runningandthecity

So you’ve decided to pay good money to run 26.2 miles. Congratulations—now you get to panic about packing, too!

Whether you’re hopping on a quick domestic flight or trekking across the globe, here’s a cheat sheet to keep you from arriving at the start line in full meltdown mode.

🏠 Domestic Marathon: Keep It Chill

If you’re staying in-country, you can always replace the basics at a Target (or beg a runner friend). So just make sure you pack the unreplaceable stuff:

✅ Race shoes (the ones you trained in—this is not the moment for new friends)
✅ Race outfit (don’t assume your lucky shorts are clean)
✅ Fuel & hydration you tested (gels, chews, magic powder—whatever works)
✅ Watch & charger (running without data doesn’t count)
✅ Throwaway clothes for the start line
✅ Anti-chafe supplies (unless you love a savage post-race shower)
✅ ID, bib confirmation, and any paperwork
✅ Medications & prescriptions

Everything else—sunscreen, toothpaste, extra socks—you can get there if you forget.

✈️ Overseas Marathon: Pack Like You’re Never Coming Back

Running in another country? Congrats—you now need to pack like a doomsday prepper, because you might not find your specific brand of hydration tabs in rural France.

✅ All of the above, plus:
✅ Extra race fuel & hydration (enough for race day AND backups)
✅ Adapters & converters (so your watch doesn’t die mid-split)
✅ Printed race instructions & confirmations (WiFi will fail you)
✅ Extra running gear (if your luggage ghosts you)
✅ Travel snacks (because airline food is an oxymoron)
✅ Comfort items (mini foam roller, travel pillow, espresso pills—whatever you need to feel human)

I just want to point out my new gorgeous adidas backpack. It looks normal but it fits a whole apartment and all of a sudden I can carry 26 million pounds and not feel it. It’s like magic.

For the full obsessive list (because yes, you will remember something at 3 am), check out my marathon packing bible here:
👉 The Ultimate Marathon Packing List

Pro tip: No matter where you’re racing, pack your shoes in your carry-on. Because running in brand-new expo shoes is a horror story no one wants to live.