Nothing new on race day.
That’s one of the golden rules every runner learns—sometimes the hard way. And yet, race expos lure us in with shiny shoes and flashy gear. That new singlet feels fast. Those fresh kicks look great in pre-race photos. But the finish line might feel very far away when your heel is blistered and your shorts are riding up.
While brand-new gear is the most common mistake, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are a few less obvious gear missteps that runners of all levels still make.
Here are five sneaky but critical gear mistakes that can turn a well-trained race into a painful shuffle to the finish.
1. Overdressing (or underdressing) for the weather
It’s chilly at the start line. You’re shivering in the corral, and that fleece hoodie suddenly feels like a great idea. Fast forward 5K, and you’re drenched in sweat, overheating, and desperately wishing you could rip it off.
On the flip side, not being prepared for wind or rain can leave you freezing and miserable mid-race.
The key is to dress for how you’ll feel 20–30 minutes into the race, not for how cold you are at the start.
Use layers you can discard (like a cheap throwaway tee or an old long-sleeve) and make sure you have backup gear for unpredictable conditions: gloves, a cap, a light windbreaker. You won’t regret carrying an extra layer if the weather turns.
2. Choosing flashy but uncomfortable gear
Some race kits look amazing in photos—but feel terrible by mile 10. That sparkly tutu? That tight singlet with zero breathability? That cool new cap with a hard plastic brim that digs into your forehead? Not so cool anymore.
Style should always follow function.
If it’s not something you’ve run long in before, leave it behind. This goes double for big-city marathons or themed races like Disney, where costumes and bright outfits are everywhere. Fun is great, but not at the expense of your comfort. Every chafe, rub, or bounce gets amplified over a half marathon or marathon.
3. Running with sunglasses, belts, or headphones that bounce
There’s nothing like a sunny race morning—until your sunglasses start sliding down your nose every second. Or your hydration belt starts bouncing. Or your new wireless headphones slip out with every jolt of your stride.
These little annoyances build up fast. What feels like a minor issue in the first few miles becomes a major mental drain by the final stretch. Your gear should disappear into the background—supporting your run, not distracting from it.
If you’re planning to wear sunglasses, make sure they don’t fog up or bounce during tempo runs. If you’re carrying fuel or fluids, test your belt on race-pace workouts. And if you’re running with music or podcasts, make sure your earbuds stay put, even when you’re sweaty and moving fast.
4. Forgetting to charge your watch or earbuds
We’ve all been there. You wake up race morning, excited and ready to roll… only to realize your GPS watch is on 1% battery. Or your earbuds are dead. Suddenly your pacing plan and your music motivation are out the window.
Always charge your gear the night before. Even better—put a reminder in your calendar or on your gear checklist. If your watch has a battery-saving mode, familiarize yourself with it beforehand so you can use it in a pinch.
And yes, you can run without gadgets. But if your entire training cycle included pacing by splits or zoning out to playlists, a dead battery mid-race can really mess with your mental game.
5. Wearing the timing chip incorrectly
This one’s sneaky but serious. Most races use disposable timing chips, often attached to your bib. But if you fold or crumple your bib the chip might not register. Some races still use shoe tags, and those require precise placement on your laces or ankle.
Always read the race instructions carefully. If the chip is on the bib, don’t fold it. Pin it flat and straight. If it’s separate, make sure you know exactly how and where to attach it.
A misplaced chip can lead to a DNS (did not start), a DNF (did not finish), or worse—a missing finish time, even if you cross the line strong.
Related:Â 35 Common Running Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Race day should be about running your best—not fixing gear fails on the fly. The good news is that these mistakes are 100% preventable. A quick check the night before and a few test runs during training will go a long way.
Prep well and let your gear be your silent ally—not your loudest complaint.
