What you need for a 30 kilometer run

A 30 kilometer run needs more than race numbers and water. You’ll need supplies for registration, course marking, timing, volunteer coordination, first aid, and a workable finish area. Plan drinks for runners and volunteers separately, and buy disposable cups, water bottles, and cooling equipment before race week. The checklist below covers the physical items to purchase, rent, collect, or bring so setup does not stall on race morning.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Registration tablesqty 4
Distribution tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 20
Clothes racksqty 4

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 350
Safety pinsqty 800
Finisher medalsqty 350
Start and finish archqty 2
Route arrowsqty 80
Kilometer markersqty 30
Traffic conesqty 100
Crowd barriersqty 20
Disposable cupsqty 2500
Water bottlesqty 30
Coolersqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Route mapsqty 400
Reflective vestsqty 30
Conesqty 30

Equipment

Time registration system
Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Printer
PA system
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 8
Batteriesqty 40

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 400
Tea cupsqty 400
Platesqty 400
Cutlery setsqty 400

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 10
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12

First aid

First aid kitsqty 3
Cold packsqty 30
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Disposable glovesqty 100

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 180 liters
- Sparkling water - 60 liters
- Sports drink lemon - 60 liters
- Isotonic Sports Drink Red - 40 liters
- Cola - 24 liters
- Cola Zero - 24 liters
- Orange juice - 20 liters
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Coffee - 3 kilos
- Decaf coffee - 500 grams
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 80 bags
- Herbal tea - 60 tea bags
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Coffee cream - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 400 pieces
- Bananas - 35 kilos
- Apples - 25 kilos
- Oranges - 15 kilos
- Grapes - 10 kilos
- Muesli bars - 400 pieces
- Energy bars - 300 pieces
- Energy gels - 400 pieces
- Currant buns - 250 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White rolls - 250 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 150 pieces
- Young cheese - 6 kilo
- Hummus - 4 kilos
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Vegetable soup - 20 liters
- Vegetarian soup - 10 liters
- Paprika chips - 8 kilos
- Plain chips - 8 kilos
- Low-salt crackers - 6 packs
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Raisins - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 8 kilos
- Ice cubes - 40 kilos
- Paper napkins - 1200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Tissues - 12 boxes
- Bandages - 200 pieces
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Disinfectant wipes - 8 packs

Tips

Prepare race numbers, safety pins, route maps, and starter packs at least 2–3 days before the run. Keep a small spare set for missing or damaged numbers.
Keep drinks cold in coolers and place water bottles and disposable cups where volunteers can reach them quickly. Buy enough for the full event rather than relying on a last-minute shop run.
Check the timing setup before race day: test the time registration system, laptop, tablets, printer, stopwatches, power strips, extension cords, and power banks together.
Pack route supplies by checkpoint, including route arrows, kilometer markers, cones, traffic cones, and reflective vests. Label each bundle so volunteers can collect the right materials without sorting on site.
Count finish-area supplies separately from start-line supplies. Party tents, tables, chairs, barriers, medals, the PA system, and walkie-talkies are easy to overlook when the focus is on the course.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a 30 kilometer run?: Plan for race numbers, safety pins, medals, route arrows, kilometer markers, cones, drinks, disposable cups, coolers, reflective vests, and communication equipment. You’ll also need tables, chairs, tents, timing equipment, power supplies, and a PA system.
How much water do I need for a 30 kilometer race?: Use the expected runner count, volunteer count, and number of drink stations to calculate the total. As a starting point, allow 500–750 ml per runner for the course, then add extra water for volunteers, the finish area, warm weather, and spillage.
When should I prepare the race numbers and starter packs?: Assemble starter packs 2–3 days before the event, once the participant list is final. Keep spare bib numbers and safety pins available for late changes or damaged materials.
What equipment should I test before race day?: Test the time registration system, laptop, tablets, printer, stopwatches, PA system, walkie-talkies, extension cords, power strips, power banks, and batteries at least 24 hours before setup. Charge battery-powered equipment again on the evening before the run.

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