I ran Vol State crewed, but I slept outside, I didn’t get in our car, I carried 15 miles worth of water at a time, and I meet my crew in 7 mile increments, since I really really wanted to get a closer sense of the “screwed” experience. What I was super spoiled on and is in my opinion the hugest plus, was not having to source my own food and water. With that experience in mind, this is what I would bring again -crewed or screwed- and are items I carried with me at all times even with a crew member.
What to Pack for Vol State (and Why):
1 pack (with bladder + small bottle for electrolyte)- To carry all this stuff, of course!
Second skin– Life saver- whatever the key piece(s) of your foot care is- bring it! Especially if it is something you can’t pick up at the gas station/general store hybrids that you will find on the course.
Nail clippers- Obvious for the footcare benefits, but also do double duty as scissors if you don’t go the knife route. If you are wearing sneaker, odds are you will find yourself cutting them- sometimes over the course of several days.
That lube stuff– or what ever works for you. Don’t assume you will pick something up on course or during the race or get it from your crew. WHENEVER the rubbing starts, you want to hit that hotspot up ASAP.
Sunscreen- Yes x’s 1,000.
Bug spray- This was one of the more hotly debated items. I found it very buggy most nights and would definitely carry a small amount of his. This is was a big “yes” for me.
Headlamp (w/ new batteries)- Another hotly debated item, surprisingly. There is a contingent of people who like to go “under the radar” and/or don’t like using a headlamp. Some opt for a flashlight, others go with nothing. I opted to stay as visible as possible at night because the shoulder of the road was no joke along huge portion of the course.
Phone+headphones- Music/ check-in/ communication / emergency contact/ gps optional- no contest.
Small charger– Phone charger only. Didn’t actually use the phone that much at all.
Regular watch– I just used a $25 timex from target I had around so I didn’t have to drag my phone out- just good and easy to have.
Maps+turnsheet+amenities list– the invaluable John Price documents. A Vol State classic! Some fancy runners went with only the gps data, I think. But in my mind it is a Vol State right of passage make my own waterproof set and shed pages as I go.
Small umbrella- Didn’t start the race with an umbrella, but I LOVED the one my mister picked up for me- completely his idea. You don’t have to start with one, but I would at least plan on buying & carrying one for the second half where you are slower, walking more, and probably finding yourself in the sun more than you would like.
Saftey pins– You will want to separate couple out and try to keep them as sterile as possible with your footcare kit. I hooked a bunch to my pack for incidental stuff and used them for everything from adjusting pieces of my pack, to holding my headphones chord in place, and to hanging wet socks on the back of my pack. I still lost most of them and wish I brought more.
Flag– Essential, obligatory, and patriotic.
Cash/Cc/Id
Foil Blanket- Lightweight and can serve as ground cover and/or a layer to stay dry(ish) (and head off chaffing) during a sudden rainshower
Alcohol Wipes- for footcare
Extra pair of socks
(Plus Wearing)
Hat (ideally with neck protection)
Shirt – Some runners take a night shirt / day shirt approach. I personally choose a light, long sleeved button up for day to maximize coverage from sun, and a neon tech shirt for night (to maximize visibility).
Running Shorts
Socks
Shoes (but be prepared to cut or use Sandals)
Bonus Notes: Optional “self-defense” item(s): Well, it’s complicated. While I gave it plenty of thought ahead of time, I ultimately didn’t bring anything because any self defense mechanism I could think of, I imagined had a good chance of being used against me. I don’t run with anything special in the city, or upstate, and really, we could all get hit by a bus tomorrow, so, fingers crossed it all works out. My husband disagreed and ultimately after hearing a couple creepy stories, found a little thing of mace for me the first day. I felt slightly safer with it, but realistically I am not sure I still could have “upholstered” it quick enough to be useful anyway. Also, the most accessible/viable place made me wonder for 7 days if I was about to mace myself in the face at any given moment.
I would say, I was in the minority, and most runners seemed to have a pocket knife and/or mace, if for nothing but at least the dog problem. So your options might include (based on what runners have used in the past):
- Mace
- Knife
- Gun
- Umbrella
- GPS
Veteran Vol Stater Karen Jackson made a super detailed video if you would like to deep dive on another runner’s packing list. Sidenote: I also credit her 2016 race report for some of the better decisions I made during my own race- she makes this look easy!
Inspire some creating packing and leave your favorite unusual pack item in the comments! Still not sure what to bring? You can always go for group wisdom and post your question to the Vol State Google Group.
