many times I’ve worn it and carried gels, nothing has happened!
Ciele Sports Bras are made from a thicker material, but it never feels like it’s suffocating you, even on the hottest of days.
Pair this with the Ciele shorts below, and you have a solid race day outfit to carry all of the fuel you may need.
- Sizes XS-XXL
- 7 colors available
- 2 Side pockets
- No adjustable straps (may want to size up due to how form-fitting)
- Available from Ciele.com for $65
Tracksmith Allston Bra – Front Large Pocket
The fabric of this sports bra feels like butter, but the best part that everyone raves about is the pockets.
Unlike other designs, this Tracksmith sports bra has a large pocket built into the front.
There are two layers of fabric so you won’t risk uncomfortable chafing while running.
This internal pocket is the perfect size for carrying your fuel during a long run or on race day. 
We can confirm that the quality of this bra is top-notch.
Even after many wears and washes (because we love it that much), you won’t see much wear and tear.
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: 2 available
- Pockets: 1 front pocket
- Available from Tracksmith.com for $80
Janji Pinnacle Race Division Ultra Bra – Seamless 3 Pockets
Talk about a sports bra with pockets everywhere.
Janji really wasn’t messing around when they designed this one.
The bra features a three-pocket system with a back pass-through pocket, a secure drop-in pocket, and even a front chest pocket for extra storage.
We also love that the entire race crop has a seamless design, which helps reduce chafing and keeps things much more comfortable on longer runs or race day.
No digging straps or uncomfortable rubbing halfway through your run.
If you need to carry a lot of fuel for long runs or race day, this sports bra can handle it.
- Sizes: XXS-3XL
- Length: Race Crop
- Colors: 4
- Pockets: 3 different pockets
- Available from Janji.com starting at $58
Running Belts vs Hydration Vest for Carrying Gels
When it comes to carrying fuel on race day, running belts and hydration vests are the two options that give you the most storage without requiring you to stuff anything into your clothes. They solve the same problem in pretty different ways, so which one works best comes down to your race distance, how much you need to carry, and personal preference.
Running belts have come a long way from the bouncy, creeping disasters they used to be. If you tried one years ago and swore them off after it slowly migrated to your chest by mile eight, that experience is worth revisiting with fresh eyes.
The newer designs are genuinely different, built to stay put without bulk or bounce even on longer efforts. They’re low profile, easy to access mid run, and a great option for half marathon and marathon distances where you are carrying gels but not much else.
Hydration vests are the move when you need to carry more. If you want to carry your own high carb drink option, plus gels and know that you’ve done this for all of training, then it can be comforting to have on race day as well.
Here are the top picks from our team:
SPIbelt – Thin and Cost Effective
SPIbelt has been a market leader in the running belt industry for many years and is best known for its affordable, high-performance running belts.
This SPIbelt may appear small, but it expands to hold a large smartphone, keys, energy gels, and other small personal items securely. It also has a weather-resistant pouch and zipper to keep things dry while you’re on the go.
The SPIbelt is designed so that it does not bounce or move around while you’re running. It adjusts to fit waist sizes ranging from 24 to 58 inches.
Fill it up with gels, chews, or your favorite fueling choice. We will say getting the right size is EXTREMELY important for a SpiBelt to ensure it doesn’t bounce around.
- Available in 19 colors
- One size fits all with the adjustable belt
- Check it out from Amazon.com for $25
FlipBelt – Can Hold Water Bottle Too
For runners who want a comfortable, versatile way to carry their essentials, the FlipBelt has been a game-changer.
You can easily reach your phone, gels, and other necessities from any of the three openings in the bag’s continuous main compartment. Also, the zippered pocket is a great place to store other valuables you may want to carry.
It comes in seven sizes that fit waists from 18 to 48 inches. It stretches and pulls on like a pair of pants, so you can wear it wherever it feels best on your waist.
The nice thing about the latest FlipBelt design is that you can fit a water bottle in either the front or back pocket. It’s a water bottle from FlipBelt, but it’s a flat, rectangular shape so it sits nicely against your body and doesn’t move around as you run or walk. There’s also a on/off valve so you’re not spilling water all over yourself.
When you hit the road, the belt does not move, ride up, or bounce in any way. It truly features a sleek and streamlined design.
The FlipBelt is constructed from a high-quality, breathable Lycra fabric that wicks away sweat and moisture to keep you dry, comfortable, and chafe-free. It is available in a wide range of colors, from dark neutrals like black and gray to bright ones like yellow and aqua.
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Lots of colors to pick from
- Pockets: 4 different sizes of pockets for keys, gels, phone or a slim waterbottle
- Available from Amazon.com for $39
Mammut Aenergy Trail Vest 12 – Great for Trail Runners
If your race allows hydration vests, this is probably the one with the most pockets.
A lot of the storage space comes from the overlapping pockets on the front and sides (including 2 zippered pockets big enough to fit an iPhone 15 and 2 bottle pockets with elastic bands to prevent bounce).
The back includes a large mesh pocket and a smaller internal pocket that are both reachable while wearing the vest, perfect for stashing extra gels for race day.
It’s comfortable, breathable, and doesn’t bounce or chafe. Our team raced a half-marathon in it and loved all the pockets for organizing gear and fuel.
The unisex sizing may cause some to be a little skeptical, but the front-closure system, similar to the one used in Salomon Skin running vests, allows for a customizable fit.
- Sizes XS-L
- Available in 2 colors
- Pockets: 6 different-sized pockets
- Check it out from Backcountry.com for $149
On Running Ultra Vest – Best for Lightweight Road Racing
Admit it, we care about our race day photos!! I’ve heard some of you say that’s why you don’t wear a vest. So let’s find a way to stay on top of nutrition and get that great photo.
Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t just a super long trail runners vest. Available in 5L and 10L, you can decide how much hydration you want to carry vs use on course. I personally love being able to empty out a flask and then grab water on course, my brain tells me I’m getting lighter, ha!
Bungie cord adjustment across the front and sides does make this a Unisex item, but it comes in sizes from XXS to XL.
- Sizes XS-XL
- Hydration: two 500mL soft flasks
- Bladder Compatibility: not applicable here
- Available 3 color
- Storage capacity: 10L
- Check it out from Onrunning.com for $200
Shorts with Pockets
Who doesn’t love a good pair of running shorts with pockets?
This is honestly one of the easiest ways to carry more fuel on race day without needing a vest or belt. While some pockets are more for keys or a card, the shorts below are ones our team has actually tested with multiple gels, and they stayed put without feeling bulky or bouncing around.
These shorts are designed with runners in mind, with side pockets, waistband storage, loops, and even enough room for your phone alongside your fuel.
Ciele W FSTTight Short 7″ – For Those Wanting a Longer Fit
The FSTTight Short is jam-packed with pockets…which I LOVE.
There are two larger cargo pockets and a daisy chain on both hips. The daisy chain is going to be perfect when you need to stash your shirt or fuel, and the cargo pockets easily fit an iPhone Plus with room to spare.
The COOLmatic -PLUS KLOSfit™ interlock knit fabric with anti odor finish was perfect on the days I had to run errands post run. I wasn’t walking around super smelly, which I think people appreciated.
The Ciele website recommends going up a size since it’s a tighter fit, but I went with my typical medium and they fit perfectly.
If you’re forever on the hunt for running shorts that actually work for curvier runners, these are going to be a game-changer. Most pairs start riding up after the first step, and you end up spending the whole run adjusting. Not these.
They’ll stay put, feel great, and honestly? Solid 10/10 from us.
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Available in 4 colors
- Pockets: 3 pockets and tshirt loop
- Available from Backcountry.com for $80
Wolaco Distance 4-Inch Half-Tight -Most Pockets Ever
These compression shorts are made for high-tempo runs and everyday shorter runs, and have an incredible number of pockets that really set them apart.
The pockets are AMAZING. There are so many and a loop for your rally towel on those gym days.
Once you load the pockets, the shorts stay in place and don’t feel weighed down. The pockets are also made with double-faced fabric to wick moisture away and keep your gels from getting too warm when they’re up against your body!
There are pockets enough for keys, gels, and anything else small enough to fit.
If the 4inch seam is too short for you, they do have a longer 7inch seam as well.
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Available in 5 colors
- Pockets: 4 pockets plus t-shirt loop
- Grab them from Wolaco.com for $88
- Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH20 for 20% off your order
FlipBelt Trail Run Compression Shorts – A Cheap Option Our Testers Loved
The FlipBelt Trail Compression Shorts are a great option for trail runners, ultrarunners, and anyone looking for comfortable shorts with lots of storage.
These shorts have 4 pockets along the waist and 2 long pockets along each leg, all the storage you could possibly need! We love the addition of the zippered pocket for extra security, as someone who is afraid of losing my keys on trail.
The pockets are large and versatile, large enough to fit a flask, phone, dog treats, or any fuel. There is also a rear pole carry system with large bungees.
We recommend using this for marathons or for hitting the trails that require a lot of fuel, or as an alternative to a running vest.
These are just a few of our favorite running shorts with pockets. We also have an entire list of the best running leggings with pockets too!
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: 19
- Pockets: 4 pockets along the waist and 2 long pockets along each leg
- Available from Amazon.com starting at $48
Extra Ways to Carry Gels on Race Day
Handheld with Pockets: Nathan Pinnacle Soft Flask 2
Yes, this is indeed a handheld waterbottle. But it also has a pretty big pocket on the front.
You’ll be able to store a few gel packets in there, no problem.
If you’re running one of the marathons that doesn’t allow hydration packs, this is a great alternate option for carrying hydration and nutrition! 
- Sizes: 14oz, 18oz
- Colors: 4 available
- Pockets: 1 front pocket
- Available from Nathansports.com starting at $46
We hope this list gives you a few ideas for how to carry your gels on race day. There’s definitely some trial and error involved, but having the right gear can make fueling feel a whole lot easier.
We’ll keep this list updated as new gear comes out and our team continues testing different options.
Looking for what to read next?
- Cheapest Running Fuel: Price Per Carb Breakdown of Popular Gels & Chews
- Marathon Fueling Strategy | What to Eat, When and How Much on Race Day
- 13 Best Running Gels: From Taste to Ingredients
- Checkout all of our running sports nutrition articles
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