Bag Check for Clothing
The Southern Arizona Roadrunners is hoping to offer a bag check at this event in 2026. We're waiting final Town of Oro Valley approval, but if we can offer it, here's how it will work:
On race morning, visit the St Luke's Home tent near the packet pickup location, near the start/finish line.
We do not know how crowded it will be, so please allow enough time to complete the bag check process so that you can still get to the starting line with enough time to start the race on time.
Before the race:
- Bag Check opens at 5:45 am
- Go to St Luke's Home tent at least 20 minutes before the start of your race -- be mindful that it may be crowded
- Receive a clear, see-through plastic bag from volunteers
- Put your clothing and personal items in the clear plastic bag and use the drawstring to close the bag
- Ensure that your race bib "tag" with the race number is attached
- Ensure that your race number is written on the clear plastic bag using the markers provided
After the race, until 10:15 am:
- Bring your race number to the St Luke's Home tent
- Ask volunteers to retrieve your bag with your race number on it
The bag check will close at 10:15 am
All remaining clothing items will be donated to a clothing bank on Monday, March 8th
Prohibited items include firearms and weapons of any kind, alcohol, illegal substances, and anything that does not fit into a single clear plastic bag.
WAIVER: The race organizers are not responsible for the contents of your bag, so please do not leave anything valuable in them, including money.
How does it work?
The below information is edited from a 2011 Runner's World article -- see https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a20845805/what-is-the-bag-check-and-what-should-i-put-in-the-bag/
I'm running my first half-marathon. I've run many 5Ks and 10Ks, and they don't have bag checks. Exactly what is the bag check, and what should be in the bag?
The bag check gives you the opportunity to bring anything with you that you might need before or immediately after the race. The bag itself is usually provided by the race, but not always. If the race provides the bag, they’ll likely give it to you when you pick up your race packet. Some races will not accept any bag other than the one they’ve provided.
A tag for the gear bag with your race bib number on it is usually provided as well—it may even be attached to your bib. You need attach the bag tag to your gear bag for identification purposes. Before the race starts, organizers will announce when and where to turn in your bag. Race staff will watch over the bags until you finish the race and return to claim your belongings.
What you pack in your bag depends on what you need right before or after racing. Pre-race items may include sunscreen, body lubricant, electrolyte tablets, and a poncho or waterproof shell if rain is in the forecast. After the race, you may want wet wipes, a small towel, and any special foods or medications you might need. Some people pack sandals and clean socks as they like to change out of their running shoes postrace. Some runners feel comfortable leaving valuables like their cell phone and car keys in their gear bag while others don't, so that’s up to you.
Pre-race warm-up clothes can be taken off and put in the bag right before you check it...keeping you warm up to the last minute! You can change into them right after the race. If you plan to wear "throwaway clothes" that you'll ditch early in the race, pack a change of clothes in your bag for afterward. Whether it's warm or cold, changing out of wet running clothes after a long race will help keep you from getting chilled, especially if you have a long walk back to your hotel or your car.
After finishing the race, proceed directly to the gear bag pick up to collect your bag. This may also be a good spot to meet up with your family or friends, too!
Best wishes with your race!
