What to Buy for a 24-Hour Run

A 24-hour run needs more than race numbers and a marked course. You are supporting runners through a full day and night, so plan for lighting, power, refreshments, seating and quick fixes as well as race equipment. This shopping list covers the items used to mark the route, run registration, coordinate volunteers and keep the venue working after dark. Check quantities against your runner count, volunteer shifts and course layout before ordering.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Beer table setsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 4
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 6

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 8
LED string lightsqty 4
Headlampsqty 12

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 80
Race bib strapsqty 80
Route arrowsqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 30
Kilometer markersqty 10
Clipboardsqty 6
Round markersqty 500
Safety vestsqty 20
Course mapsqty 30
Start and finish arch
Spare shoelacesqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 8

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Soup potsqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4
Ice packsqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpans and brushesqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Disinfectant gelqty 6
Toilet paper rollsqty 24
Paper towel rollsqty 12

First aid

First aid kitsqty 2
Disposable glovesqty 4
Cold packsqty 12
Athletic tapeqty 8
Blister plastersqty 4
Emergency blanketsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 120 liters
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 liters
- Isotonic sports drink - 60 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Cocoa powder - 1 kilo
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Mandarins - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Raisins - 3 kilos
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Energy gels - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Whole wheat buns - 80 pieces
- Zwiebak - 6 packs
- Oatmeal - 4 kilos
- Yogurt - 12 liters
- Granola - 4 kilo
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Jam - 4 jars
- Honey - 2 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Vegetable Soup - 25 liters
- Chicken soup - 15 liters
- Pasta salad - 15 kilos
- Vegetarian pasta salad - 8 kilos
- Wraps - 100 pieces
- Ready-made pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Pasta - 8 kilo
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Salted pretzels - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Bouillon cubes - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Garbage bags - 120 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 6 packs

Tips

Plan at least one bib number and race bib strap per runner, plus 5–10% extra for late entries, damaged numbers or replacements. Sort the numbers before registration opens so check-in does not become a bottleneck.
For an overnight course, provide headlamps for key course workers and place LED work lights at the start, finish and registration area. Test every extension cord, power strip and light before the event, not on race day.
Mark the route with arrows, traffic cones, barrier tape and kilometer markers, then bring spare markers for weather damage or changes after the route check. Keep course maps on clipboards so volunteers can carry clear instructions.
Set aside reusable cups, plates and cutlery before shopping for refreshments, and bring coolers early enough to chill drinks. A 24-hour event usually needs several restocking checks, not one delivery at the start.
Pack spare shoelaces, power banks, stopwatches and walkie-talkies in a labelled equipment box. These small items are easy to forget and difficult to replace once the course, tents and start-finish arch are already in place.

Frequently asked questions

How many bib numbers should I buy for a 24-hour run?: Buy one bib number per registered runner and add 5–10% spares. For 100 runners, that means 105–110 bib numbers and matching straps, depending on your expected late registrations.
How much lighting do I need for a 24-hour run?: Light the start and finish, registration area, tent entrances and any dark working points with LED work lights or string lights. Test the complete setup at least 24 hours before the run and keep headlamps available for course checks and night volunteers.
What course-marking supplies are needed for a 24-hour race?: Use route arrows, traffic cones, barrier tape and kilometer markers, with course maps for volunteers. Prepare at least 10% extra marking supplies so you can replace items moved, damaged or lost during the event.
When should I buy supplies for a 24-hour run?: Order custom or numbered items at least 3–4 weeks ahead, especially bib numbers and race materials. Buy consumables and check power, lighting and venue equipment 3–7 days before the event, leaving time to replace missing items.

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