Everyone loves a list. There is nothing more satisfying than ticking off your ‘to-do’ list, am I right? So, we’ve decided to create a pre-race checklist for you all to use and hopefully help you feel more prepared for the big day.

If you fear you may forget something vital for the day, use this guide below. As the saying goes…fail to prepare, prepare to fail 😉

Before the race:

  • Read the race day information that’s been provided (or available on our website). This will include all the information you will need to know about registration times, wave start times, parking information and so on. It’s amazing how many questions we get asked, the answers to which are all covered in the race day info!
  • Make sure bring cash. Most OCRs are in the middle of nowhere with no ATM on hand. At some races you’ll need to pay for parking (the race info should tell you this) and you’ll definitely want a pre-race coffee or tea and a post-race bacon butty, protein shake or massage! It’s always handy to have some cash to hand.
  • Bring any pre-race nutrition fuel you specifically want to use in the race as it may not be available there and the nutrition provided may not suit you.
  • Ensure you’re fully hydrated prior to the day. This process should start 48-hours before the race and continue right up until you start. Take a water bottle with you!
  • Pack some anti-chafing cream. This may sound silly, but trust us, it might be your saving grace. Wearing tight-fitted clothing that is likely to get very wet and muddy can sometimes create an opportunity to rub. Applying some of this cream before you set off may just help prevent this.

During the race:

  • Shoes. This is kind of a given, I know, but make sure the shoes you’re running in are well worn-in, comfortable and you’ve tested them in all conditions…and that they’re not going to get sucked off by deep mud, for example!
  • Clothing. Again, obvious, but it’s important to come prepared for all weathers. Don’t always rely on what the weather app is telling you. If you live in the UK, you will know this. Ensure the clothing you chose is breathable and fitted and ultimately, something you feel comfortable in and can move freely in. Here’s more about what to wear for an OCR.
  • Food. Dependent on the length of the race and how long you are expecting to be out doing it for, it may be worth taking some energy gels and bars with you to give you a little pick up if you feel you are starting to lag. These gels and bars are easy to store when running so it shouldn’t cause you any problems. Be sure to practice using which every nutrition you bring along prior to the day and make sure they work well for you and don’t cause you any tummy issues. Read more on OCR nutrition here.

After the race:

  • Clothes/ shoes. Definitely remember to bring a spare pair of shoes and clothes to change into when you are finished. A towel is also a good idea to bring along too. There is nothing worse than having to stay in wet / muddy clothes once you are finished.
  • Wetwipes. The closest thing to a shower for now! It’s likely you are going to be covered head to toe in mud, and wet wipes can be a great temporary cleaner to ridany excess mud until you finally get access to a nice warm bath or shower.
  • Bin liners. These are a great idea to bring along with you to shove all your dirty, wet clothes and shoes into. They also make for great car seat covers and will prevent any muddy bodies ruining your seats.
  • Post-race food. Remember to try and get some food in you pretty soon after you finish. Aim to take in something high in protein and carbs to help with the recovery process. You can reward yourself with a burger or pizza later but for post-race, try to get in something healthy. Here’s our guide on how to recover from an OCR.
  • Post-race drink. We know how tempting a pint of beer looks after you finish a race, and you are totally deserving of one (or 3). However, try to take on plenty of water first to eliminate those waste products and prevent/ recover those dehydrated bodies.

And that’s pretty much it. To conclude, it’s better to bring more than not enough. Give yourself plenty of time to check through the list and pack your bags the day before to prevent any race day panics.

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