I’m about to leave for the Osaka Marathon happening on February 24, 2025. After months of preparation, I am now down to the final 10 days.
When packing for a destination marathon that’s a flight or two away from home, you want to be able to start the race you trained for. Here’s how I ensure that happens: by putting my race gear in my handcarry baggage.
Why I Pack My Race Gear in my Handcarry Bag
Don’t get me wrong; I also have a checked bag which will have the rest of my clothes and other items I will need on my trip. But many things can happen to a checked bag once it’s out of your sight — it can be lost, misdirected, damaged, even stolen. For me, the worst thing that could happen on a race-cation is being unable to race at all.
That’s why I’ve always chosen to pack my racing gear in my handcarry, which stays with me the entire time.
You can watch my vlog post above, or scroll down for a breakdown you can read through.
Here are the specific items I pack.
Running Shoes and Socks
Can you imagine trying to run a marathon in brand-new running shoes? I shudder just thinking about it because even though some shoes are comfortable out of the box, when I’m putting yourself through the paces I’ve trained for I need familiarity and predictability where the rubber meets the road.
Sure, you can always buy a new pair if you lose your shoes — but what if the stores at your destination don’t have the specific model you use?
Using shoes I’ve trained in and broken in means they won’t cause me unexpected blisters or foot pain especially in the latter stages of a marathon. It eliminates the unknown, and boosts my race-day confidence.
The same goes for socks. A new pair you’ve never run in could possibly give you blisters. Yikes.
Sports Bra
I’ve road-tested numerous sports bras through the last two marathon training blocks, eliminating the models and styles that cause me chafing. I’ve found that I don’t chafe in high-neck racerback styles with a fabric-covered chest elastic band. I have four bras in that style, but am bringing the two with the most compression so “the girls” move around even less.
This style has been excessively difficult to find, so I’m not going to push my luck assuming I can get something similar at my destination.
Running Top
I tend to get chilly when the temperature drops below 24 degrees Celsius — and the prediction for Osaka Marathon day is a high of 9 degrees Celsius! So I road-tested numerous tops trying to find one that wicked sweat away, didn’t get heavy with moisture, and looked cute. The top I’ve ultimately settled on is from a Shopee store. (Did you know it’s really difficult to find a long-sleeved but cropped top without thumb holes? I nearly had one customized instead.)
Running Shorts or Leggings
I love Flipbelt’s line of shorts and leggings with their signature waistband storage. They are supportive, allow me to move, and don’t chafe. I don’t use anything else when racing. (Use my promo code noelle+aa10 for 10% off your orders on AtletaAko.com.)
Running Cap
I always wear a visor or cap when running, just to keep my sweat from running into my eyes. For Osaka Marathon I need to cover my head more, which is why I went for a baseball cap style, but with a larger hole to accommodate my ponytail. I also got it from Shopee.
Nutrition
I’ve trained on my race nutrition, so there’s no way I would take a chance not being able to get the same kind at my destination. So that’s why I pack my gels and Base salt with my race gear.
Bringing my raceday apparel, footwear, and nutrition in my handcarry luggage helps me eliminate some of the risk in air travel, gives me peace of mind, and will allow me to be on the starting line of my destination marathon.
What would you pack in your handcarry when traveling to your next destination marathon?
By the way, I’ve just been selected for Feedspot’s Top 100 Running Blogs. I’m number 32!
