What to Buy for a Backyard Ultra

A backyard ultra needs more than race bibs and a start line. You need supplies that keep runners, volunteers and the course organized through repeated laps, changing weather and potentially late finishes. Plan route markers, shelter, lighting, timing equipment, power, hydration and food before shopping. Quantities depend on your runner count and lap length, but this guide highlights the items people most often underestimate or arrange too late.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 4

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 25
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 4
Bib numbersqty 50
Race bib strapsqty 50
Clipboardsqty 4
Whistlesqty 4

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 4
Laptopsqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6
Headlampsqty 6

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 12 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Honey - 1 jar
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Bananas - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 4 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Oranges - 3 kilograms
- Raisins - 2 bags
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- White bread rolls - 40 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 40 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 2 kilogram
- Sliced chicken breast - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Oat bars - 60 pieces
- Energy gels - 80 pieces
- Salted chips - 6 bags
- Pretzels - 4 bags
- Salted crackers - 4 packs
- Broth - 40 servings
- Soup - 8 liters
- Instant noodles - 20 portions
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Bowlsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 50

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 4
Cooling matsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Hand sanitizer holdersqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 6

Tips

Plan one clearly marked route system plus spare arrows, cones and barrier tape. Walk the course shortly before race day and keep extra markers available for signs that move or disappear.
Provide at least one reusable cup or drinking option per participant, plus extras for volunteers. For drinks, prepare roughly 2–3 servings per runner for the first hour and refill supplies for every planned lap.
Allow one chair per volunteer and enough tables for registration, food, drinks and race control. Add at least one spare table so bibs, clipboards and timing equipment do not get mixed with catering.
Check power before race day: use power strips and extension cords for fixed equipment, then keep power banks available for laptops, phones and timing backups. Test every charger and stopwatch at least 24 hours beforehand.
Pack lighting for the full expected duration, not just the start. Use lanterns around the venue, headlamps for course checks and spare batteries so a late finish does not depend on daylight.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a backyard ultra?: Start with 2–3 drink servings per runner for the first hour, then replenish for each lap. Add extra water for volunteers and keep a reserve of at least 10–20% above your calculated total.
How many route markers are needed for a backyard ultra?: Count every turn and decision point on the route, then add at least 20% spare arrows and cones. A course inspection 24–48 hours before the event helps identify sections that need additional marking.
How many tables and chairs do I need?: Plan one chair per volunteer plus a few spare seats, and reserve separate table space for registration, food, drinks and race control. For a small event, four functional table areas is a practical starting point; scale up with participant numbers.
When should I buy supplies for a backyard ultra?: Buy durable equipment and route supplies at least 1–2 weeks ahead. Purchase perishables 1–2 days before the event, then check the weather and inspect the route again within 24 hours of the start.

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