Do you have a 10k race coming up soon? Whether you’re experienced or still fairly new to running, it can be very easy to forget a race day essential when packing your bag.

Here’s your ultimate checklist to ensure you’ll pack everything you need for your 10k race.

10 essentials for your 10k race

Here’s the quick checklist, scroll down for details and suggestions for all these items!

1. Running outfit

2. Race shoes

3. Race bib magnets

4. Watch

5. Headphones

6. Sunscreen

7. Pre and post-race fuel

8. Water bottle

9. Towel

10. Spare clothes

Your running outfit

The golden rule is: Nothing new on race day, because there’s nothing worse than realising that your new shorts ride up or that your new sports bra feels too tight on race day.

Choose a sports bra, a vest or Tshirt and shorts or leggings that you have worn several times and are 100% comfortable in. I even avoid new socks on race day, just in case.

I personally love racing in SAYSKY kit. You can get 15% off with code CHLOE15.

Your race shoes

Ideally, you want to have broken into your race shoes before your race in them for the first time, to ensure that they’re comfortable enough.

Once you’ve tested them out on a training session or two, they can be your designated races shoes. If you choose carbon-plated shoes, you’ll know how expensive they are, so the least you wear them, the longer they’ll last.

Here are some of my favourite 10k race shoes which helped me set new PBs:

• Nike Alphafly 3

• On Cloudboom Echo 3

• ASICS Metaspeed Sky

These shoes can help you gain a little bit of speed, offer great energy return and putting them on can give you a mental boost: you know that you mean business.

Race bib magnets

The good old pins do the job, but bib magnets make your life easier. There’s no risk of leaving holes in your top and it’s easier to slightly adjust the positioning of your race number.

I bought this set of magnets just before my very first 10k and I’ve used them for every single race since then.

Your running watch

There’s no need to have a fancy watch for race day, the watch you trained with is perfect. I’ve always worn Garmin Forerunner watches.

Ensure that all the settings are as you like them for a race: ensure that it’s in km/miles based on what you prefer and check that the watch screen has all the data you’ll need such as average pace, time and distance.

Also double-check to have auto-lap on, so the watch will automatically tell you how fast your last km/mile was.

Headphones

Just so you can listen to your favourite playlist when warming up. Race organised generally don’t recommend wearing headphones for a race, as you need to be aware of your surroundings.

If they are not strictly prohibited and you really need music to get through your race, I would suggest keeping the volume low and investing in a pair of bone-conduction headphones.

You can read my detailed review of the Shokz Open Run Pro headphones here.

Sunscreen

Regardless of how sunny it is, it’s always recommended to wear sunscreen when outside.

If you’re after a sunscreen that is easy to apply and doesn’t feel sticky, I’d highly recommend Pelotan, which is especially made for outdoor athletes.

Pre and post-race fuel

It can be useful to have some carbs 20 to 30 minutes before the start, in a form that is easy to digest such as an energy gel or chews. I personally love the Precision Hydration Chews, they’re so lightly flavoured that everyone can get on board with the taste. I also really enjoy the Veloforte Chews, especially the Citrus & Ginger flavour which can help settle the pre-race nerves you feel in your stomach.

But it all comes down to personal preference, for instance my partner prefers taking a gel during his warm up and swears by the Science in Sport Beta Fuel gels.

You will need to refuel after the race and the snacks provided by the race organiser may not be enough/not what you fancy. It can be a good idea to bring a flapjack, protein recovery bar or even a banana.

Water

You will most likely be able to grab water during and after the race, however it’s best to bring your own water bottle to sip on before the start.

Spare clothes

If it’s warm, you will most likely finish very sweaty and will want to at least change your top. If it’s a Winter race, you will need some layers to avoid feeling cold afterwards.

Don’t forget to bring another pair of running shoes for your cool down and the journey to and back from the race, to avoid walking in your race shoes.

Towel

Always a handy item to have in your bag, to wipe the sweat off before putting a fresh top on. I like to bring a microfibre towel as it doesn’t take a lot of space and is light to carry.

Racing on a hot day? Bring these items too

If it’s going to be warm and sunny, it might be a good idea to also pack:

• A cap or hat

• Running sunglasses, I personally wear Oakley Frogskins

• Electrolytes to drink before the run to top up your electrolyte stores and after to replenish, for instance the SiS Go Hydro tablets.

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