What to Buy for a Bike Marathon

A bike marathon needs more than food and start numbers. Plan supplies for registration, route marking, rider identification, bike repairs, communication, catering, and the start and finish areas. This checklist includes practical items such as spare inner tubes, pumps, cones, signs, wristbands, cups, power banks, and walkie-talkies. Check quantities against your participant count, volunteer team, route length, and whether riders receive a starter pack or medal.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 20
Benchesqty 4

Sports equipment

Route signsqty 35
Directional signsqty 25
Traffic conesqty 40
Bib numbersqty 120
Wristbandsqty 120
Medal ribbonsqty 120
Bike pumpsqty 3
Bike repair standsqty 2
Tool setsqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Tire leversqty 6
Bike locksqty 4
Chain oilqty 3

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Label printer
Laptop

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving traysqty 8

Catering

Coolersqty 6
Water dispensersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Soup kettlesqty 2
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 200 bottles
- Spa Rood - 40 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 80 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange juice - 20 liters
- Apple juice - 20 liters
- Coffee - 5 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon slices - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 200 pieces
- Apples - 120 pieces
- Mandarins - 120 pieces
- Grapes - 10 kilos
- Energy gels - 180 pieces
- Energy bars - 180 pieces
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 kilos
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- White rolls - 150 pieces
- Wholegrain rolls - 100 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Back ham - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetable Soup - 25 liters
- Tomato Soup - 25 liter
- Croutons - 3 kilo
- Parsley - 5 bunches
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Herb broth - 2 boxes
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Bread bags - 200 pieces

Decorations

Start banner
Finish banner
Flagsqty 20

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
Headlampsqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 6
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Waste binsqty 8

Tips

Prepare one bib number and wristband per registered rider, plus at least 5% extra for replacements, late changes, or damaged items.
For bike support, bring several spare inner tubes in the common wheel sizes, at least two pumps, tire levers, chain oil, and a complete tool set at each main support point.
Plan route signs and directional signs for every turn, junction, and unclear section. Add roughly 10% extra signs and secure them with traffic cones where riders or vehicles could be confused.
Allow 2–3 reusable cups per participant for the first hour of refreshments, then add cups for volunteers. If coffee is served, provide one coffee cup per expected serving rather than relying on the drinking cups.
Charge walkie-talkies, speakers, and power banks the day before. Pack extension cords and power strips only after confirming the start and finish locations have safe access to power.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a bike marathon?: Bring rider identification, route and directional signs, traffic cones, bike pumps, repair stands, tool sets, spare inner tubes, tire levers, chain oil, and bike locks. You will also need communication equipment, timing equipment, catering tableware, tents, tables, chairs, and starter-pack supplies.
How many spare inner tubes should I buy for a bike marathon?: A practical starting point is 1 spare inner tube for every 10–15 riders, with a minimum of 10 tubes for a small event. Buy extra tubes when the route is long, remote, or uses mixed wheel sizes.
How many route signs and cones do I need?: Count every turn, junction, hazard, and point where riders could leave the route, then add about 10% spare signs. Use at least 2 cones for each marked-off area and more wherever traffic or spectators need clear separation.
When should I buy the supplies for a bike marathon?: Order custom bib numbers, wristbands, ribbons, and printed signs at least 2–3 weeks before the event. Buy consumables and check equipment 3–5 days ahead, then charge power banks and communication devices the day before.

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