So it’s your first Spartan Race and you’re not sure what to expect? Read on for two top ten lists that will help you get to the start line easy.

Pack a Bag

A well packed bag is worth it’s weight when you’re dealing with the elements. Here’s a few of the items that have earned their way into my nap sack the hard way:

1. Government issued photo ID and a completed waiver WITH my bib number on it (look it up online so you can save time and headache morning of.)
2. An extra pen and cash.
3. Sunscreen (and gloves to apply it), lip chap, deodorant and a comb.
4. Gloves, compression sleeves, tights, a tank top and shorts (in case the weather changes).
5. Blister pads, band-aids and body glide.
6. Soap, a scrub mit, quick dry towel and a water-proof bag to keep dirty clothes.
7. An outfit that is warm, snugly and easy to get into with wet skin. No tights. Lord no tights.
8. Slip on shoes. I would advise against flip-flops if you plan to stay at the festival area for any length of time since they are hard to walk in if the ground is uneven or muddy (or more than likely both).
9. Gloves, toque and winter jacket to stay warm before and after even in June.
10. A bottle of water and some snacks. They’ll usually have a Clif Bar and some water or FitAid for you but it’s better to be over prepared when it comes to essentials.

Race Day

It can be a scary experience showing up for the first time. I figured I’d condense the experience so that you can fully know what to expect before the gun goes off. After that third AROO, you’re on your own. You’ll know at the finish line as they say.

1. Be familiar with the route to the race and where to park. Bring cash for parking as there is usually a charge ($10 is common).
2. Arrive early. You should have time to register, warm-up, go to the bathroom and check your bag. And you should have plenty of padding in case things go sideways.
3. Hopefully you have your printed waiver (with bib number) and ID ready. If not, sign a waiver at the first table and look up your bib number on the big wall. You absolutely need to have ID to pick up your kit.
4. Enter the lane that corresponds with your bib number. Hand them your waiver and tell them your bib number. Show them your ID.
5. They’ll give you an envelope. The headband goes around your head, numbers to the front. The blue chip gets threaded through the yellow band and affixes to your wrist (you want it tight enough it does not come off but not so tight it interferes with the mobility of your wrist). Sometimes they’ll be a little chip that zap straps onto your shoe laces instead. If you’re elite, they’ll possibly give you a sweat band for your arm. Although you’re probably not reading this if you’re elite.
6. There may be a marking station in case you want to write your number on your arms (or forehead or whatever). It’ll help you better find yourself in photos later… and you’ll have a badass looking momento for days.
7. Apply sunscreen with gloves so you don’t grease up your hands, do any last minute adjustments to your wardrobe and make sure your shoelaces are triple knotted.
8. Go for your easy warm-up jog and do some drills and dynamic stretches. This is also a good time to scope the course a bit and find out where the start, port-potties and bag check are.
9. Use the washroom and check your bag.
10. Aim to be in the pit at least 10 minutes before your wave ready to go!

Last but not least have fun and relax. If you need help, ask. Spartans are more than happy to help.