Triathlon Race Day Kit List: What to Remember
Whether you’re lining up for your first sprint or tackling a full-distance Ironman, having the right kit is essential. From wetsuits to trainers, nutrition to transition tips, every item plays a role in a smooth, stress-free race day. This triathlon race day kit list is designed to help athletes prepare – plus it includes insights for race directors on what their participants will need.
For Athletes: Your Essential Race Day Checklist
If the event you’re at provides triathlon tattoos, make sure you apply them properly by following the instructions on the back or watching this short clip. These tattoos last throughout the entire race, help with athlete identification, and make it easier to spot you in transition zones. Plus, they look great in your event photos! We also sell wetsuit tattoos, which use the same application process as the skin, so your number or sponsor logos can be visible.
Swim
- Wetsuit: Make sure it fits snugly but allows full range of motion. Practice swimming in it before race day to avoid surprises.
- Goggles: Test them in open water if possible. Anti-fog sprays can make a big difference.
- Swim Cap: Often provided by the race but have a backup just in case.
- Vaseline or anti-chafe: Only necessary for longer distances or sensitive areas but can save a lot of discomfort.
Tip: Practice swimming in your full race kit to identify any areas of friction or fit issues early.
If you’re a race director, make sure to check our Ultimate Guide to Organising a Triathlon for tips on planning the swim segment safely and efficiently. And if you are just organising an open water swim event check out our guide on How to Organise an Open Water Swimming Event.
Bike
- Bike: Own or hire, but make sure it’s checked and ready to go.
- Cleats and pedals: Ensure proper adjustment to avoid knee pain or awkward dismounts.
- Helmet: Safety first.
- Nutrition: Gels, bars, or hydration drinks placed in your transition zone for easy access.
- Tri Sets: These are usually supplied by the race director. Make sure you apply them to all the correct areas of your bike, helmet, and any other designated items before race day. Tri sets make it easier to spot your bike in a busy transition zone, help keep you safe, and ensure you’re identifiable throughout the bike segment.
What is tri-set? A tri set is a 6 or 7-piece sticker kit that usually includes numbers for each side of your helmet, the front of your helmet, your bike frame or seat post, and your transition bag. Some sets also include stickers for supporters or logos. They’re supplied by the race director and should be applied before race day to make sure you’re fully prepared and compliant.
Transition Tip: Arrange everything logically in your transition zone – helmet first, shoes next, nutrition within arm’s reach. Practicing transitions at home or in training will save precious minutes.
Run
- Trainers: Comfortable and well-broken in.
- Anti-chafe products: Only necessary if you’re prone to rubbing on longer runs.
- Elastic laces: Save time and avoid tying laces mid-race.
- Nutrition: Gels or small snacks; practice with the ones you’ll use on race day.
Extra Tip: Practice race day pace and outfit before the event. Avoid surprises by trying nutrition, shoes, and clothing during training sessions.
And if you’re a race director looking at organising a running event, we’ve also put together a guide just for you. Check out our blog on How to Organise a Running Event.
General Race Day Tips
- Pack a small checklist in your transition bag so nothing is forgotten.
- Label everything clearly with your name or race number – Sportstiks bag tags, wristbands, tri sets, and bike boards are perfect for clear, visible athlete ID.
- For sprint or shorter events, you may need fewer items, for longer distances, plan for more nutrition, anti-chafe, and comfort accessories.
For Race Directors: Supporting Your Athletes
Race organisers play a crucial role in ensuring participants have what they need for a smooth day. Beyond marking out the course and timing systems, consider:
- Transition Zone Organisation: Clearly marked spots with athlete ID products help athletes find their bikes, bags, and nutrition quickly.
- Kit Guidance: Share recommended gear lists for each distance on your event page.
- Safety & Nutrition: Make sure water stations and nutrition points are well-stocked, especially for longer distances.
- Practice Resources: Encourage athletes to practice transitions, race-day outfits, and nutrition strategies beforehand. Consider a short pre-race briefing or downloadable tips sheet to help them.
Race Day Made Simple
With the right kit, practice, and ID products, both athletes and race directors can approach race day with confidence. From swim to bike to run, preparation is everything – and Sportstiks is here to make sure your athlete identification, tri sets, tattoos, and race boards are simple, organised, and effective.
For race directors: If you’re organising a triathlon and want more guidance, check out our Ultimate Guide to Organising a Triathlon. And for a FREE downloadable checklist to help your athletes prepare, see below.
Download a free triathlon checklist below
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At Sportstiks we have everything under one roof, giving us total control over the entire process of producing your products and providing a truly impressive race solution.
Our team are constantly researching and developing new innovative materials and techniques to provide race directors, event organisers and athletes with athlete ID solutions that suit their requirements. Give us a call and talk to our guys about your event, what you need and how Sportstiks can make a difference. We offer the full package. From simple race bibs for a local 5km fun run to fully bespoke, collated race packs for international elite athlete events, no event is too large or too small.