Race Day Kit Checklist for the Great Limerick Run & Dublin Half Marathon (May 3rd, 2026)

By Cian, Co-Founder of Real Risk | Last updated: 29 April 2026

This Sunday, the 3rd of May, two of Ireland's biggest road races happen on the same day. Around 16,000 runners will line up at the Great Limerick Run, and several thousand more will tackle the Dublin Half Marathon.

If you're racing either, you've spent months training. You've nailed your long runs, dialled in your fueling, broken in your shoes. And now, in the final week, you're staring at a kit pile asking yourself the same question every runner asks four days out: do I actually need all of this on race day?

I'm Cian. My brother and I run an Irish brand called Real Risk based in Celbridge, Kildare. We built a running vest specifically for race-day storage because we couldn't find anything that worked for us on the kind of races you're about to run. So I've thought about this question a lot.

Here's the no-fluff race day checklist for May 3rd, written for Irish runners by an Irish runner.

The weather forecast for Sunday, May 3rd

Irish weather in early May is unpredictable. The 10-day forecasts are roughly accurate but expect them to change. As of writing (29 April), the early forecasts are showing mid-teens with a chance of light rain in the morning. Both Limerick and Dublin look broadly similar.

Bookmark these and check them race week:

• Met Éireann Limerick for the Limerick start
• Met Éireann Dublin for the Dublin Half

The runner's rule: dress for 10°C warmer than the actual temperature. You'll be cold at the start line and grateful for it 5km in.

If it looks like rain — bring a cheap bin-bag poncho for the start line. Dump it before you set off.

The non-negotiable race day kit

Here's the absolute checklist. Pack this the night before. Lay it out so you can do a final visual check before bed.

On your body

• Race number and timing chip (pinned the night before — don't faff with safety pins at 7am)
• Your tested race outfit (not anything new)
• Trainers with at least 50km in them (never new)
• Anti-blister socks
• Watch (charged the night before)

To carry

• Phone (emergencies, photos, music if you run with it)
• Photo ID
• Cash or card for after the race (small amount)
• House key (single key, not the whole bunch)
• Energy gels or chews — one per 30-40 minutes of expected run time
• A flask or hydration source (more on this below)
• Tissues or toilet roll (you'll thank me)
• Anti-chafe (Body Glide, Vaseline, or coconut oil) — apply before you leave the house
• Plasters for nipples and any blister-prone spots

For the start line

• Old top you don't mind binning at the start
• Bag drop bag (clearly labelled with your name and race number)
• Public transport ticket or parking confirmation

That's the lot. Anything else is optional.

What you actually need to wear

Race day is not the day to test new kit. The cardinal rule of running: nothing new on race day.

If you've trained in something for 50+ kilometres, you can race in it. If you haven't, leave it at home. The day of the Great Limerick Run is not when you discover that your new running socks rub at kilometre 18.

Specifically:

• Top: the same one you've worn on your longest training runs
• Shorts/tights: tested
• Sports bra (where applicable): tested over a long run
• Socks: anti-blister, broken in
• Trainers: broken in but not worn out (above 600km, time to retire them)
• Hat or cap: if it might rain or the sun shows up
• Sunglasses: if you've trained in them

What about a vest, belt, or pockets? That's where most race-day kit problems happen. Let's talk about that next.

How to actually carry it all on race day

This is where most runners get it wrong. Your training-run setup probably involves a pocket on your shorts and a single gel. Race day is different — you're carrying more for longer, and you don't want anything bouncing or chafing for 21+ kilometres.

There are four common approaches:

1. Shorts with pockets

Fine for 5K and 10K. Falls apart for half marathons and beyond — pockets aren't deep enough, things bounce, and you can't access anything mid-run without stopping.

2. Running belt

Better for storage. The downside: weight sits on your hips, can shift and rub on long runs. Most belts hold a phone and a few gels — not enough for marathon distance.

3. Hydration pack

Works for ultras. Overkill for a half marathon — you don't need a 1.5 litre bladder for 21km, and the weight slows you down.

4. Storage-focused running vest

This is what we use, and it's why we built the UltraX vest. The point isn't hydration — most race courses have water stations every few kilometres. The point is having your phone, gels, keys, and a single 500ml flask all secure, with zero bounce, easy to access mid-run, and no chafing.

Whatever you choose, the rule is the same: test it on your longest training run, not on race day. If you've never run with a vest before and you're four days out, don't start now. Use what you've trained with.

(If you're already a vest user and reading this for next year — drop us a line at the end. We're always happy to chat with Irish runners.)

Race-specific tips: Limerick vs. Dublin

The two races have different feels. Here's what to know:

Great Limerick Run (full and half marathon)

• Start time: 9am
• Water/aid stations: roughly every 5km
• Energy gels: only provided at 2 stations on the marathon course — bring your own
• Course: mostly flat with some rolling sections through Limerick city and the Shannon
• Crowd support: known as one of the warmer atmospheres on the Irish race calendar
• Bag drop: clearly labelled, allow 30 minutes for collection after

Dublin Half Marathon

• Start time: typically 9am (check your wave)
• Course: starts at Phoenix Park, finishes at Iveagh Gardens
• Mostly flat with some headwind sections — pack accordingly
• Water stations along the route
• Plan your transport home: Dublin city centre on a race Sunday is busy

For both: arrive 60-75 minutes before your start time. You'll need that for bag drop, last loo stop, and warm-up.

Race day FAQ

Do I need a hydration vest for a half marathon?

No, you probably don't need one. Both races have water stations along the route. What you might need is a vest for storage — somewhere to put your phone, gels, keys, and ID. That's a different problem from hydration.

What's the difference between a running vest and a hydration pack?

A hydration pack is built around carrying a large water bladder (1L+) for long ultra runs. A running vest is built around storage — pockets for what you actually need on race day, with one or two soft flasks if you want them. For a half or full marathon with aid stations, a storage-focused vest works better.

Can you wear a vest over a charity t-shirt?

Yes, absolutely. Many runners do this for charity races. Make sure the vest doesn't cover your race number (you can usually pin it to your shorts if so).

How much should I drink during a half marathon?

Most runners need 400-600ml across the race, taken in small sips at aid stations. Don't overdrink — it slows you down and can cause issues. Sip, don't gulp.

What if I forget something on race day?

Don't panic. Most race expos sell the basics. Race village volunteers can usually point you to whatever you need. Big races also have a lost property/help desk near the start.

Final thoughts

If you're racing on May 3rd — the work is already done. The training is in. The kit list is sorted. All that's left is to trust your prep, line up at the start, and run.

We're not racing this Sunday but we'll be cheering. If you're using one of our vests on the day, send us a photo at info@realriskrun.ie — we love seeing them out in the wild. And if you've got questions, hit reply on this post or message us on Instagram. We always reply personally.

Best of luck.

— Cian
Co-Founder, Real Risk
Celbridge, Kildare

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