Newcomer Event Tips

This page provides miscellaneous information about what to expect at triathlon events. One of the biggest challenges is simply remembering all the stuff. Consider it a true victory if you don't forget some key piece of equipment at not just your first triathlon, but any of them!!

What to expect at a triathlon on race day

So the big day has arrived. You've been training for months, you spent a load of money on gear, entry fee and travel. What next? Stay tuned for a new article on the things you should know to ensure a successful race day!

Triathlon Packing List

by Jen Guthrie

Swim Gear
  • Swimsuit
  • Swim cap
  • Goggles
  •  Wetsuit
  • Body Glide (optional, to prevent chafing)
  • Pam Cooking Spray (optional, for easy disrobing)
  • Transition shoes (optional, old pair of shoes or sand shoes to wear when you come out of the water)
Cycling Gear
  • Bike and helmet
  • Cycling shoes (socks optional)
  • Sunglasses
  • Spare tubes & tire irons
  • Portable bike pump or CO2 cartridge
  • Water bottle and cages
  • Energy bars or energy gels
  • Sports drink (optional)
  • "Bento Box" or "Air-bag" to hold #6 (optional)
  • Bike shorts (optional)
  • Bike tools (optional)
  • Gloves (optional)
  • loor pump (optional)
  • Race wheels (optional)
  • Bike lock (optional)
Running Gear
  • Shoes (lace locks or easy laces optional but encouraged)
  • "Racebelt" for race number
  • Socks (optional)
  • Hat or sun visor (optional)
  • Run shorts (optional)
Other Stuff
  • Sunscreen
  • Towel(s), including at least one for transition area-made sure it can get dirty
  • Plastic bags to pack wet gear and food-very important
  • First aid-band aides for feet
  • Gear cleaning supplie
  • Camera
  • Backpack or duffel bag with shoulder strap for transporting gear to/from transition area
Camping Gear
  • Camping before the race? If so, don't forget to bring:
  • Bug repellent
  • Clothing for warm days and cool nights
  • Tent decorations so you can see where your tent is -- glow in the dark-bring bike reflectors?
  • Flashlight and batteries; lantern
  • Camping stove/charcoal or wood for barbeque pit
  • Cooler chest with ice
  • Nourishment -- Saturday & Sunday breakfast & lunch; bagels, fruit, granola, dried fruits & nuts, etc. -- be sure to store this in your car to avoid attracting wild animals
  • Post-workout supplies -- Advil, Alleve, Ben-gay, etc.
  • Rain gear -- just in case
  • Sleeping bag, sleeping pad & pillow
  • Lots of Sunscreen/Sunglasses/Hat
  • Toiletries & other personal items; extra toilet paper, paper towels
  • Flip-flops for shower
  • Jugs of water-cannot rely on the camping water-very important!
Stuff Jen realized she needs for a race and is always glad she brought
  • Shampoo and soap for after the race
  • Lots of towels
  • Little plastic bags to pack food in for the long (Ironman) ride-everybody was looking for ziplocs that day
  • Salt tablets
  • TONS of little sunscreen packets to store in back of my shirt to reapply
  • PB&J - Three sandwiches for (Ironman) race day
  • Dry fruit
  • Band aides for feet, especially the ones you can put on for blisters. It is nice to have in your run shorts in case you need them (in an Ironman)
  • Ice for injuries
  • Belt to carry water bottle and energy gel
<top>

Newcomer event tips FAQ

We're collecting and assembling a list of questions that you might have about racing triathlons and multisport events. Have a question? We want to know about it! Write to Hani, and we'll not only answer your question, we may post it here.

<top>