What you need for a 50-kilometer run

A 50-kilometer run needs more than race numbers and medals. You need clearly marked sections of the course, enough hydration points, reliable communication and practical equipment for registration, first aid, luggage and the finish area. This shopping list covers the supplies to buy or bring, from safety pins and kilometer markers to walkie-talkies, power banks and portable lighting. Check quantities against your runner count, volunteer schedule and the number of aid stations before ordering.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 18
Folding chairsqty 30
Bar stoolsqty 6
Waste binsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 130
Safety pinsqty 300
Medal ribbonsqty 120
Route arrowsqty 100
Kilometer markersqty 50
Traffic conesqty 80
Crowd barriersqty 30
Conesqty 40
Start arch
Finish clock
Stopwatchesqty 6
Clipboardsqty 12
Whistlesqty 15
Vestsqty 25
Luggage tagsqty 130
Luggage netsqty 2
Hydration backpacksqty 4

Equipment

Megaphoneqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Power banksqty 8
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Portable LED lampsqty 8
Cash register
Printer
Laptopsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Bowlsqty 120
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120

Kitchen

Coolersqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 8
Water jugsqty 20
Cutting boardsqty 6
Knivesqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12
Scissorsqty 6
Insulated glovesqty 6

Cleaning

Hand soap dispensersqty 8
Paper towel dispensersqty 8
Bucketsqty 8
Cleaning clothsqty 30

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 48 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 120 liter
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea - 150 bags
- Hot chocolate - 10 liter
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Bananas - 25 kilos
- Apples - 20 kilo
- Oranges - 15 kilos
- Grapes - 10 kilos
- Dates - 5 kilos
- Raisins - 4 kilos
- Currant buns - 150 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 150 pieces
- Peanut butter - 6 jars
- Jam - 6 jars
- Honey - 3 jars
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Cheese - 5 kilos
- Slices of chicken breast - 3 kilo
- Sponge cakes - 150 pieces
- Muesli bars - 250 pieces
- Energy gels - 250 pieces
- Salted crackers - 12 packs
- Pretzels - 8 bags
- Broth - 20 liter
- Soup vegetables - 4 kilos
- Tomato soup - 10 liters
- Vegetarian soup - 10 liters
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 1 can
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 4 bottles
- Bandages - 5 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 5 boxes
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Ice cubes - 40 kilos
- Cooling packs - 40 pieces
- Paper drinking cups - 1000 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Bread bags - 300 pieces

Tips

Plan one bib number, four safety pins and one medal ribbon per registered runner, plus at least 5% extra for damaged items, late entries or replacements.
For a long course, prepare route arrows and kilometer markers for every planned turn and major distance point. Sort them by course section before race morning so volunteers are not searching through boxes.
Give each aid station its own hydration supplies, tables and first-aid setup. Add extra coolers and cups or bottles where runners may arrive close together, especially during the first few hours.
Assign one walkie-talkie or other communication method to each key team, including course officials, the finish area and first aid. Charge all devices the day before and pack power banks as backup.
Keep registration, the start arch and finish area ready for changing weather: party tents, folding tables, chairs, waste bins and portable LED lamps should be checked and packed at least one day before the run.

Frequently asked questions

How many bib numbers and safety pins do I need for a 50-kilometer run?: Prepare one bib number and four safety pins per registered runner. Order or pack at least 5% extra, so a field of 100 runners means 105 bibs and 420 pins as a practical minimum.
How many route markers are needed for a 50-kilometer race?: There is no fixed number because it depends on turns and intersections. Mark every turn with route arrows and use kilometer markers at the points shown on the course plan; sort and count them by section at least one day before setup.
When should I prepare the starter packs and race equipment?: Assemble starter packs and sort bibs, ribbons, safety pins and luggage tags at least 24 hours before the start. Load route signs, cones, barriers and communication equipment by course section on the same day.
How much communication and backup power equipment do volunteers need?: Provide one charged walkie-talkie for each key operational team and keep at least one spare unit available. Charge power banks and pack extension cords, power strips and portable LED lamps the day before, not on race morning.

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