Newbie question: packs in a marathon

A question from someone who has just started running: It it generally permitted for runners to carry a fannypack or waterbag during a marathon? I dehydrate very quickly, and usually wear a Camelbak for all of my strenuous exercise. Are there usually any rules about whether or not you are allowed to wear such things?

Thanks,

sure can and you can have folks meet you at places in a race to givre you drink

I have never heard of a rule disallowing those items.

There aren't any rules against them in any race I've ever seen.

I think a Camelback is overkill in races that have adequate water stops. In that case, a small flask to sip on between stations is probably sufficient.

Mike Tennent

You can wear anything you want. But bear in mind that there are lots of waterstops along a marathon route, so unless it's a really hot day, you won't need much of your own water.

John B.

Unless you are an elite runner vieing for prize money or age group awards or an Olympic Quailfying time for your own country there are no restrictions for aide on the course. You can bring your own or take what is available from official or unofficial water stations.

You might check where the aid stations are on your thon and what they are offering. If they are too far apart for your comfort (considering course conditions=hills and weather) or not carrying things you trained with, then you would probably be wise to take your own - or have someone meet you if you trust the logistics. And there are no rules saying you can't. Good hydration and fueling are part of racing.

FWIW, at a recent marathon I watched (8 stations), many people had camelbaks with food and fluid and were making use of them. Others asked at a first aid station (Not a fluid/food station) if they had any food or fluid since they were having problems with cold and dehydration, and one guy required rescue. And yes, the first aid station did have food and water for those that needed it.

Areiel, I have never seen rules prohibiting those things. In my recent first marathon I relied on the Gatorade at the aid stations and wore a samll fannypack to carry Clif Bars and Body Glide. This worked very well. I also sewed a piece of velcro to the pack and my shorts to keep the back from bouncing.