What to pack for a RunDisney trip

So you’re going to Disney, and you’ve decided to finally take part in a RunDisney event – congratulations!  Going to Disney and including the race makes it a bit of a different experience. You not only have to conserve your energy and think about race day, you also have to pack differently than you would for a normal trip.  Packing for many people can be stressful. You don’t want to forget something important, especially when it’s for the race! So I figured it would help to share my packing list for a RunDisney trip, for anyone else headed down to one in the future.

One tip: I pack most of my running stuff in my carry-on suitcase, just in case anything happened to my checked luggage.  If it’s just shirts and shorts I don’t worry about that because I know I can replace it, especially with so much race stuff available at the expo.  But my sports bras and running shoes, as well as any special costume items I’ve made, go into my carry-on.

You may have some different items that you pack for your race, but I think this covers a lot of the essentials.  One thing to keep in mind is that the weather can vary a lot during the times of year that they have running events, so it’s good to be prepared for both warm and cold weather.  I’ve done a RunDisney event in 35 degrees and I’ve done it in 85 degrees. Preparation is your friend!

So without futher ado, here’s what to pack for a RunDisney trip:

• Running shirt
• Sports bra
• Shorts
• Leggings/long pants (as backup)
• Any special costume pieces (like my Fairy Godmother cape!)
• Running headband
• Compression socks/running socks
• Running shoes
• Backup running shoes
• Water bottle / hydration pack
• Fuel (for me – Clif shot bloks, though many use gu)
• Flipbelt/running belt
• Ipod/phone
• Earbuds
• Hair ties
• Body glide
• Throwaway jacket
• Moleskin (for blisters)
• Race waiver
• Fitbit (or running watch)
• Fitbit charger

A couple of explanations on some of these things:

If you haven’t heard the term “throwaway jacket” before, this is a jacket or blanket you can wear before the race starts, when it’s often still a little chilly, and then throw away once you start to warm up from running.  I usually get mine at Goodwill or Five Below so they don’t cost much. And Disney then collects them and donates them to homeless shelters so it’s actually going to a good cause.

I know not everyone runs with a water bottle, and there are water stops on the course, but hydration is really important to me so I like to know that I have access to my own water at all times.

Back-up running shoes aren’t really necessary if you’re just doing one race, but if you’re doing a challenge (like the Fairy Tale Challenge) I always bring a spare pair.  If you do the 10k and it rains or gets muddy, there’s a chance your shoes won’t be ready by the next day and you don’t really want to risk that.

For blisters, I’ve found moleskin to be the best. Especially if you know you’re prone to them in certain areas, put some on before you run and it usually prevents it.

What do you pack for a RunDisney trip?