Spartan Race Packing list

This Spartan Race packing list has been developed with the help of my friends Tom Bauer and Kevin Sahlin when they got me into the sport of Spartan years ago. I’m very thankful for their encouragement and help over the years!

I hope this list helps you prepare for your Spartan and I’m here to encourage you along the way! Reach out if you think I left anything off the list, I’d be happy to hear from you.

Essential Gear (non-negotiable, especially for the longer races)

1. Shoes - invest in some trail runners and break them in BEFORE the race, like multiple runs before the event. Your feet will thank you. If you are running Beast or Ultra, consider sizing up to give your toes some breathing room (feet swell on the longer runs). If you are using shoes you’ve previously run a Spartan in, make sure you do another training run with them before the event to help get some of the residual sand out of them before the event.

2. Sun protection shirt with hood - so many people are baking and burning, don't rely on sunscreen alone. I was one of those people years ago at the Utah Beast in Snowbasin where a spot on my shoulder turned black from the sun exposure at elevation. This also provides a good layer that you can get wet to keep you cool during the hot sunny races.

3. Electrolytes - Spartan has been skimping on the in-race fuel/salts and they just offer water now so you will have to bring your own electrolytes. You will sweat a lot and electrolytes are going to be essential to keep from cramping.

4. Food/fuel - I like to pack nerd gummy clusters but whatever you enjoy that keeps you going (peanut butter sandwich, gels, beef jerky). You need some calories and sugar during the race, carbs before the race and during if it’s a long one. For the beast you should pack something to keep you going, for shorter races you can probably make it a couple hours without but just know they do not provide any snacks on the course.

5. Flip flops - Pack these in a backpack that you leave at the bag drop. Your feet will thank you and you will be so happy getting out of your race shoes when you see everyone else painfully hobbling around in

Non-essential but nice to have

1. Garmin watch - I tried Apple watch for years and the battery life could not keep up with the longer races.

2. Phone for pictures - the photographers on course are now far and few between. 2026 CO Springs I only noticed 3 photographers, one of them was messing with her backpack instead of taking pictures and one camera was there without anyone(?) maybe auto capturing photos. Anyways, it’s nice to have a phone or GoPro to capture your own moments wherever/however you’d like and not have to pay extra for them. Just make sure you don’t take your phone into the water!

3. Ibuprofen - it could come in handy if something starts aching. I’ve been told by the medic tent that they have to disqualify you if you take anything, even ibuprofen so you will have to be self-reliant.

4. Duct tape - I wrap a couple feet around a Nuun tablet container to have on hand during the race in hand blisters pop up. Same note as above, I believe the Medical Team has to pull you from the race if you seek their help so it’s better to be prepared on your own.