The Ultimate Marathon Race Day Checklist

The night before a marathon is not the time to be improvising. Here's what to lay out, in order.

The night before

• Race bib attached to your race belt (skip the pins — a bib belt like TEMPO PACE holds it without putting holes in your shirt)
• Nutrition: gels loaded into your belt's gel loops — plan for one every 30–45 minutes after the first hour
• Outfit laid out and tested — nothing new on race day, including your belt
• Watch charged
• Race day logistics checked: start time, transport, gear check bag rules

Race morning

• Eat your usual pre-run breakfast 2–3 hours out
• Put your belt on early and do a short jog to check the fit — tighten if there's any bounce
• Pack your gear check bag: warm layer, post-race snack, phone (if not carrying it on you)
• Arrive with enough buffer for toilet queues — more than you think you need

What to actually carry

For a road marathon with regular aid stations, you need less than you think: bib, 4–6 gels depending on distance and pace, and that's often it. Save the phone, cash and cards for a storage belt if you're not doing a supported race, or leave them in gear check if you are.

After the finish

Your legs will thank you for packing a change of dry layers, something to eat within 30 minutes, and comfortable shoes for the walk back. Small things, but they make the two hours after your marathon a lot more comfortable than the 42.2km before it.