What you need for an aquathlon

An aquathlon needs more than swim and run equipment. You also need a clear way to mark the course, keep swimmers visible and safe, manage race numbers, and direct participants between disciplines. This shopping list covers the practical equipment for the swim course, transition area, running route, registration point, and event team. Check quantities against your participant list, number of heats, course layout, and weather plan before buying or collecting anything.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 4
Storage cratesqty 12

Sports equipment

Lane ropesqty 8
Buoysqty 12
Swim capsqty 120
Bib numbersqty 120
Race bib strapsqty 120
Medal ribbonsqty 120
Stopwatchesqty 8
Stage cupsqty 12
Course tapeqty 10
Conesqty 40
Route signsqty 25
Directional signsqty 20
Crowd barriersqty 20
Traffic conesqty 20
Cable matsqty 8
Life ringsqty 6
Rescue linesqty 6
Whistlesqty 12
Life jacketsqty 12
Vestsqty 20
Course clocksqty 4

Equipment

Megaphoneqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Laptop
Printer

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Pitcherqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pliersqty 6
Bottle openersqty 4
Serving traysqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Trash bagsqty 80
Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Cleaning sprayqty 4
Paper towelsqty 12
Toilet paperqty 48

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast - 3 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Oranges - 8 kilo
- Raisins - 3 kilos
- Yogurt - 10 liters
- Granola - 4 kilo
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Herb cheese - 2 kilos
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Lactose-free yogurt - 4 liter
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Toilet freshener - 6
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 packs
- Disinfectant - 2 bottles
- Cooling packs - 12 pieces

Tips

Prepare one swim cap and one race bib for every participant, plus a small spare supply for late replacements, damaged numbers, or incorrect entries. Keep bib straps and medal ribbons together with the race numbers so they are not missed during packing.
Use lane ropes and buoys to define the swim course, then add course tape, cones, and route signs for the run. Mark every turn and confusing junction before race day; a single missing direction sign can send runners off course.
Plan safety equipment around the swim area, not just the number of competitors. Place life rings and rescue lines where staff can reach them quickly, and provide whistles, life jackets, and visible vests for the people supervising the course.
Set aside practical equipment for timing and communication: stopwatches, course clocks, a megaphone, walkie-talkies, and power banks. Charge communication devices before setup and pack spare power banks so a flat battery does not disrupt the start or finish.
Protect the event setup from changing weather and wet equipment. Party tents, storage crates, cable mats, tables, chairs, and coat racks should be checked against the venue layout, while barriers and traffic cones should be ready for separating participants from vehicles or spectators.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an aquathlon?: For each participant, plan a swim cap, race bib, bib strap, and medal ribbon. The course also needs lane ropes, buoys, cones, route signs, timing equipment, communication tools, and clearly assigned water-safety equipment.
How many swim caps and race numbers should I buy for an aquathlon?: Buy one swim cap and one race number per registered participant, then add at least 5% spare stock. For 100 participants, that means 105 caps and race numbers, with matching spare bib straps where possible.
What safety equipment is needed for an aquathlon swim?: Provide accessible life rings and rescue lines, plus whistles and visible vests for safety staff. The exact number depends on the course and supervision plan, but safety equipment should be positioned before the first heat and checked again on event morning.
When should I prepare the aquathlon shopping list?: Build the list as soon as registration numbers and the course layout are available, ideally several weeks before the event. Recheck quantities after registration closes and complete the final equipment check no later than the day before setup.

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