Race Day Travel Planning Guide for Runners

If you need to travel the day of your race it can sometimes be stressful. It’s important to plan ahead so that you can still be ready for your race. By taking the time to figure out all of the logistics and giving yourself plenty of time you can make the most of your race day travel. I created this race day travel planning guide for runners to help you think through everything you need to know before traveling on race day!

Race Day Travel Planning Guide for Runners

As you start to think about your race day travel, the most important thing to look at is if you can get to your race in time even if you are delayed. Look at what time you are expected to get in, and what time you need to be at the race, and decide if that gives you enough of a cushion to still run your race even if you get there later than expected. Then you can start to plan out everything else!

Read all of the race day information

Start by checking out the race website and reading any emails you have received about the race. This should tell you all the things you need to know such as where the race starts and finishes, where to park, how to get your bib, and information about how to check a bag. Write down all the important information so it is easy to find on race day.

Figure out how you will get your bib

Many races do not offer race day bib pick up. This makes it challenging if you are traveling from out of town on race day. Sometimes there is an option to have your bib mailed, but you need to do this in advance (usually when you sign up for the race). If you know someone else who is running you can ask them to pick up your bib for you. You may need to give them a note or copy of your ID so they are allowed to get your bib.

Plan for parking if needed

If you are running a big race it’s important to have a parking plan (if you are driving). Some races may offer a parking option, while others may direct you to park in public garages. Look into your options and remember that parking will likely add on time. Even if the race has a parking lot it can sometimes be a slow process.

Time everything out (and write it down!)

Start with what time you want to be at the race, work backwards, and write down all the times you will need to do everything. For example:

• 5:00 -6:00 leave home and drive to race
• 6:00-6:15 park car
• 6:15 -6:25 eat a snack and gather up race gear
• 6:25-6:35 jog to start area
• 6:35-6:50 check bag
• 6:50-7:00 warm up and use bathroom
• 7:00-7:30 ready to race!

See how in that schedule there are 30 extra minutes before the race starts?

Plan your race day travel meals (and bathrooms!)

If possible, I recommend bringing your own food/snacks, and plenty of it! With a long travel day you don’t want to be hungry. You can bring a small cooler to leave in your car if you are driving. This will ensure that you can eat before your race as well as after, in case you need to get on the road and don’t have time for a full meal.

Also, consider how you can incorporate any needed bathroom stops into your trip. If you have a long drive you may need to stop and this will add on time. If you think you can make it to the race without stopping it’s a good idea to know where the bathrooms will be at the race.

Make a race day packing list

For race day travel it’s extra important to make sure you have everything you need. Write down everything you need to bring with you and double check it before you get in the car. Try to get mostly dressed for your race at home so you will notice if you are missing something. Also double check the night before that all electronics are charged.

Plan out your post-race needs

Don’t forget to pack anything you will need for after the race. It’s nice to have a change of clothes and maybe some body wipes to clean yourself off. Also, as mentioned above pack yourself some food and drinks for after the race.

Have some back-up plans for your race day travel

Try to think about what could go wrong on race day and have a plan. What if the garage you are going to park in is full? What if you are taking a train and it is delayed? What if there is a road closure on your route? Luckily with technology and phones now we can work through alot of issues but it can help reduce stress to have a back-up plan!

Race day travel can be tricky but sometimes it’s the only way to be able to run in a race! With a little planning ahead you can set yourself up for a smooth travel day and a successful race.

You may also like:
Goal Planning Worksheet
What To Do The Week Before Your Race
How to Taper for a Marathon Correctly to Achieve Your Race Goals

How to you plan for race day travel?

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