Starting today many of us will be taking the trip to London in preparation for the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday. Whilst you can forget some things and buy them in the capital, there are a few items you shouldn’t really forget when you leave your home.

Running kit. Hopefully you have gently broken your trainers in for the race. You shouldn’t wear them when walking around or going to the Expo as you will wear them down in a different pattern when you walk compared to when you run and you want the cushioning to be as new as possible. Make sure you take a variety of tops and shorts/leggings for our changeable British weather, so you can make a selection on the day.

Medication. You probably won’t forget every day medication, but I have forgotten my asthma medication to take during a race on more than one occasion, and it’s not something you can get from a chemist without a prescription.

Clothes for the start line. You know that bright orange cotton T shirt you got from one of your spring races. The one with the huge logo on the front and is so large you could wear to bed as a nighty. Well here is a useful opportunity to get rid of it, it can keep you warm on the start line and as you leave it behind on the start pen you can keep that warm glow on the inside knowing you will never have to see the thing again. Foil blankets saved from previous races are also useful to wear waiting for start.

Heart Rate Monitor/GPS Watch. OK in theory you could buy another at the expo if you have lots of money, but it would be easier to just remember to bring you original with you. Also don’t forget to bring your method of recharging your watch with you and if you have had your heart rate monitor strap for a while consider getting a spare battery or strap. If you rely on it to pace yourself there is nothing worse that the battery going flat as you approach the start line.

Open Sandals. When you finally take your trainers off at the end of the race either to get changed or to study the mother of all blisters on your foot, it’s hard to get you feet back into wet, covered in trainers. As attractive as you may look in flip flops and tracksuits, I find them indispensible at the end of a race.

And finally…

Registration Form and Passport. The two most important things for the London Marathon as without them you are not getting your race number from the Expo and with no number, you aren’t going to be allowed on the start line.

These are generally things I have forgotten to take with me to a big race, so feel free to comment with things you find essential not to leave at home.


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