What to Pack for a Track & Field Meet

Racing flats, check. Track spikes, check. Singlet and shorts, check check. What else are you forgetting? Nothing dampens your mood quicker than arriving at the meet and settling down under the tent only to realize, as you frantically go through your bag, that you forgot to pack an essential item. We've all been there. Your heart is already pumping before the race has begun! But no need to panic. Here's a list of the non-competition gear you will need to be fully prepared for your next track & field meet for a worry-free performance.

It's going to be a long day, and you are bound to get the hunger pangs. Proper fuel and hydration are essential in maintaining your energy levels, so be sure to pack healthy sports drinks and snacks to keep you going. Besides, you are not fun to be around when you're hangry (none of us are).

At outdoor meets, expect a lot of sun exposure. Whether it's a cloudy day or clear skies, you can still get badly sunburned. Screen up against the sun's harsh UV rays and protect your skin by applying and reapplying sunscreen (as needed) and chapstick to protect your lips as well. Because at the end of the day, you don’t want to come home a darker shade of red than the track.

While we're at it, sun protection extends to your eyes as well. Protect your peepers from the harsh glare of the sun with a stylish pair of sunglasses for a winning look. Bold and classy, sunglasses are a fun accessory to look polished, but they also help us feel comfortable in bright sunlight. Just as you apply sunscreen before you head outside, your eyes also need protection from harmful Ultraviolet radiation. Finding the right pair doesn't have to break the bank, but you want to select ones that won't slip or bounce and block 100% UV light. If you like the darker tint, polarized coated lenses will block the reflection of light off of surfaces.

Most of us know to keep our arms, legs, and faces slathered with sunscreen, but many forget about the spot with the most direct sun exposure: the scalp! Wearing a hat not only helps protect your head from the sun but also gives your eyes some shade. A quality running hat will keep the elements (rain, sun, and wind) out of your eyes, wick away moisture, and prevent sweat from dripping down your face and impairing your vision. Those with longer locks will also appreciate being able to block any strands of hair from flying everywhere. Keep your head in the game and wear appropriate headgear.

Come rain or shine, maintain fresh feet for a long meet by keeping your toes dry and toasty with an extra pair of well-cushioned running socks. Your socks play a vital role in comfort and performance to avoid the biggest enemies of a runner's foot - moisture and friction. You will want to consider factors such as fabric, cushioning, and height for your events and have extras on hand. Check out our Best Running Socks guide to help you find the right socks for you.

Depending on the weather or the time of day, temperatures will dip and cool off, and you may feel a chill after sweating. For added warmth, zip into a classic lightweight jacket for pre-and post-race comfort and protection. From wind and water resistance to moisture-wicking fabrics and added coverage, you won't regret packing a running jacket.

As you cheer your teammates on, it can be a long wait until it's your turn at the starting line. Regardless of the weather, keep your muscles warm before and after the race in comfortable, cozy joggers to avoid acute injuries. Wearing warm-up pants will also enhance your performance by raising your core body temperature and provide added coverage until it's time to ready, set, go!

Track meets can last ALL DAY, and bigger invitationals take a long time. You may also face incremental weather, so it is essential to have extra clothes on hand to change into to keep you dry and comfortable. Plus, you can get rid of the stink and the sweat by slipping into dry, clean clothes immediately after the race. Fresh new clothes not only help eliminate the painful chafing from sticky wet clothing, but the rest of your teammates and everyone around you will appreciate the fresher scent.

Because you're going to need something handy and stylish to store your gear in, a durable, do-it-all duffle bag or backpack will be your trusty companion for every track meet. What goes in the bag depends on the weather and the duration of your track meet, but knowing you have a safe place to store your gear will ease your nerves and keep you prepared. Be sure to label your bag by writing your name and phone number with a permanent marker on the interior. If you've ever been to a big meet, you know that most of the bags look similar, so quickly identifying yours from the rest of the pack is essential.

Stretch out those tight or sore muscles and give those tired legs some much-needed tender loving care with a travel-size stick roller to massage any aches away. Muscle recovery is an important component of running and training. Stick and foam rollers help stretch muscles and tendons, break down soft tissue adhesion and soothe tight fascia while increasing circulation to the soft tissues. Discover our wide variety of self-massage and self-myofascial release products to help you target sore muscles from head to toe.

Stay focused and driven by timing your warm-ups before the competition or during (if rules allow) with a running-specific watch. From just keeping time for your next event to checking your resting heart rate, the functionality of running watches is endless. Check out our selection of top-rated watches and running electronics, and get all the data you need to elevate your running to the next level.

For pre-race warm-ups, drills, or once the event is over, you'll need to take off your spikes and racing flats and slip into your favorite, comfortably reliable pair of trainers. Peruse our wide variety of running shoes for the perfect fit and performance.

FAQ

1. What other items should I bring for a Track Meet? In addition to the items mentioned above and your coach's recommendations, some other miscellaneous items that will come in handy include a towel to wipe off sweat, a blanket for extra warmth or to sit down on, travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products such as bug spray, deodorant, and hair ties, and a freezer bag to protect your items (e.g. phone, wallet, etc.) in case you encounter wet weather. Since track meets can last all day, having a small portable battery charger for your phone that you can easily stow away in your bag will also be useful. Bring your ID, medical insurance card, and money in case you want to purchase snacks or a souvenir shirt to commemorate the day. And having a First Aid Kit with bandages, tape, and pain relievers is always a good idea.

2. What type of food should I pack? Bring snacks that don't require refrigeration, such as fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and energy gels/waffles. Check out our comprehensive Track and Field Nutritional Guide for further advice.

3. Should I eat breakfast on competition day? On the morning of your track meet, eat a healthy breakfast of oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, or bagels to maintain energy, avoid high consumption of processed foods, and refrain from carb loading. Now is not the time to experiment with new snacks, which can cause an upset stomach, so consume easily digestible foods or a protein shake. For a deeper dive on how to fuel before your big event, check out our nutritional guide: What to Eat Before a Race.

4. What if I'm participating in multiple events? You will need to pack the necessary equipment and appropriate shoes for each competitive event that you will be participating in. Make sure your shoes are in good condition, and bring additional snacks and an extra layer of clothing.

5. What if I'm traveling for an event? Pack all your essential items in a lightweight, carry-on bag for easy transport, and be sure to get a good night's sleep.

6. How can I pack efficiently? Staying organized is key to efficiency. Make a checklist of the essential items you need to pack and cross each item off the list so you don't leave anything behind. Pack the night before so you are not stressing and rushing around in the morning. When packing, separate your shoes from your clothes for easy accessibility, and throw in a garbage bag that can also convert to a makeshift poncho in case you encounter unpredictable wet weather.

7. Any other tips on what I should do at the meet? It is always best to arrive early on the day of your track meet, follow the designated schedule and warm up accordingly, stay hydrated throughout the day, be respectful of your competitors, remain focused on your performance, be positive, and HAVE FUN! You got this!