5 Mile Run Shopping List

Plan your shopping around the start area, finish area and route rather than buying everything for one central location. You’ll need visible race materials such as bib numbers and route arrows, plus water, cups and cooling equipment for participants. Volunteers also need practical supplies for timing, registration, communication and first aid. Check quantities against your registration list, route layout and volunteer schedule before shopping, then chill drinks and charge phones and power banks before race day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 30
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 250
Race bib strapsqty 250
Route arrowsqty 80
Traffic conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic barriersqty 20
Stopwatchesqty 4
Clipboardsqty 8
Whistlesqty 10
First aid kitsqty 2
Blanketsqty 20
Stretchersqty 2
Water jugsqty 12

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Printer

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

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

Decorations

Start and finish arch
Bannersqty 6
Route signsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 300 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange juice - 20 liters
- Apple juice - 10 liters
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 3 kilogram
- Bananas - 250 pieces
- Apples - 250 pieces
- Mandarins - 150 pieces
- Grapes - 15 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 250 pieces
- Currant buns - 150 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 10 loaves
- Multigrain bread - 6 loaves
- Cheese - 4 kilogram
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Disinfecting wipes - 8 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand sanitizer - 10 bottles
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Disposable rain ponchos - 30 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bib number and one race bib strap for every registered runner, plus a small spare supply for damaged or missing items. Sort the numbers before participants arrive so registration does not become a queue.
Place route arrows, cones, barrier tape and traffic barriers according to the final route check. Count them by turn, crossing and restricted section instead of estimating one total for the whole five-mile course.
Plan water and cups for the start and finish areas, and chill the drinks in coolers ahead of time. Reusable cups, water jugs and waste bins should be positioned where runners can reach them without blocking the finish flow.
Pack a separate volunteer kit with clipboards, stopwatches, whistles, mobile phones and power banks. Give each checkpoint only the equipment it needs, and keep one charged phone and one first aid kit at the finish.
Do not leave catering supplies until the last day if coffee or food is being served. Check the number of registered runners and volunteers, then match plates, cutlery sets, coffee cups and reusable cups to that number with a small reserve.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a 5 mile run?: Plan for bib numbers and straps, route arrows, cones, barrier tape, timing and first-aid equipment, water, cups, coolers and waste bins. If you are serving refreshments, add coffee cups, plates and cutlery sets for the expected number of people.
How many race bibs do I need for a 5 mile run?: Buy one bib number and one strap per registered runner, then add around 5% spare bibs and straps. For 100 runners, that means 105 of each if your supplier allows small extra quantities.
How much water should I buy for a 5 mile run?: Use your registration total and planned weather conditions to calculate the drink supply, with at least one serving point at the finish and extra water for volunteers. Chill the drinks several hours before the start and keep reserve water in jugs or coolers.
When should I prepare the shopping for a 5 mile run?: Order printed bibs and any specialist route equipment at least 2–3 weeks before race day. Buy perishable drinks and refreshment supplies during the final week, then check the forecast and chill drinks the day before.

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