New York City and Marine Corps Marathons Ban Hydration Packs

TheBrolympus

So they ban packs but not bottles?
I hope this isn't a trend.

http://texasrunningpost.com/news/new-york-city-and-marine-corps-marathons-ban-hydration-packs/

CarsonRuns

I really don't think this is a big deal. I honestly don't understand why anyone would use a hydration pack in a race that has fluid stations every two miles or so anyway. Even for a 6 hour marathoner, running in 90°F heat, there would be enough fluids at the stations to sustain them. People tend to way over drink anyway.

TyTy76

I really don't think this is a big deal. I honestly don't understand why anyone would use a hydration pack in a race that has fluid stations every two miles or so anyway. Even for a 6 hour marathoner, running in 90°F heat, there would be enough fluids at the stations to sustain them. People tend to way over drink anyway.

Pretty much this.

I know that if I was doing a marathon, or half, using a camelback would be TERRIBLE

TheBrolympus

I really don't carry much water in mine during races but I do use it to carry my GUs and phone.

I can't stand having stuff in my hands or hanging on my hips when I run. The packs don't bother me at all so I use that instead of the belt or bottle.

I can understand the reasoning behind banning them but to what end.

DavidMartinez2

I agree with Carson, at a race like that you do not need to bring water with you. I am also of the opinion that we agree to the RD's conditions when we pay to run their race. If people want to try and demand their money back due to the change in what is allowed I will support them.

dorianaldyn

I would be irritated if that was what I was used to - but I'm with most everyone else. Most road races have plenty of aid stations; I typically do not carry any water for a road race. I like to carry as little as possible.

SonicDeathMonkey80

If this were a mountain bike race and they banned packs, that would be just weird. I've never seen anyone run with a CamelBak before.

KathleenMurry

If this were a mountain bike race and they banned packs, that would be just weird. I've never seen anyone run with a CamelBak before.

I have run with a camelbak! it wasn't the bag on the shoulders though. They made a waist belt that holes a water bottle and has an extra pocket for your stuff. It was a pain in the *kitten* though. It kept bouncing up and down. As I've gotten better, I quit taking water and gels on runs and I attach my car key ring to my dog's collar. I can manage 10 miles or less without water. For the longer ones, I hide water in trees

RenewedRunner

I run with my CamelBak on trails (during the summer. It is nasty hot in the Dirty South!!!) and during my trail races. But that is because some of them are pretty sparsely staffed with volunteers so getting water can be difficult.

Runners can always use a fanny pack to carry their stuff!! :laugh: :noway: :laugh: (the American kind)

RunnerElizabeth

I was running with a camelbak for a long time in races too. I do so many runs with a stroller that I got used to being able to have a bunch of stuff with me. But I have since switched to a nathan trailmix hydration belt. Much more comfy, lighter and it doesn't chafe and there is room for keys, a credit card and a couple packs of honey stinger chews just in case.

Also when I enteted the lottery for the NYC marathon I swear I noted that it said hydration packs wouldn't be allowed. I started using my belt after that and didn't get in anyway, so it doesn't matter.

jturnerx

You'll see a lot of hydration packs at trail ultras. This makes sense to me since I've been in races where it could be 10+ miles to the next aid station and depending on the terrain and weather conditions or if you get lost it could 3+ hours before you hit the next aid. I don't see much need to carry water on you at a road race though since there's a water stop it seems every time you blink.

I was going to use a race vest, the minimal kind without the water bladder, to carry a phone and have a place to stow miscellaneous small items since I elected to go with the no bag check option. I hate wearing anything around my waist so I'm not quite sure what to do about that now.