Endure Weekly
Race Day · Six-Page PDF Free Checklist

The ultra race-day
checklist.

Six pages. Six categories. Every gear, every drop-bag item, every paperwork detail. The list runners use to make sure nothing gets missed at 5 AM in a Tahoe parking lot. Free with your subscription to Endure Weekly.

The full checklist

Six categories. Nothing forgotten.

The complete inventory below — read it on the page, or sign up above to get the printable, fridge-stick PDF version.

№ 01

On Body

What goes on you

  • Race shoes Half-size up; broken in but not worn out (250–500 mi).
  • Running socks Toe socks or smooth-knit. NO cotton, ever.
  • Running shorts or tights The ones you ran your last long run in. No new gear today.
  • Running shirt Synthetic or merino. Race-bib pinned in advance.
  • Sports bra Two-week minimum break-in.
  • Sun hat Buff or cape attached if heat is forecast.
  • Sunglasses Photochromic if course goes from forest to exposed.
  • Watch Charged the night before. GPS test ran morning of.
  • Race bib Pinned in advance — never on race morning.
№ 02

In Pack

What goes in your vest

  • Two soft flasks (250–500ml each) Pre-filled, pre-mixed if using sports drink.
  • Race fuel for 90 minutes 4–6 gels OR 3–4 chews + 2 bars. More than you think you need.
  • Salt tabs / sodium Endure or SaltStick — 1 per hour minimum.
  • Anti-chafe Body Glide stick. Mid-race reapplication.
  • Headlamp + spare batteries For 100s and any race that may finish in dark.
  • Whistle (if mandatory) UTMB / mountain races require it.
  • Rain shell (if forecast) Or always for mountain ultras.
  • Phone (most races) For tracking, emergencies, music. Battery saver mode on.
  • Cash + card $20 in case of dropped pack at non-aid station.
  • Lip balm with SPF You will not remember this in a drop bag.
№ 03

Drop Bag

What goes in each drop bag

  • Backup socks (2 pairs) Different brand than race-start in case of blister.
  • Backup shoes Half-size larger if at mile 50+ (feet swell).
  • Long-sleeve baselayer For temperature drop after sundown.
  • Beanie + thin gloves For night sections and high-elevation aid.
  • Refill of race fuel Same gels/chews as you trained on — restock for next leg.
  • Anti-chafe replacement Mini Body Glide or Trail Toes packet.
  • Backup headlamp Mandatory at most 100s; smart for any night-chance race.
  • Toothbrush + paste Resets your mouth at hour 12. The cheapest morale boost in ultras.
  • Wet wipes Clean off salt crust + sweat at major aid.
  • A note from a friend or family Read it at mile 60. You will cry. Worth it.
№ 04

Crew Bin

What your crew needs

  • Folding chair (with arms) The 2-minute sit at aid station is recovery.
  • Cooler with ice, Coke, water Ginger ale + chicken broth in thermos.
  • Real food Beyond aid-station food. Burritos, pizza, pasta, mac and cheese.
  • Crew's own warm clothes Crewing nights at 9,000 ft is colder than running.
  • Foot care kit Trail Toes, scissors, blister tape, anti-fungal powder.
  • Two headlamps for crew Crew works in the dark too.
  • Aid-station map + cutoff times Printed. Not on phone. Phone batteries die.
  • A copy of the race plan So crew can hold the line if you waver.
№ 05

Race Morning

Race morning routine

  • 3 hours before start: wake, bathroom, coffee Coffee is for the bathroom routine, not the caffeine.
  • 2.5 hours before: race-morning meal Bagel + peanut butter + banana. Or oatmeal. Practiced in training.
  • 1.5 hours before: arrive at start Park, gear up, check pack one last time.
  • 60 min before: bathroom, again Lines get long. Plan for it.
  • 30 min before: dynamic warmup Walking lunges, leg swings, 90-second jog.
  • 15 min before: anti-chafe, sunscreen, gel First fuel of the race goes in here.
  • 5 min before: lineup Don't go to the front. The first hour pace will sandbag you.
  • 0: walk the first hill Even if you can run it. Especially if you can run it.
№ 06

Documents

The paperwork most runners forget

  • Photo ID (matching race registration) Some races check at packet pickup.
  • Medical insurance card Carry photo on phone if not in pack.
  • Emergency contact taped to bib Most races require it; not all do; do it anyway.
  • Race-specific medical info Allergies, meds, conditions on a small note in your pack.
  • Crew + pacer registration forms Many races require advance registration. Not race-morning.
  • Drop-bag tags filled out Bib number on every drop bag, not just one.

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