What you need for a 10 mile run

A 10 mile run needs more than race numbers and medals. Your shopping list also has to cover route marking, traffic control, timing, volunteer communication, lighting and a practical start and finish area. Buy or hire equipment based on your participant count, then add spares for late registrations, damaged signs and equipment failure. The quantities below help you avoid the items organisers most often leave until the final week.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 350
Medal ribbonsqty 350
Start and finish arch
Route arrowsqty 40
Kilometer markersqty 17
Traffic conesqty 60
Crowd barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 8
Conesqty 30
Whistlesqty 20
Stopwatchesqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Prizesqty 12

Equipment

Time registration system
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Mobile chargersqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 400
Reusable platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving jugsqty 10

Kitchen

Coolersqty 10
Water jugsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Waste binsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 3
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 40 bottles
- Sparkling water - 20 bottles
- Sports drink - 40 liters
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Bananas - 350 pieces
- Apples - 200 pieces
- Muesli bars - 350 pieces
- Currant buns - 250 pieces
- Mini rolls - 300 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Nut-free cookies - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Cardboard coffee cups - 500 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Teaspoons - 300 pieces
- Straws - 400 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Tips

Order one bib number and one medal ribbon per registered runner, then add 5–10% spare stock for replacements, late entries and printing mistakes. Keep bibs sorted by number before race morning.
Use one kilometre marker at each kilometre point and enough route arrows to make every turn obvious. Put the signs in labelled bundles and check the full route at least 48 hours before the run.
Plan one walkie-talkie for each key team lead, such as race control, the start, the finish, traffic marshals and first aid. Charge every unit the night before and bring mobile chargers as a backup.
For the timing setup, pack the time registration system, laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips together. Test the complete setup at least two hours before the first start, including printing a sample result or bib.
Provide reusable cups, thermos flasks and finish-area tables before runners arrive. Set out extra cups for the busiest 30 minutes after the finish, when most runners will need water at the same time.

Frequently asked questions

How many bib numbers and medals do I need for a 10 mile run?: Plan one bib number and one medal for every registered runner. Add 5–10% extra of each, so a field of 200 runners needs about 210–220 bibs and medals.
How many kilometre markers are needed for a 10 mile run?: Use one marker for each kilometre, so you need 16 markers for the full 10 mile distance, plus clear route arrows at every turn. Prepare the signs at least 48 hours before race day.
When should I test the race timing equipment?: Test the time registration system, laptop, printer and power connections at least two hours before the first start. Run a sample registration and printout rather than checking only that the devices switch on.
How many walkie-talkies are needed for a 10 mile run?: Allow one walkie-talkie for each operational lead, usually 5–8 units covering race control, start, finish, traffic and first aid. Charge them the night before and keep mobile chargers available as backup.

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