What to buy for a 10K road race

A 10K road race needs more than race numbers and medals. You will also need supplies for registration, route marking, timing, traffic control, the start and finish area, volunteers, and runner bags. Use the plan’s shopping list to prepare the equipment in one pass, then check quantities against your expected field and volunteer team. Order personalised items early, especially bib numbers, medal ribbons and finish medals, because late deliveries can hold up registration or the awards presentation.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Registration tablesqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Bag racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 12

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 350
Race bib strapsqty 350
Finish medalsqty 350
Medal ribbonsqty 350
Start arch
Finish arch
Kilometer markersqty 10
Route arrowsqty 40
Course tapeqty 10
Conesqty 80
Crowd barriersqty 50
Timing matsqty 2
Timekeeping computer
Stopwatchesqty 6
Whistlesqty 12
Safety vestsqty 30
Traffic marshal signsqty 12
Route collection binsqty 6

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Megaphonesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 16

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 400
Coffee cupsqty 250
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250

Kitchen

Water jugsqty 20
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 8
Serving jugsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 8
Storage binsqty 12

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 24

Medical

First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Cold packsqty 20
Nitrile glovesqty 100
Disinfectant gelqty 6

Communication

Route mapsqty 30
Volunteer briefingsqty 30
Starting listsqty 20
Printer paperqty 2
Waterproof markersqty 12
Pensqty 40
Rolls of tapeqty 12
Cable tiesqty 500
Duct tapeqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 500 bottles
- Spa Rood - 100 bottles
- Sports drink - 250 bottles
- Apple juice - 20 liters
- Orange juice - 20 liters
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 200 bags
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 3 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Bananas - 30 kilograms
- Apples - 25 kilograms
- Oranges - 15 kilograms
- Grapes - 10 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 400 pieces
- Currant buns - 300 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Lemons - 3 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disposable gloves - 200 pieces

Tips

Count one bib number and one bib strap per registered runner, then order a small spare supply for damaged or missing numbers. Sort the bibs by number before race day so registration takes minutes rather than becoming a queue.
Prepare one visible kilometre marker for each kilometre and enough route arrows, cones and course tape to cover every turn. Walk or drive the route before race day; signs that look obvious on a map are easy to miss at street level.
Match safety equipment to the traffic plan: provide safety vests and traffic marshal signs for every marshal, with a few extras for replacements. Put crowd barriers at the busiest crossing, start and finish points rather than spreading a small number too thinly.
Set aside timing mats, the timekeeping computer and stopwatches for a test at least one day before the race. Pack extension cords, power strips and power banks together, and confirm where electricity is available before bringing the sound system and microphones.
Plan the finish area backwards from the expected finish window. Set out the finish arch, medals, medal ribbons, bag racks, waste bins and tables before the first runner arrives, and keep route collection bins ready for signs, cones and tape after the course closes.

Frequently asked questions

How many race bibs and straps do I need for a 10K?: Prepare one bib and one bib strap for every registered runner. Add roughly 5% spare bibs and straps, or at least 10 extras for a small race, to cover late changes, damaged numbers and registration mistakes.
How early should I order 10K medals and bib numbers?: Order personalised bib numbers and medals at least 4–6 weeks before race day. This gives you time to check the quantities, sort bib numbers and resolve a production or delivery problem before registration opens.
How many kilometre markers are needed for a 10K race?: Use 10 kilometre markers, plus a clear start and finish indication. Bring spare route arrows and signs for every turn, because one missing or displaced sign can send runners off course.
What power supplies do I need for race timing and announcements?: Bring extension cords, power strips and at least 2 fully charged power banks, then test the timing computer, sound system and microphones together at least 24 hours before the start. If mains power is uncertain, keep the stopwatches as a manual backup.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.