Packing your bag before a half marathon is both an exciting and daunting task. This is the moment that you realise your preparation is almost complete and it’s game time!

In order to be prepared without overpacking, use our handy packing checklist to tick off the essential items you need for event day.

NOTE: Each person is allowed one small bag/backpack at the event. Unless you’re packing everything and the kitchen sink, you won’t need any more than this.

BEFORE YOU START

Lay out your clothes and do any prep work the night before, such as pinning your number (which contains your tracking chip) to your top. This makes for a seamless start to your event morning.

 

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1. SPARE CLOTHES

Pack comfortable clothes to change into after the event—especially dry socks. You may wish to wear some of these clothes when travelling to the event (for example, tracksuit bottoms), so make sure to put these items back into your bag before Bag Drop. Got a question about Bag Drop? Check out our FAQs on the page below.

 

TIP: Keep warm by wearing a pre-loved top (which still has lots of life left) to donate to charity before the start. Simply wear your top until the end of the start chute, where signs will show you where to donate it near the start gantry (please don’t drop it too early). When your pre-loved items are sold, you help keep products in use for longer, making more use of the energy and resources used to make them.

2. WATER AND NUTRITION

Stay hydrated by sipping water on the morning of the event. You may also consider bringing a small snack based on your training routine, like a banana to eat 45 minutes before the event. Applied Nutrition Isotonic Energy Gels will be available only at drink stations 2 and 3, so please plan ahead and remember to bring additional hydration and nutrition based on your individual needs.

3. KEYS, CARD AND PORTABLE CHARGER

Remember to pack basic items like your keys and wallet. A portable charger for your phone is also a good idea if you plan to bring it along.

TIP: Close unnecessary apps or enable battery-saving mode to conserve your phone’s charge.

4. MEDICAL ITEMS

Blisters are unlikely if you’ve trained in your event day shoes, but it’s wise to pack some plasters or Compeed, as well as any other necessary medical supplies like inhalers and ibuprofen.

5. PERSONAL CARE

Even though it’s Manchester, bring sunscreen and apply it! Other useful items include anti-chafing balms, spare contact lenses, sanitary products, tissues, and – ladies – hair ties.

TIP: Organise items into separate clear bags for easy access and to keep lines moving if you’re rummaging around at bag drop.

6. WATERPROOFS

In case of rain, pack a lightweight raincoat with a hood. A brolly can be handy if the forecast looks wet.

TIP: Roll up your waterproof jacket to save space in your bag.

 

We hope these tips will help you feel prepared and ready for the Manchester Half 2025. Best of luck and see you on the start line!