What you need for a 20 kilometer run

A 20 kilometer run needs more than bib numbers and water. You will need supplies for registration, route marking, timing, water stations, volunteer coordination, and basic runner safety. This shopping list covers the physical items to buy or bring on race day, including cups, coolers, jerry cans, signs, reflective vests, and first-aid equipment. Check quantities against your participant list and route plan before ordering, then pack water-station materials separately so they are ready to load and place.

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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 24
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Changing room screensqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 8
Mobile phonesqty 10
Power banksqty 6
Megaphoneqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 4
Punch clocksqty 2

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 700
Race bib strapsqty 650
Time-tracking chipsqty 650
Commemorative medalsqty 650
Route arrowsqty 80
Kilometer markersqty 20
Disposable cupsqty 2500
Water jerry cansqty 20
Foldable drink tablesqty 8
Traffic conesqty 40
Flashlightsqty 8
Whistlesqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 20
First aid kitsqty 3
AED

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Pouring jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving traysqty 8

Lighting

Battery lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Hand sanitizer stationsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 40 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 80 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Coffee milk - 6 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 3 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Apples - 20 kilograms
- Bananas - 12 kilograms
- Oranges - 10 kilograms
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Currant buns - 250 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Sliced cheese - 5 kilograms
- Turkey breast - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 700 pieces
- Energy gels - 700 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 8 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 20 pairs
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Freezer bags - 4 boxes
- Paper cups - 1000 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Cooling packs - 40 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Sterile gauze pads - 10 packs
- Elastic bandages - 12 rolls
- Nitrile gloves - 10 boxes
- Rescue blankets - 20 pieces
- Ice bags - 20 pieces
- Drawing pens - 12 pieces
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces
- Tape - 12 rolls
- Duct tape - 8 rolls
- Cable ties - 500 pieces
- Rope - 4 rolls
- Paper route maps - 100 pieces

Tips

Plan water-station supplies for every planned stop, not just the start and finish. Count water jerry cans, disposable or reusable cups, and foldable drink tables together so no station opens without one of the three.
Order bib numbers and race bib straps as soon as registration closes. Keep a small spare set for damaged or missing numbers instead of ordering exactly one per participant.
Prepare route signs and kilometre markers in route order, then pack them by section. Add a few spare route arrows and bring cable ties or another fixing method if the route allows them.
Give each course volunteer a reflective vest and a whistle, especially where traffic measures or crossings are involved. Charge mobile phones and power banks the day before and keep at least one phone available at each key point.
Do not leave timing and emergency equipment until race morning. Test the time-tracking chips, stopwatches or punch clocks, megaphone, flashlights, first-aid kits, and AED at least 24 hours before the run.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a 20 kilometer run?: Base the amount on your confirmed participant count and the number of water stations. Allow enough for every planned stop, plus a reserve of roughly 10% for spills, hot weather, or runners taking an extra cup.
What should I buy for a 20 kilometer race water station?: Each station needs water jerry cans, disposable or reusable cups, and a foldable drink table. Add coolers if drinks must stay cold, and pack the supplies separately for each station so setup does not depend on last-minute sorting.
How many spare race bibs should I order?: Order one bib number and race bib strap per registered participant, then add about 5% spare supplies. For 100 runners, that means 105 bib numbers and straps, subject to how your numbering system works.
When should I prepare the shopping for a 20 kilometer run?: Finish the main shopping and equipment check at least 24 hours before the start. Buy or confirm personalised items such as bib numbers and timing chips immediately after registration closes, because replacements may take several days.

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