Marathon packing list and race-weekend checklist

Tick items on this page as you pack. These ticks are not saved to My Season; print your checked list or add your own tasks to your saved race.

A useful marathon packing list does more than name shoes, socks and a phone charger. It connects what you bring to the instructions for your race, your assigned start and the way you will travel through the weekend.

Build two layers: personal items you have chosen, and edition-specific requirements from the current organiser guide. Check the year every time; venues, bag policies and start access can change.

Save your race in My Season, then add your own collection, travel and packing tasks. Keep the race page open for verified dates and operations, and use the training calendar to organise the weeks before the event.

First, make an edition facts card

Before packing, write down seven answers from the current official source:

• Where and when must you collect your bib?
• Must you attend in person, and what identification or confirmation is required?
• Which entrance, wave or corral applies to you, and when does it close?
• How will you reach the start under race-day transport restrictions?
• Is baggage available, and which bag or advance selection is required?
• Where does the race finish, and where will you meet anyone travelling with you?
• Which details are still unconfirmed, and when will you check again?

Treat the time your assigned gate or corral closes as the anchor for your arrival plan. Allow time for transport, walking, security and baggage before that deadline.

One week before travel

Confirm that the organiser information names your edition, save it for offline access and record when you checked it. Put fixed appointments into your itinerary.

In-person bib collection can determine the day you need to arrive. Keep the venue, opening hours and ID requirement beside your travel booking, and check whether the organiser permits proxy or race-day collection.

Keep unconfirmed information visible. If a participant handbook has not yet been published, add a reminder to check it. Leave the missing detail blank until the current instructions are available.

Pack in three groups

Keep with you: collection confirmation or QR code, accepted photo ID, phone, payment method, travel details and runner-account information. Keep your race clothing and footwear together when travelling.

Chosen race items: complete outfit, footwear, socks, required bib fasteners, charged watch or timing device, chargers, and items you already plan to carry. Check each item against current race rules.

Finish-bag items: dry clothing, comfortable footwear, a compact towel or wet-kit bag, and journey essentials. First confirm that baggage is available.

Check baggage before deciding what to pack for the finish. Some races require advance booking, a particular bag, or a collection area linked to your bib. If you have no baggage service, agree what a supporter will carry and where you will meet.

Build race morning backwards

Work backwards from your gate or corral closing time through security, walking, baggage and transport. Use the event-date timetable.

Berlin's 2026 bib includes Berlin ABC travel from 24 to 27 September, while access depends on bib, wristband, start card and entrance. Chicago's 2026 FAQ recommends CTA for Grant Park and warns drivers about congestion and closures. Plan your exact route separately and recheck it.

Plan the finish before the start

Choose a meeting point and fallback if phones are slow. London's 2026 guide used lettered points around Whitehall and Horse Guards and allowed up to 30 minutes to walk there; future editions may differ.

Copyable marathon weekend checklist

Before travel

• Confirm the race name, distance, edition and date.
• Save the current participant guide and official contact route.
• Record bib collection venue, opening hours and required ID.
• Record assigned gate, wave or corral and its closing time.
• Check race-day transport and any road or station restrictions.
• Confirm baggage availability, bag type and booking requirement.
• Add a dated reminder for every detail still unconfirmed.

Pack

• Collection confirmation or QR code and accepted photo ID.
• Complete chosen race outfit and footwear.
• Bib fasteners if the organiser requires you to supply them.
• Charged phone, watch or timing device, plus required chargers.
• Permitted items you already plan to carry during the race.
• Finish clothing and journey essentials, if baggage is available.

Before leaving for the start

• Recheck the event status, weather notice and transport service.
• Use your assigned entrance and corral instructions.
• Allow time for security, walking and baggage before corral closure.
• Share the finish meeting point and fallback plan.