The essential ultramarathon checklist to make sure you’re race-day ready

No matter if this is your first ultramarathon or your tenth, making sure you have all the essentials is key for having a great experience on the trail and after you finish your race. To help you prepare, we joined forces with our coaches to put together a detailed ultramarathon checklist that includes all the things you’ll need for your race (and right after). 

Below, you’ll find our ultramarathon checklist in the form of a PDF you can download and print. Under it, you’ll see why each item is necessary and what to consider when choosing what to bring. 

Grab Runna’s ultramarathon checklist to make sure you have everything you need:

Your ultramarathon gear checklist for a successful race

Treat your ultramarathon race like a trip to a remote location: Make sure you have everything you need with you, including items you might need in emergency situations. Prepare your gear at least a few days in advance to leave enough time for any last-minute purchases you might need to make. 

Plus, an ultra event requires more gear than, say, a marathon or a half-marathon – which is why a checklist might be particularly helpful. 

The essentials for your ultramarathon race: on you & in your backpack

Below, you’ll find a list of all the essential items you need to have with you at the start line, either on you or in your running backpack.

On you

Here’s what you need to wear: 

• Trail shoes: Make sure you pick a pair that’s comfortable and that you’ve already tested on long runs in similar conditions to the race. 
• Base layers: Technical, moisture-wicking fabrics will help you limit chafing and overheating. Opt for shorts or tights and a top that are comfortable and that you have already tried and tested.
• Running socks or compression socks: Technical running socks can help prevent blisters and swelling. Some runners choose compression socks to further boost circulation and prevent soreness. 
• Comfortable underwear + sports bra: Nothing’s worse for a long distance race than uncomfortable underwear or a bra that causes chafing. Fabrics that dry quickly are best; for your bra, ensure sufficient support to not end up in pain mid-race.
• Hairband: If you need to tie up your hair to keep it out of your face or off your neck in the race, make sure to bring a hairband.
• Race bib: Make sure you have your race bib and timing chip with you to be able to participate in the race.
• Safety pins: Safety pins are mostly used to keep your race bib in place, but might also come in handy in case a piece of clothing tears.
• Running backpack: While they’re optional for shorter distances, on ultramarathons, backpacks become a must. 

In your backpack

And here’s what you need to carry: 

• Sunscreen (sun cream): Apply enough sunscreen before and during the race at regular intervals, otherwise you risk arriving red as a lobster on the finish line, especially if you have sensitive skin. 
• Enough hydration for the distance: Get a large enough water bladdеr, plus maybe extra bottles. Check in advance how often you’d be able to refill and plan accordingly.
• Electrolyte supplements: To maintain your body’s electrolyte balance, it’s essential to take enough electrolytes. This can be in the form of powder or tabs. 
• Fuel (energy gels and bars): The longer the distance, the more important it is to take your race nutrition seriously. Make sure you test everything in advance and bring enough fuel to keep you powered throughout the race. 
• Vaseline or Body Glide: These help prevent chafing in areas prone to friction, like thighs, armpits, and feet, which will make your race much more comfortable. 
• Band-aids: Band-aids are an essential quick fix for small blisters, minor cuts, or other random injuries you get on the trail. and help prevent irritation and further aggravation.
• Blister pads: On ultra events, blisters are almost inevitable. Blister pads can cushion and protect them, enabling you to continue running without too much pain. 
• Painkillers and other medications, as necessary: Bring with you painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, or any prescription meds you might need during the race.
• Emergency blanket: If you get injured and need to wait for help to arrive, an emergency blanket will help keep you warm and prevent hypothermia.
• Whistle: A whistle is small but mighty – and a great way to alert others if you get lost or need help.
• Chapstick: Nothing’s worse than running dozens of miles with chapped lips. Make sure you take sun-blocking chapstick to keep your lips moisturized and protected against the wind and sun.
• An extra pair of socks: You’ll love being able to change into fresh, dry socks mid-race. These will help prevent blisters caused by wet feet.
• Headlamp and batteries: If a part of the race takes place after dark, a headlamp is a must. Make sure you have a pair of extra batteries with it. 
• GPS watch: Get a GPS watch to keep an eye on your race pace, distance, and location, essential for staying on course and hitting time goals.
• Phone and a waterproof ziplock: It’s a good idea to have a phone on you, and also make sure that it’s protected against water damage (especially if it’s not waterproof). This way, you’ll be able to call your crew or the race organizers in case you end up injured or lost. 
• A battery charger: Obviously, you don’t want anything too heavy, but a small and light battery charger might be a good idea on long races, to keep your devices (phone and GPS watch) charged.
• Toilet paper/wet wipes: This one is pretty self-explanatory and will improve your comfort during toilet breaks considerably. 
• ID (if necessary): ID might be necessary for check-in and in the case of emergencies. Check the race’s website to see if you need to carry yours with you or if you only need it to get your race bib. 

Weather-related (in your backpack)

The below items would depend on the weather conditions on race day. Check the forecast and make sure you come well-prepared. 

• Wind- and waterproof layer: A windproof and waterproof shell is crucial for protecting you from the elements.
• A warm layer: If you expect cold weather, make sure to take a layer of warm technical clothes with you, like a lightweight fleece or thermal top to keep warm. That’s particularly important during early mornings or overnight sections.
• Gloves: In case the weather is chilly, a pair of lightweight gloves will help you keep warm.
• Warm hat or headcover: Running when your ears feel numb is definitely not pleasant – we know. Protecting your head is key in low temperatures.
• Sunglasses: If you expect bright weather; sunglasses might make your run much more pleasant. Just make sure you’ve already tested them on long runs.
• Running hat, visor, or headband: To keep sweat and hair out of your eyes and protect your eyes and face from the sun, a running hat or a visor can be very helpful.

Other essentials

Here are some other essentials you should consider: 

• Map and itinerary: Of course, we don’t mean a physical map. Rather, make sure you know the itinerary and have loaded all the necessary maps on your watch or smartphone, in case you lose signal during the race. 
• Essential phone numbers (race organizers & emergency): Having essential phone numbers on hand allows you to quickly contact race organizers in the case of an emergency. 
• Directions to the start line & gear check location: Ensure you know the exact location of the start line and gear check booth.
• Pre-race breakfast: An ultramarathon commands a large breakfast with lots of carbs to keep you fueled during the first part of the race.

Optional

Below are some optional items you might consider: 

• Gaiters: Gaiters prevent debris like rocks, dirt, and sand from entering your shoes. Might be essential for preventing blisters!
• Running poles: For additional stability and support, especially on steep or technical terrain, you might consider running poles. Again, make sure you have enough experience running with those, otherwise they might actually slow you down. 
• Caffeine tablets: For an extra energy boost, you might use caffeine tablets or chewing gums. However, if your stomach is particularly sensitive to caffeine, be careful with those! 
• Headphones or earbuds: During the long hours of an ultramarathon race, music or even a running podcast might provide a nice distraction from the pain (or from more monotonous stretches). Check out Runna’s podcast on Spotify or Apple if you need ideas! 
• Gear check bag: If you’ll be checking a gear bag, make sure you take an actual bag with you, in which to store essential post-race items.

Post-race items for a smooth recovery from your ultra

There are a few things that feel better than crossing the finish line of an ultramarathon, but you’ll soon want to change clothes and especially shoes. Make sure you have all the essentials to make your post-race experience as pleasant as possible: 

• Post-race snacks: Have your post-race snacks ready, because you’ll be hungry! Proteins and carbs are essential to help you replenish lost nutrients and start recovering.
• A change of clothes: We don’t need to tell you this, but you’ll appreciate being able to get out of your sweaty, wet, muddy gear as soon as you can. Don’t forget to bring clean socks!
• Towel: You’ll definitely want to dry off after your race, and take a shower, if that’s possible at the race location. So, make sure you take a towel with you! 
• Wet wipes: If there aren’t any showers available, wet wipes are the next best thing to help you freshen up after the race.
• Deodorant: Bring a deodorant stick to freshen up and prepare for post race celebrations.
• Foam roller or massage ball: Your muscles will definitely need some love after an ultramarathon, so don’t forget your foam roller (or at least massage ball).
• Comfortable shoes: Dry, comfortable shoes will feel like a blessing for your feet post-race.
• Compression socks: Compression socks improve blood circulation and reduce swelling, so they can be helpful for your recovery. 
• Money, bank card, driving license: … For post-race celebrations, emergencies, or simply to get home. 

Have all the essentials for a smooth ultramarathon race

An ultramarathon race requires not only the right ultramarathon training plan but also the careful preparation of your gear and all the essentials you’ll need during the race. 

Run only in tried and tested shoes, clothes, and gear. The same is valid for your nutrition and hydration: Don’t try anything new on race day. Running an ultramarathon is very hard as it is, so you definitely don’t need to add any potential surprises to your race. 

Make sure you prepare everything you need a few days in advance, in case you need to buy anything at the last minute. 

From the right ultramarathon gear to the best pre-race breakfast, everything counts when it comes to making your race as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So, gear up, hydrate well, eat your carbs, and get ready to run your best ultra event yet – and see the results of all your hard work! 

And, if you’d like to prepare for your next ultramarathon race with a training plan that’s customized to your own preferences, running ability, and schedule, check out our ultramarathon training plans. 

Join our community of Runnas and level up your running game!

‍