It is amazing how much stuff we need to bring with us for a triathlon race! Even after years being in the sport, I still find myself spending too much time organizing and going over my checklist of things I need or may need for my race. The length of the event of course plays a huge role in your packing as well as the location and the time of the event.
Below you will find my comprehensive list that I use for my own races. Putting it here so other athletes could benefit and eliminate just another pre-race stressor. Nothing is worse than coming to the event and realizing you forgot to pack your race morning breakfast or your race shoes.
Swimming
- Trisuit
- Swimsuit or another tri kit (for a pre – race practice swim)
- Wetsuit
- Swim Skin
- Goggles
- Spare Goggles
- Swim Cap
- Anti Fog Solution
- Flip Flops
- Disposable Water Bottle (drink before the race start / pour water inside the wetsuit before the start)
Cycling
- Bike
- Race Wheels
- Bike Tools / Puncture Repair Kit
- Bike Pump
- Bike Bottles
- Cycling shoes
- Helmet
- Sunglasses
- Bike Computer
- Optional Bike Clothing (such as arm warmers)
- Elastic Bands (if you use them for fly mount)
- Talcum Powder For Bike Shoes
- Towel For Transition Area
- Socks (if riding with socks)
- Body Glide / Chamois Cream
- Bike Charger (if you have electronic shifting)
- Zip Ties (if using to secure bottles, computer, etc.)
Running
- Run Shoes
- Elastic Laces
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Cap or Visor
- Additional Run Clothes (for pre-race shakeout run)
- Race Belt
- Handheld Water Bottle (if using)
- Zip Lock Bags With Frozen Towels (full IM or hot races)
- Run Power Meter and Charger (if using)
Nutrition
- Fuel Belt
- Bike Bottles
- Energy Gels/Powders/Bars etc.
- Bento Box (if you carry fuel on the bike and it is not a built-in one)
- Hydration Tabs or Salt Caps
- Food / Drink For Before And After The Race
- Extra Bottles (to mix nutrition powders)
Other
- Bag For Carrying Transition Gear
- Race Details / Athlete Guide
- Travel / Accommodation Details
- Race Number
- Pins for Race Number (if not using race belt)
- Toilet Paper
- Medications
- Phone / Watch Charger
- Skin Lube
- Sports Watch
- Money / Bank Cards
- Passport / Travel Documents
- Triathlon Association Membership Card
- ID
- Bright Tape For Transition Bags For Easy Identification
- Compression Socks For Recovery
- Foam Roller / Massage Gun For Recovery
- Comfortable Clothes to Change Into After The Race
- Tums Tabs
- Scissors (cut race numbers to place on your bike)
- Wipes
- Head Lamp (set up transition / pump tires in the dark)
- Neosporin / Band-Aid
- Towel / Swim Parka (give to sherpa to dry off and stay warm, especially important for a full IM race when you may be finishing at much cooler temperatures)
- Garbage Bag (to sit on before the swim start or use as a poncho)
- Cash For Tips (bike mechanic)