What's in my RunDisney bag

RunDisney Marathon Weekend 2025

Each racer is allowed to bring a small bag filled with all the items they'll need for the event and I think I've finally started to figure out what I really need!

Let's be honest, RunDisney race days can be long! The marathon especially! I have lots of odds and ends that keep me well prepared, comfortable, and confident for before, during, and after my race.

Pack your race bag with items you'll need before, during, and after the race.

I love being prepared and often land a bit closer to over-prepared (aka overpacking), but when I'm packing my race bag I don't skimp. From the time I leave the hotel to the time I retrieve my bag post-race, it's easily been 8-9 hours. A lot happens during that time and I want to feel calm and covered.

RunDisney 2025 Marathon Race Day Gear-Check Bag

Fuel, hydration, running accessories, and comfort items that put me at ease.

• Headphones

• Fuel/hydration (for the race)

• Fuel/hydration (for pre-race)

• Sunscreen packets

• Hydration storage (aka water bottle)

• Eyedrops

• Extra contact lenses

• Post run protein shake (Powerade and bananas are provided, so I don't need to pack my post race carbs)

• Visor

• Sunglasses

• Run belt

• Extra safety pins

• Mylar for before or after

• Tiger balm

• Tissues pack

• Lip balm

Items worth talking about

Fuel and Hydration

These items get packed into their own little ziploc-style bag so that as soon as I'm done with my warmups I can start distributing and organizing. Some go in the run belt, some in the bra, some in my pockets. I bring enough to have something every 30 min on the course and something 15 min prior to race start. Huma gels, Motts fruit snacks, Annie's sour bunnies, applesauce pouches, and maple syrup packs. All vegan and all gentle on my tummy.

I also always pack a protein shake that I can chug as soon as I grab my bag post race. Powerade and bananas are usually provided so I don't need to pack post race carbs usually. The key: Get in the fuel within 30 min of crossing the finish line.

Comfort Items

I like having a packet of tissues. Something seems to always spill and my nose is constantly running. I also like knowing that if, for any reason, my contact lenses get messed up, I have an extra pair close-by. Note: this has never happened nor have I ever needed them... probably because I pack them! Single use eyedrops are also a must. I stick one in my run belt just in case I get something in my eyes. My lips tend to get dry too, so a quick lip balm reapplication pre-race always feels good.

Honorable Mention

Those plastic RunDisney bags are very hard to carry (since I pack mine pretty full). There's also a decent amount of transport and walking before reaching the actual bag check area. For my next race, I'll pack one of those little foldable, fabric shopping totes. I'll place the fully packed plastic race bag inside so that I can more comfortably carry it until I reach security. Then, grab it out, fold the tote into its tiny ball, and ready!

In the end, RunDisney races are very well curated and catered. They have many of these items available pre, during, and post race. I, however, don't like searching for what I need. I like to set up in my little spot after going through security and start my pre race routine. Warmups, assemble my outfit with fuel/hydration, portapotty, lip balm, tie-untie-tie my shoes, another swig of Gatorade, and finally drop my bag at the truck.

Note:

I've discovered that with each and every race I learn something new. Some way to refine my gear check bag, some new pre-race ritual, some updated item to have for afterwards to feel comfortable and aid in recovery. With that said, this list will be ever-evolving. I'll do my best to update the list as I go!