What you need for a 5 kilometer walk

A 5 kilometer walk needs more than water and a printed route. You will need supplies for registration, clear route marking, a staffed rest stop, and a simple start area. Plan drinks and snacks for the number of walkers, then add first-aid and weather backup supplies. Buy disposable tableware, route materials, and stationery early; safety pins, batteries, and power banks are easy to overlook until setup day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 8
Waste binsqty 4
Tableclothqty 6

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 35
Marker conesqty 12
Bib numbersqty 60
Safety pinsqty 120
Route mapsqty 60
Clipboardsqty 3
Pensqty 20
Measuring tape

Safety

First aid kit
Emergency blanketsqty 4
Safety vestsqty 10

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Mobile phonesqty 4
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Water glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Scissorsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 3

Decorations

Start/finish ribbonqty 2
Buntingqty 6
Route signsqty 8
Information boardsqty 3

Cleaning

Litter pickersqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Isotonic sports drink - 24 bottles
- Mini water bottles - 72 pieces
- Mini muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- White bake-off rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole grain bake-off rolls - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Whole grain cookies - 4 packs
- Raisins - 2 bags
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Allow about 500 ml of water per participant for the walk, plus extra for volunteers. Chill the drinks before setup and keep additional stock in coolers.
Plan one snack portion per participant and bring at least 10% extra for late registrations or larger appetites. Use plates, serving tongs, and cutting boards at the rest area.
Prepare one bib number and two safety pins per walker, then add 10% spare numbers and pins. Keep the list, pens, clipboards, and route maps together at the start table.
Use route arrows and marker cones at turns, crossings, and confusing sections rather than spacing them at a fixed distance. Pack spare signs and a measuring tape for last-minute adjustments.
Take a first aid kit, emergency blankets, safety vests, flashlights, and fully charged mobile phones. Bring power banks and LED lamps if setup, registration, or the finish may continue after dark.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a 5 kilometer walk?: Plan around 500 ml per participant, then add 10% to 20% extra for warm weather and volunteers. For 40 walkers, that means at least 20 litres, plus a reserve.
How many snacks should I buy for a 5 kilometer walk?: Buy one snack portion per registered walker and add 10% extra. For 40 participants, prepare at least 44 portions so the rest stop can cover late arrivals and volunteers.
When should I buy supplies for a 5 kilometer walk?: Buy route signs, bib numbers, safety pins, first-aid supplies, and stationery at least 7 days before the event. Purchase fresh snacks and chilled drinks 1 to 2 days beforehand.
What should I bring to the start area of a 5 kilometer walk?: Bring tables, chairs, a tablecloth, bib numbers, safety pins, the participant list, clipboards, pens, route maps, drinks, and waste bins. Pack 10% spare registration materials and keep the first-aid kit easy to reach.

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