Runner and Relay Team Packing Lists
Individual Runner Packing Lists
Running Equipment
- Running shoes (one or two pairs) if you have trail shoes and are running a trail leg, you will want them for this race.
- Team uniform (if you have one)
- Cool weather running gear (long-sleeves or sweats) for two segments
- Warm weather running gear (short sleeves and shorts) for two segments
- Pro tip for organizing your clothing: Look at the approximate time of day you will be running (you can use the Smoky Mountain Relay finish time estimator for that) and select outfits for each leg. Place each outfit in a large zip-lock bag labeled with the leg you intend them for. This makes it much easier to find the clothes you need once the van becomes a mess. When you are done running, you have a perfect holder for those less than fresh clothes.
- Lightweight shell for running in the rain
- Running socks (three pairs)
- Undergarments for running (three sets)
- Running hat (one or two)
- Water carrier / water bottle this is especially important if you have one of the longer, unsupported legs.
- Watch, Garmin or other training tool
- Flashlight or headlamp (if not provided by your van)
- Reflective vest (if not provided by your van)
- Hydration drink (Nuun, Gatorade, etc.) Bring what works for you! Your team might have shared supplies, but unless you’ve tried it before race day, stick with what you know. Trust me.
- Energy food for longer legs. (Gels, Picky Bars, etc.) See note above!
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Deodorant
- BodyGlide – if you don’t know what BodyGlide, you need to learn! This magic stuff prevents chafing from your shorts, bra or shirt. You can find it at your local running store.
- Wipes – facial wipes, or even diaper wipes, work great for a quick clean up.
Non-Running Equipment
- One to two changes of dry clothing
- Non-running shoes for between legs
- Warm socks (for sleeping or hanging around at night)
- Warm jacket, sweats, hat and mittens (it gets cold in the North Carolina mountains! We have had temps drop to 30º overnight)
- Sleeping bag or blanket
- Money (including some cash for buying food in exchange zones or stores along the course)
- I.D. You will need your i.d. to get beer in the beer garden.
- Food- the fun stuff to eat when you aren’t running
- Foam roller or stick
- Camera
- Cell phone
- Prescription medications
- Tooth brush and tooth paste
- Small towel to wipe off after run
- Hairbrush or comb
- Lip balm / makeup / hygiene products
- Ear plugs / sleep eye covers (for the first rest period it is not yet dark, or if you are a light sleeper. Exchanges are often pretty loud.)
- Your costume if you are participating in a contest
Van and Team Packing List and Supplies
You may wish to organize by van and provide some items for the entire van. Here’s our list of suggested supplies each van should have:
- Tarp
- Cooler with ice
- Water
- Flashlights
- Headlamps- at least 2 must be shown at check-in
- Flashing red lights – at least 2 per van; we want one on the active runner – front & back
- Reflective vests (2 ) at least 2 must be shown at check-in
- Cellphones and/or two-way radios – cell service is spotty in many places on the course.
- Clipboard & pens
- Printed copy of all maps. You should print this ahead of time: Race Maps
- Runner on road sign
- Antibacterial soap
- Extra garbage bags the really big leaf bags make excellent rain ponchos in an emergency
- Space blanket
- Vaseline
- BodyGlide or Squirrel Nut Butter
- Basic first aid kit: Icy Hot, Excedrin, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Sunscreen, Bandaids, Scissors, Rubber gloves
- Extra batteries
- Blister care kit (Moleskin, second skin, band aids)
- Toilet paper
- Masking tape/ Duct tape
- Spray bottles especially if the forecast is for warm weather. You can use spray bottles to keep your runners cool.
- Paper towels
- Plastic eating utensils
- Baby wipes
- Pepper spray
- Window markers
- Cowbell you can never have too much
- Tent if you are camping at any of the exchanges
