Skip to Content

5 Must Have Items For Every Race

Every night before a race, I gather my favorite New York City Marathon branded fanny pack and make sure they have some key items to make sure that I had the best race possible. I remember running my first 5k with a bottle of water, but as I graduated to 10ks, halfs and even fulls I realized that I needed certain things to make my race experience more enjoyable. Now I never leave home without it!

A Mini Battery Charger: Since I run with music always, there is always the chance that my cell phone battery might die mid run. Since that would be an absolute disaster for me personally I carry around a super small charger (that usually fits in my hand) so it can fit in my pockets in my tights or my very cute fanny pack. I wrap the cord really tight and stuff it in there too. Sometimes I need it, sometimes I don’t–but it’s super helpful when I finish a race and I need to contact a friend or family that i’m looking for.

Chapstick: This one is obvious but even in the warmer temps my lips tend to get dry while I’m running. I now have a running dedicated chapstick that lives in my fanny pack because my lips need to be comfortable!

Tylenol: In distances over a 10k there are generally tons of medical tents along the route, but not everywhere. I tend to get headaches during and after long distances, so having the medication on hand is super helpful. I put two tylenol in a super small ziploc bag or paper towel and fold it a dozen times.

Money: This one is a no brainer. In NYC, there are plenty of places to buy things, during the 20 mile tune up race a few years ago, I stopped at a Central Park hot dog vendor and bought a ice old water. I keep money in the fanny pack that never gets touched unless I’m racing.

Wipes: This one is KEY. One word, Port-a-potties. However, wipes are really helpful during the warmer months when everything gets really sticky and gross. Wipes can be a total lifesaver!! I usually throw them in a ziploc and fold as much as possible.

**Bonus: A small anti bacterical spray/lotion/gel…again…the port-o-potties!

There are certain VERY important items that I cannot race without! I'm sharing them today with my friends @vitatrain4life, @carlypizzani, @HappyFitMama, @ThisRunRecipes! #runchat #running #racegear Click to Tweet

I am teaming up with my favorite running bloggers to share our FAVORITE must have race items, check them out, you may learn something new, (I did!):

Angela @ Happy Fit Mama

Laura @ This Runner’s Recipes

Allie @ Vita Train 4 Life

 

 

Carly @ Fine Fit Day

What is the #1 thing you need for every race?

 

Randy Boswell

Thursday 21st of February 2019

Great post , Thanks for shearing this topic .I am very interested in this topic . I would like to share my opinion on this topic . Why is it vital to rent a licensed and professional bonded locksmith? For starters, many international locations and states have such legal guidelines. For instance, California has a regulation that each one locksmiths ought to be licensed. And they need to be licensed via the Bureau of Safety and Investigative Companies.

Umair Amil

Friday 28th of September 2018

Hi Nellie, Love to tell you that I found this post so helpful actually I am also a blogger and I really want to write this type of blog for my audience and actually founding someone who is giving best knowledge with her own experience. Love the way you describe <3 Really going to bookmark this page for my next blog. I think that this blog going to help every runner thanks ?

Kyle

Wednesday 18th of July 2018

Great info. I personally second the phone charger. Music is key for me with exercising, regardless if it is running or weight training. I guess I need the motivation. Thanks for sharing your list.

Tamara

Sunday 27th of May 2018

Wipes are a universal life saver! And what causes the headaches? The pressure? The wind through your ears? That happens to me! Sometimes it's dehydration for me but often just the sinus/allergen stuff.

Laura

Wednesday 23rd of May 2018

Wipes for sure! I like the idea of bringing a mini battery charger, especially to a big city race where I'll need my phone to find family after.