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 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.
