What you need for a BMX race

A BMX race needs more than bikes and a starting gate. You will also need equipment for registration, timing, track preparation, rider safety, announcements and crowd control. Plan supplies around the number of riders, race categories and helpers, then add spares for items that can fail or go missing. This checklist covers the practical purchases and equipment to bring, including power, tableware and tools for race day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Beer tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Registration desk
Judges' table
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

BMX bikesqty 4
Spare helmetsqty 8
Starting gate
Bib numbersqty 120
Rugby tapeqty 6
Conesqty 40
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Ribbonsqty 10
Rake the trackqty 3
Scoopsqty 3
Hand toolsqty 2
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 8
Stretcher
Manual bike pumpsqty 4
Tire leversqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Allen key setsqty 4
Chain oilqty 4
Cable tiesqty 200
Rubber malletsqty 2
Vestsqty 20

Equipment

Timing system
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Ice packsqty 24

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Litter pickersqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Mopqty 2

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Bannersqty 8
Direction signsqty 12
Prize tablecloth

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 30 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Croissants - 100 pieces
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 packs
- Sports tape - 6 rolls
- Fever compresses - 4 pieces
- Sunscreen cream - 4 bottles
- Waterproof markers - 2 sets
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bib number for every registered rider, plus at least 10% extra for late changes, damaged numbers or unreadable prints. Keep tape and spare markers at the registration desk.
Allow one working helmet for every rider who needs to borrow one, with at least two spare helmets available. Check every bicycle, helmet and starting-gate connection before riders arrive.
For timing and announcements, bring one laptop, printer, timing system, microphone and speaker setup, then add two power banks and enough extension cords and power strips to reach each operating point safely.
Set out one registration desk and one judges’ table before opening check-in. Provide enough chairs for officials and registration staff, and keep printed start lists and the match schedule in separate, clearly marked stacks.
Bring cones, barriers, ribbons, a rake, scoops and hand tools for track checks and repairs. Complete the track inspection before the first race and keep the repair equipment accessible throughout the event.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a BMX race?: At minimum, plan for BMX bikes, helmets, a starting gate, bib numbers, a timing system, a laptop, a printer and communication equipment. Add cones, barriers, ribbons and hand tools for the track and spectator areas.
How many spare BMX helmets should I bring?: Bring at least two spare helmets in addition to the helmets assigned to riders who need to borrow one. Check sizes before registration opens so replacements can be issued without delaying the first race.
How many bib numbers do I need for a BMX race?: Prepare one bib number per registered rider and add at least 10% extra. For 50 riders, that means 55 bib numbers, giving you room for damaged prints, mistakes or late entries.
When should I buy the supplies for a BMX race?: Buy medals, prizes, bib numbers, printed materials and disposable or reusable serving items at least 7 days before race day. Check power, timing and safety equipment again 24 hours before the event.

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