Packing for stage races
You walked into the room, and everyone pointed at your waist. Loud laughter followed. Good lord! You had forgotten to put on pants that morning! Oh, the shame.
So it was just another bad dressing dream, but its real-life equivalent is getting to a remote trail run, and realising you’ve left your trail shoes behind. Or your hydration bladder. Or even only your contact lenses.
The small items often punch way above their weight.
To spare you the inconvenience and the shame, here’s our list of must-take items, in random order.
RACE KIT
Running clothes for each stage
Trail shoes for each day
Socks for each stage, plus spare
Gloves for warmth and protection
Peak or cap for sun protection
Sports glasses (pref photochromic)
Contact lenses if you use
Leg compression (sleeves/socks)
Arm protectors with UV rating
Head torch with spare batteries
BUFF or similar for wind/sun protection
Beanie if racing in the mountains
ID bracelet to ID you when you can’t
Chafe cream if you have rub issues
Hydration pack containing:
reservoir with water
soft bottles with electrolyte drink
trail snacks in zip-lock bag
emergency blanket
phone with emergency numbers
light waterproof jacket
zip-lock bag with loo paper
sunblock/lip balm
INBETWEEN RUNNING
Warm jacket for before/after stages
Closed shoes for socials/cold weather
Underwear that doesn’t chafe
Shirts and shorts for after the run
Jeans for prizegiving/socials
Tracksuit for prizegiving/socials
Long sleeve shirts for cold/high UV
Slops for foot hygiene after showers
Swim gear if there’s a pool/river/lake
Massage oil to soothe joints/muscles
CREATURE COMFORTS
Own pillow
Earplugs
Hot water bottle
Eye mask to sleep during the day
Towel of good size and fl u_ ness
Toiletries (especially deodorant)
Power bank to charge phone
Lantern to illuminate inside of tent
Wet wipes for er, wet wipes
Cash for the bar
Snacks just in case
Credit card for medical emergencies
AFTER YOUR FINAL RUN
Bin bag for wet clothing and shoes
Rehydration powder/concentrate
Headache tabs because you never know what
Anti-infl ammatory meds if you use them.
WARNING
Although this list will guide you, do still double-check you’re wearing pants before you step outside!
BODY ARMOUR: THE FINER POINTS
There are small things that make a huge di_ erence, before, during and after your races.
Earplugs reduce sounds by 15-30 decibels, and can improve your sleep by up to a level of Miraculous.
offer familiar texture, scent, thickness, and comfort. Better sleep means better recovery, reduced risk of fatigue-induced mistakes, and subsequent injuries.
