Ultra Gear Checklist

I have a few runners doing their first 100s this summer, and was remembering back to my first 100 (2001 LT100) when we had the back of a pickup truck literally stuffed with food and supplies, most of which was not needed and just made it harder for Judy to find what I did want at each crew stop. While we went overboard that first year, there certainly are some critical items to have when doing a 100 mile race. The nature of the race makes a big difference; you probably don't need as many different types of clothing for the Umstead 100 as for the LT100 for example, so keep that in mind when planning out your supplies. Also keep in mind that at some races, your crew will need to hike in a ways to see you; this requires more planning so your crew can simply carry a small backpack with everything you might need. Finally, remember that you can never guarantee that your crew will get to the crew stop as planned. Things do happen (we met someone at LT100 a few years ago whose car died sometime during race morning). You should make use of the drop bags too as a back-up. It will be a long day for your crew as well as for you so they should remember to bring plenty of food and drinks for themselves too.

1. Cooler with ice and plenty of water. You don't want your crew to have to count on getting water at the aid stations so have plenty of your own.
2. Bug spray
3. Sunscreen
4. Toilet paper
5. Lights (for runner and for crew)
6. Extra batteries
7. Ibuprofen/salt pills/antacid pills
8. Sunglasses/hat
9. Maps and Racer/Crew instructions from website
10. Extra running shoes/socks/running shirts/shorts
11. Warm clothes for night
12. Drugstore poncho and/or rain clothes
13. Runner food - gels, bars, lunch meat, PBJs, etc.
14. Runner drinks - powder for mixing, Ensure, Boost, flat Coke, etc.
15. Basic first aid kit for blisters
16. Split sheet* for runner (so you know when to expect your runner at each crew stop)
17. Extra plastic ziploc bags
18. Handwipes
19. Chairs (for crew and runner)
20. Bodyglide or similar

*As a runner you should try to let your crew know ahead of time where you may want different things. This will be a seperate post but as a runner I always liked to give my crew a sheet with my expected splits and what I wanted to get at each crew stop.

Did I forget anything important that you always are sure to bring to a big race? Let me know and I'll add it to the list.