Marathon 2026: How to Prepare Your Body, Gear, and Mind for Race Day

May 22, 2026

Two runners showing their marathon medals on a running track

The Beneva Québec City Marathon is right around the corner, and we can already feel the excitement in the air. Whether you’ll be joining us on race day in beautiful Québec City or plan on running another marathon, we know the anticipation and preparation can be a bit overwhelming. With a million things to do and think about, the last thing you need is to forget essential gear, as this can really derail your race. So as D-Day approaches, we thought we’d compile a marathon checklist to ensure you have everything you need for the big day… and can focus on what matters most—crossing the finish line, running your best, and having a good time!

Feel free to download our checklist, add to it, and print it out if needed.

The Night Before the Race

It’s a good idea to have everything laid out, packed, and ready to go on the eve of marathon day. That way you’re not scrambling the morning of the race, causing unnecessary anxiety or even panic.

My running kit is laid out and ready to go.
My gear bag is packed and ready to go.
My race bib is pinned to my running top, or I have my ID and safety pins to pick up my race bib on site and pin it to my top.
My snacks, hydration, and gels are ready.
I have the directions to get to the starting line, and my friends and family know where to meet me at the end of the race.
All my devices (phone, headphones or earbuds, etc.) have been charged.
My alarm is set (triple checked).
I have planned my breakfast (you should eat a healthy, carb-heavy meal about 2 to 3 hours before the race).

Pre-Race Checklist

The Beneva Québec City Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026. With a start time of 8 a.m., chances are the temps will be a bit chilly, especially in the morning. You will therefore want to dress warmly. Just remember, all extra layers will be discarded (and likely donated to charity) so wear old clothing.

Old sweatshirt or hoodie and sweatpants.
Tuque or beanie and gloves depending on the weather.
Rain poncho, if needed.
Pre-race socks and shoes if you don’t want to wear your race shoes to the race.
Compression socks to stimulate blood circulation.
Foam roller to loosen up any tight muscles and help you with your warm-up.

Runner adjusting black and yellow compression socks before a run

Race Checklist

As all runners are different and have their own preferences, feel free to adjust this list as needed.

Running shoes (do NOT wear new shoes, always wear shoes that have been properly broken in).
Running socks or compression socks (look for comfortable, breathable, seamless socks or compression socks to prevent soft tissue damage).
Comfortable sports bra and underwear (that don’t cause chaffing).
Running outfit: shorts or tights and running top (look for breathable moisture-wicking fabrics).
Sunglasses, if needed.
Visor, baseball cap, buff, or headband.
Rain jacket or poncho, if needed.
Running belt or pack.
Race bib (pinned to your top with safety pins) and timing chip.
Running watch or smartwatch (to track your pace and monitor your speed to ensure you’ll have the energy to finish the race).
Headphones or earbuds.
Hydration pack or water bottles.
Fuel for the race such as energy bars, chews, gels, and electrolytes.
Sunscreen and SPF lip balm.
Plasters and blister pads.
KT tape .
Nipple tape.
Vaseline or body glide to prevent blisters and chaffing.
Sanitary products and toilet paper.

Post-Race Checklist

If you plan on checking a gear bag, here are some essential and optional items to pack for after the race.

Towel to dry off.
Change of clothing (think loose, comfortable clothing to help your body cool down).
Plastic bag to store your sweaty running outfit.
Warm jacket or hoodie.
Clean socks or compression socks (to promote blood circulation and reduce sensations of heaviness and fatigue in the legs).
Flip-flops, sandals, or other comfy shoes.
Post-race snacks and hydration.
Hygiene products, such as wet wipes, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturizer, and lip balm.
Phone charger, as running with your phone can drain its battery.
Money, bank card, or credit card (for post-race celebrations or emergencies).
Your post-marathon recovery plan.

Runner resting on grass while wearing black and yellow compression socks

While this list might seem overwhelming, especially if this is your first marathon, we believe it is better to over-pack than under-pack. That way, you won’t get to the starting line only to realize you’ve forgotten an essential item.

In the meantime, remember to breathe and enjoy the experience. Good luck on your race and we hope to see you at the Supporo booth on race day!

Sources:

https://www.runnersworld.com/races-places/a45656543/marathon-checklist/

https://marathonhandbook.com/half-marathon-gear-checklist/

https://www.shape.com/half-marathon-gear-checklist-7106582

Marathon Gear Checklist

The Night Before the Race

My running kit is laid out and ready to go.
My gear bag is packed and ready to go.
My race bib is pinned to my running top, or I have my ID and safety pins to pick up my race bib on site and pin it to my top.
My snacks, hydration, and gels are ready.
I have the directions to get to the starting line, and my friends and family know where to meet me at the end of the race.
All my devices (phone, headphones or earbuds, etc.) have been charged.
My alarm is set (triple checked).
I have planned my breakfast (you should eat a healthy, carb-heavy meal about 2 to 3 hours before the race).

Pre-Race Checklist

Old sweatshirt or hoodie and sweatpants
Tuque or beanie and gloves
Rain poncho
Pre-race socks and shoes
Compression socks
Foam roller

Race Checklist

Running shoes
Running socks or compression socks
Comfortable sports bra and underwear
Running outfit: shorts or tights and running top
Sunglasses
Visor, baseball cap, buff, or headband
Rain jacket or poncho
Running belt or pack
Race bib and timing chip
Running watch or smartwatch
Headphones or earbuds
Hydration pack or water bottles
Fuel for the race such as energy bars, chews, gels, and electrolytes
Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Plasters and blister pads
KT tape.
Nipple tape
Vaseline or body glide
Sanitary products and toilet paper

Post-Race Checklist

Towel to dry off
Change of clothing
Plastic bag to store your sweaty running outfit
Warm jacket or hoodie
Clean socks or compression socks
Flip-flops, sandals, or other comfy shoes
Post-race snacks and hydration
Hygiene products (wet wipes, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturizer, and lip balm)
Phone charger
Money, bank card, or credit card
Your post-marathon recovery plan