Going on vacation, a family holiday, maybe a running holiday, or even a race or running event somewhere way from home? What’s the biggest fear when packing for these fun times? Yep, leaving something critical behind. We’re solving that problem for you with our holiday packing list for runners. Just print it off, tick it off, and you’ll have peace of mind that you didn’t leave that important or expensive piece of kit behind.
I have to admit to being a little obsessive about running. To the point of evaluating any holiday destination with the question, yeah it looks excellent, but what’s it like to run there?
Combining a vacation with the excitement of new places to run, sounds like the perfect getaway to me.
A recent trip to Hawaii turned out to be one such outstanding destination. Sun, beach, beautiful scenery and…running. Take a look at our story about the best places to run at Waikiki Beach.
Over the years, I have developed definitive packing lists, which I am going to share with you here.
I’ve made the unfortunate, and expensive, mistake of forgetting to pack important items in the past. I don’t want that to happen to you. These days, by following and ticking off these lists when travelling away from home, I am confident that I haven’t forgotten anything essential.
Let’s get packing and get outta here!
Recreational Runner’s Packing List.
You’re travelling away from home, maybe you are visiting many places along the way, or perhaps you have a single destination in mind. But, you are not competing in a running event, so you just want to pack the bare essentials for taking a casual run here and there, keeping in mind weight and bulk.
TIP: If space and weight are at a premium, you could simply wear your running shoes. This way, you will save valuable room in your luggage for other gear.
Running is one of the greatest ways to explore somewhere you’ve never been before. There is simply no better way to discover an area than on two feet. Running on beaches, exploring a forest trail, discovering secret city sites, experiencing places the average tourist would never go.
Before you depart for your holiday, try Google for running routes and tracks. Furthermore, a great global resource for running destinations is Great Runs, you can find inspiration for destination ideas there.
This packing list will make sure you have all your essential running gear ready for your holiday. Use our Travellers / Holiday Packing List for everything else.
TIP: Check the weather forecast for your destination before you go. The last thing you want to do is pack lightweight summer running gear, if the forecast is for cold and wet conditions. A little forewarning allows you to be prepared.
RaceDay / Marathon Packing List.
This is a list for runners who are competing in an event.
From 10k to Ultra-Marathon, there are special considerations you need to make when packing for a race.
This is a runner’s most important packing list. Imagine travelling hundreds of kilometres to an event in another city, and forgetting your race bib, or your gels for example. Scary stuff.
I’ve developed this list from many years of competing in various types of running events, it’s a life-saver which takes away the stress of trying to remember everything you need to take.
Knowing how to carry your essentials while competing in a race or event is also important. We have a whole article about how to carry your items, some nifty and innovative ideas here. Check it out here.
Once again, have a look at the local weather forecast before you go, so you don’t pack the wrong gear.
TIP: Test your race gels, and even your pre-race meal, well before race day. Don’t introduce any food that you haven’t tried before. Getting an upset stomach during a race, especially a long one, could cause you gastric distress during the race, or finish it altogether.
Trail Runner’s Packing List.
Similar to our Race Day / Marathon packing list, Trail Runners, or Sky Runners have specific needs which we need to consider when packing.
Many event organisers will advise you of any special conditions you need to allow for, and if there are any compulsory items you must carry. Particularly in extreme or multi-day events.
As with marathon training, you should test run all your gear and race-day nutrition well in advance of the event. Try to emulate what you will encounter in the actual event when training, that way you uncover any potential gear failures, or any other unwelcome surprises.
Researching the weather forecast and local conditions is especially important for Trail Runs as these are often in mountain areas which can turn freezing at any moment.
TIP: Got a pit crew? If possible, have someone come with you to the start line who can take home your warm gear that you strip off as the race starts. Furthermore, have them meet you at the end of the event with a warm jacket if it’s cold or wet, and a post-race drink or snack.
Pre-Race / Post-Race Packing List.
Aside from the items we need while actually running, we need to consider pre-race and post-race items such as nutrition provisions, and injury or recovery necessities.
You’ll always hear us rabbit on about the importance of post-race nutrition, especially after a big event such as a marathon. It’s vital to start the re-nourishment and repair process of your body within 30 minutes of finishing a race.
Have a look at this list and select your favourite pre-race and post-race foods and drinks to pack.
TIP: Have someone meet you at the finish line of your race with a protein drink and a banana if there will be a delay in accessing proper nutrition after your run. Some events provide free bananas for finishing runners, maybe also carry a small amount of cash to buy a protein drink.
Travellers / Holiday Packing List.
Here’s a list for everybody, runner or not.
It’s so easy to forget to pack something important, so use this list, whether it’s just an overnight trip, or a long vacation.
For us runners, use this list in addition to the running packing lists.
TIP: Roll, don’t fold. Short on space? One of the best ways to pack when space is limited is to tightly roll your clothes, that way you will not only be able to pack more gear, but you will avoid any fold creases.
Wrapping It Up.
Holidays, vacations, breaks, whatever you want to call them, are something we look forward to all year. It’s the best way to unwind, relax, have fun and adventure, and to forget about work for a little while.
The trick for us runners, is to not only choose somewhere awesome for the whole family, friends, and yourself, but to also choose somewhere that has exciting places to run and explore. Like we always say here at RMWA, the best way to explore the world is on two feet.
It can be a bit stressful when packing for a holiday, or a running event such as a marathon. The worry of leaving something important behind can make us a little anxious. We hope you will print off our lists whenever you are packing to go away. Add your own special items, tick off the list as you pack, and you’ll be confident that you have everything you need, and not forgotten anything.
One final tip, don’t forget your Travel Insurance, it’s another ‘peace of mind’ item that can be a lifesaver when things go wrong, or something gets lost or stolen.
Tell us about your trips in the comments, or please let us know what else you’d like to see on our packing lists.
Happy Running
Steve
Frequently Asked Questions:
If luggage space is limited, or you intend to only take ‘carry-on’ luggage, this may be a practical option. Your most expensive items are always best packed in your carry-on bag if possible, and it’s a good way to minimise the cost of having to buy costly items at your destination if your checked bag is lost or delayed.
What’s the best way to pack liquids when travelling?
International flights restrict liquids to containers of 100ml/100gm or less in carry-on luggage. These must be packed into a clear plastic snap-lock bag of no more than 1 litre in volume. Larger amounts should be packed into checked luggage. Buy some leak-proof plastic Ziploc or snap-lock bags for your liquids in case of damage or leakage.
Shoes take up so much room, which ones should I pack when travelling?
Wear your running shoes on the trip if possible, some of these are quite à la mode, and can double as your day-to-day shoes as well as your trainers. Alternatively, wear your heaviest shoes while travelling, you can always kick them off on a long flight. Pack your other shoes individually in sealable plastic bags and pack into the corners of your suitcase to save room.
What is the most forgotten item when packing?
Did you forget your toothbrush and toothpaste? Well, you aren’t alone, travellers forget to pack these items more often than anything else. Another commonly forgotten item is the phone charger, that’s why you see them available to buy everywhere.
Should I pack my race gear in my carry-on, or checked luggage?
Flying to your race destination? You might want to pack your race gear in your carry on luggage if you have the room. There has been an unfortunate uptick in delayed or lost checked luggage since airlines have reopened after the pandemic. Play it safe, keep your race gear close by, you can always put it in your checked luggage coming home.
What do I do with my sweaty race clothes and dirty running shoes?
Sealable plastic bags are your friend when you are a travelling runner. If you don’t have time to wash and dry your gear, pop them into a sealable plastic bag to protect the rest of your luggage. You can also do the same for your other dirty clothes. You can’t take too many plastic bags.
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