Spartan Race Checklist and Five Must Haves For Your First Event

Anyone who runs OCR races or Spartan Races knows that every race is different and requires different shoes and apparel. Flat races on summer days call for light treaded shoes and lightweight shorts and tops. Mountain races like the Spartan Beast at Killington, Vermont require studded Spartan Race shoes and something to protect your arms and legs.

For first timers running Spartan Race for the first time, there are some things you should have ahead of your first race. Below, we list the five best products you’ll want to have for race day. If you just want to make sure you are covered for any race, you need to look into having as many of the below items as you can.

Spartan Race Shoes

We like a lot of brands for different reasons, but the best “all around” shoes that are good for short runs and long races alike are the Reebok Men’s All Terrain Super 3.0 Trail Running Shoes. Older models have had some durability issues, but the latest generation has held up nicely. Again, there are better trail running shoes, but few that offer the overall level of comfort and functionality for all races as this shoe. Read our Spartan Race shoe guide.

Spartan Race Socks

Your feet are important in a Spartan Race, and you need to make sure you have the right socks. Again, some socks make sense in hot races and other are good when you are running through a lot of weeds and brush, but the MudGear Trail Running Socks offer a good mix of protection and comfort for hot and cold races. Read our Spartan Race sock guide.

Breathable Underwear

Don’t undervalue a good pair of underwear when you are out on the course. Especially valuable for longer runs, you don’t want to be stuck in cotton boxers or boxer briefs that get wet and rub on your legs wrong all day. A good value brand that washes and wears well is Pair of Thieves SuperFit Boxer Briefs. These are lightweight and breathable, and they stay in place when you are running over obstacles. They are also very affordable and can be easily found online or at most Target stores.

Spartan Race Shirt

There are a lot of different ways you can go for finding the right Spartan Race shirt, so long as you avoid cotton. If you don’t want to go shirtless (it is an option) and instead want something to protect you from scrapes and scratches, try the Nike Men’s Legend Short Sleeve Tee. You don’t want anything you’ll regret ripping, so this low-price option is the perfect blend of performance and price.

Spartan Race Duffel Bag

When you race Spartan, or any other OCR for that matter, you likely won’t have access to your car once you go past the check in. There are lots of things you need to bring with you that you won’t want to worry about when you’re on the course, like car keys, wallet, dry clothes, water bottle, any pre-race nutrition you might want before or after the race, etc. The bag check is probably the best $5 you can spend at the race itself, but the Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Equipment Bag is a great option for having plenty of room for all your things, plus having mesh material that is easy to wash and won’t stink up your car on the ride home.