A well-prepared RunDisney packing list can be the key to a successful race. Check out the 7 essential RunDisney items every runner should pack!
When it comes to participating in a runDisney race, being prepared is key. With all the excitement leading up to that first magical mile, it’s important to have a well-thought-out RunDisney packing list.
In addition to the obvious essentials like running shoes, comfortable clothing, and hydration gear, there are seven must-have items that every runner/walker should consider including in their packing list for runDisney. Read on to learn more!
This blog is all about 7 essential items to include in your RunDisney packing list.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
7 Must Have Items You Need for Your RunDisney Packing List
I love participating in RunDisney events. They are the only races I register in anymore- once you start you just can’t stop! If you are wondering What is RunDisney and why is it so great?
This post is all about the Run Disney Packing List items that you need to bring on your upcoming trip, and there is a free printable Packing List! Fill out this form to get the PDF direct to your email. Please don’t forget to check the spam folder if you don’t get it in 15 minutes.
Here are the 7 item categories I consider essential to have a good race weekend.
1. Good Socks
A good pair of socks can make all the difference between a good race followed by a fun day at the parks AND a painful race day! Choose a nylon, spandex, polyester blend, or a Merino fabric vs. cotton. Merino tends to be more temperature-regulating but is definitely more expensive. Some of my favorites are DryMax Lite Mesh Running Socks and Feetures.
2. Blister Protection
Blisters come from skin being damaged by friction or heat. The good socks mentioned above can definitely help prevent blisters as they wick away moisture and help control temperature. But it’s always best to have a backup plan for blister protection and prevention. I always recommend including a skin protectant and a good quality friction protection tape in your RunDisney packing list.
Here are some I use often:
BodyGlide
This is the O.G. of anti-chafing sticks and it really works! You can use it on your heels, in between your toes, and even in between your thighs to prevent thigh chafe (no one wants that). It’s a balm that is resistant to perspiration and water and stands up to the heat and humidity.
Hydropore Tape
Nexcare makes a great blister prevention tape that is flexible and waterproof. It’s a bit thick so you wouldn’t want to use it between your toes but you can use it on heels. I would recommend packing some in your running belt (see my ideas for that below), and only applying it if you start to feel a blister coming on.
Check out my 5 Tips for Blister Blocking to Beat Sore Feet at Disney Blog for more info on blister prevention and treatment.
3. Arm Band or Running Belt
This one is a personal choice- some runners like to have a belt and some don’t want anything around their waist. You also, in a RunDisney event, have to consider your costume.
I like a good running belt to carry my phone, my snacks, my blister prevention, my water, and a credit card and I.D.
I have used the RunTasty running belt (the first one pictured below) and I love it. It comes with two small water bottles that fit perfectly in the belt, a zippered part for your phone with a clear window, and then a separate zippered area behind this with partitions to keep snacks, money, credit cards, I.D., etc. I used it for my 2020 half-marathon, along with multiple shorter events afterward, and it is really comfortable and durable. This type may be a bit bulky for some people so in that case you could try a slimmer version like this (also pictured below).
![[Voted No.1 Hydration Belt] Runtasty Winners' Running Fuel Belt - Includes accessories: 2 BPA Free Water Bottles & Runners Ebook - Fits Any iPhone - w/Touchscreen cover - No Bounce Fit and mo...](https://www.pixiepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/51nwUsnj-3L._SL500_.webp)
Or if you prefer an armband there are great options out there for these that carry not only your phone but have space for your Airpods and a car key also!
4. Sweat-proof Sunscreen and Lip Balm with SPF
RunDisney tries to hold its races in cooler times of the year- but Florida, and sometimes California, can feel like the depths of hell on certain race weekends. Be sure to pack a good, sweat-proof sunscreen, and don’t forget lip balm that has SPF in it.
Sunscreen
It’s best to choose a type that goes on easily and comes in a travel size, just in case you want to bring it with you to the race. I love Supergoop Everyday Play lotion with SPF 50. It goes on easily, is water and sweat-resistant, and happens to have clean ingredients that are reef-safe.
An even easier-to-apply option is Skinnies Sungel. As the name implies it’s gel-based and concentrated, so you need less. It’s also sweat-proof and full of safe, clean ingredients.
Lip Balm
Lip Balm is more important than you may think. Think about it, sunburned lips and possibly a cold sore from those, will make it difficult to enjoy the yummy food and drinks you can get after your RunDisney race! Look for a protective lip balm with SPF 15 or higher. Great options include Badger lip balm and SunBum lip balm. 
Download my RunDisney free printable packing list for Disney so you don’t forget a thing on your next race weekend.
5. Energy gel, Portable Snacks and Electrolyte Packets or Tablets
Remember the importance of fuel on your RunDisney packing list! Depending on the length of your race, you may need all of the above. I recommend having one of each available for the half-marathon and two of each for the full marathon. It’s best to consume about 100 calories and 25 grams of carbs (that’s generally one gel pack) every 30 to 45 minutes for runs 60 minutes or longer.
For the 5K or 10K, you can likely get by using the water they provide on the RunDisney race trail. You can pack an electrolyte packet in your pocket or running belt in case you get too sweaty or hot. They will have Powerade at the end of these races.
But you may fuel up differently, so be sure to pack exactly what you need, and don’t pack anything that you haven’t tried yet. You don’t want a gastrointestinal distress surprise on race day.
As a doctor and a nutritionist here are some of my favorite options.
Energy Gels
For energy gels, designed to top off your energy stores during long-distance runs, it’s best to look for one with both glucose and fructose in it. You can also combine two of the above by choosing an energy gel that contains electrolytes like Huma +. A great organic, affordable option is Honey Stinger Organic Gel.
Portable Snacks
For longer runs (greater than 90 minutes) you may also need something with a little protein and fat, and lots of simple carbs, to sustain you. It should also be easily digestible and low in fiber.
Some great options include Skratch Labs Energy Bars or Bonk Breaker (you have to love this name) Energy Bars. Both options are made from clean ingredients and are gluten-free!
Electrolyte Packs or Tablets
There is no doubt you will sweat during a RunDisney race, it’s just a matter of how much. Luckily they time these races to be in the cooler months and early in the morning but the RunDisney Walt Disney World races can get very hot. You will need to replace the electrolytes lost in your sweat.
For the 5K or 10K races a good electrolyte pack to bring just in case is Liquid IV. The powder is packed with Sodium and other essential electrolytes and comes in great-tasting flavors. I like to carry packs of this in my park bag too for long, hot days.
If you are running the half or full marathon you could pack a tube of electrolyte tabs as you may need more than one. Or you could choose one of the above energy gels with electrolytes and also replenish with the Powerade on the trail. Keep in mind that runners can lose between 500 and 2000mg of sodium (or more) per hour in their sweat. So stock up accordingly and practice ahead of time on your long training runs.
6. Post-run recovery support
These items are often lacking on many a runner’s RunDisney packing list! We work so hard to get to race day that we often forget what can come after race day- sore muscles and inflammation!
Some tried and true options to keep down that post-race pain include recovery gels like Mio Muscle Motivator Gel (formerly Workout Wonder) and Biofreeze Pain Relief gel.
I also like to throw in my bag an essential oil blend by Doterra called Deep Blue.
Remember to pack some muscle-soothing Epsom salt bath bombs or powder. And be sure to book a hotel room with a bathtub- not all Disney resort rooms have them!
7. Foam Roller and/or a Massage Ball
Another item that should not be overlooked is a foam roller or massage ball for post-run recovery. I like to pack a travel foam roller that folds flat (though it’s a bit pricey it’s great for travel). The “worm” is also wonderful because it combines a foam roller AND massage balls all in one tool!
These tools help alleviate muscle soreness and promote faster recovery. With a little help, you can be on Space Mountain in no time!
In conclusion, by including these seven must-have items on your runDisney packing list, you’ll be well-prepared for race day with all the necessary gear for a successful and magical RunDisney race!
You may also like:
5 Insanely Helpful Ways to Rock your RunDisney 5K
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Shelley has been going on Walt Disney World trips since she was a toddler growing up in South Florida. Since then, she has expanded her interests and passion to include Disneyland and runDisney trips. She is a Disney College of Knowledge-certified Travel Planner, runner, Physician, mom of three, and all-around Disney fan. She believes the magic is in the details of any Disney or runDisney trip!
Any questions? Happy to answer them in the comments.
Pace is something to keep in mind when training- any questions on this post?