Last year we had so many runners who joined us for either our Battle of the Brampton Valley Way Ultra or the Foxton Hound Ultra as their first step into the world of ultramarathons! And, we’ve introduced a third ultra for 2025 too – The Three Shires Way!
There’s much more to think about when it comes to running an ultra, starting with what kit to bring along, often dictated by the mandatory kit list for the event. The below items feature on the mandatory kit lists for at least one of our events so could be a starting point to consider, along with a range of snacks you know suit you during a long distance event. 🍪
🍼 Flask or bladder
I usually fill one flask with water and one with electrolytes. If it’s a hot day you’ll need to replace the salt your body loses through sweat during the race. We have Tailwind available on our aid stations at our longer distance events.
🏥 Foil blanket
If you’ve been running for several hours and then have to pull out of the race, your body temperature will drop rapidly. If your race is over and you are waiting to be collected, you’ll definitely appreciate having one of these to get under until your lift arrives.
🔦 Torch and spare headtorch/batteries
The need for a torch depends on the distance you are completing and the time of year. If you’re running a 50k race in the peak of Summer, you might not need a headtorch at all. Never count on being back before nightfall just because ‘you are a faster runner’ though – anything can happen on race day! Both our Battle of the Brampton Valley Way and our Foxton Hound ultras pass through old railway tunnels, so a headtorch is considered mandatory for both of these events. Most longer distance events require runners to carry a headtorch and a spare set of batteries in case yours run out. I always try to carry a spare headtorch rather than batteries though. 1) What if you fall and break your headtorch? 2) When your first set of batteries run out, you don’t want to be wasting valuable running time faffing to put new ones in.
☕ Collapsible cup for hot drinks
I don’t even like tea or coffee, but I do really appreciate a hot cup of something with a couple of spoonfuls of sugar towards the end of a race to pick me up!
🦺 Reflective bands/clothing
Good reflective clothing makes you so much more visible to any oncoming traffic. I have a couple of reflective slapbands which I attach to the outside of the back of my race pack.
👕 Long sleeved base layer
It always surprises me just how quickly the temperature drops once the sun has gone down and how quickly I start to get cold. And I’m somebody who lives in t-shirt and shorts!
🧥 Waterproof jacket
Just because there is no rain forecast does not mean there will be no rain! We live in the UK! 🌦️
🤳 Fully charged mobile phone containing numbers of the Race Director and medic
In an emergency situation you really don’t want to be digging through old emails on your phone to try and find the emergency contacts for the race.
😮💨 A whistle
If you are in an accident and we need to send out the medic to find you on course, a whistle can help you to be located quicker, especially if we’re searching in limited light.
I’ve tweaked the process of packing my bag over the years, and also carry some Body Glide, spare electrolytes, a battery pack with chargers for both my phone and watch, as well as my credit card. Then depending on the time of year/weather, I may well pack a buff, along with some gloves, and even some sun cream to try and remind myself to top up on route!
The more long distance races you run, the easier it becomes to know what to bring along.
✅ Do pack your bag in the same way for each race so you know where to locate everything
❌ Don’t fill your pack with food that you’ll never have time to eat
✅ Do ensure items like your phone and whistle are easily accessible
❌ Don’t run with a full race pack for the first time on race day