What you need for a BMX race

A BMX race needs more than bikes and a starting gate. You also need a reliable registration setup, visible race numbers, safety equipment, tools for quick repairs and enough shelter for officials and riders. Use the quantities below as a starting point, then adjust them to your rider count and track layout. Buy or collect items early, especially spare helmets, inner tubes, barriers and power equipment, because these are easy to overlook until race day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Registration desk
Judges' table

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 100
Race numbersqty 100
BMX bikesqty 10
Spare helmetsqty 10
Spare glovesqty 10
Starting gate
Conesqty 30
Crowd control barriersqty 40
Ribbonsqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 4
Round signsqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 4
Tool setsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 6
Cable tiesqty 200
Cups and medalsqty 30
Vouchersqty 10
Start flagsqty 3
Competition bibsqty 20
Spare bike locksqty 10

Equipment

Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 2
Printers
Mobile phonesqty 4
Megaphone
Sound speakerqty 2
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Small bowlsqty 20

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving tongsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 3

Decorations

Competition banner
Directional signsqty 12
Prize tablecloth

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Hand broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 48 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Ice tea - 12 bottles
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Halal chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Nut-free granola bars - 30 pieces
- Satay skewers - 1 pack
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Rubber gloves - 2 boxes
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 packs
- Bandages - 6 rolls
- Wound disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Cold compresses - 12 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes
- Sunscreen - 6 bottles
- Trash bag ties - 2 rolls
- Highlighters - 2 packs

Tips

Prepare one race number and one bib number for every registered rider, plus at least 10% extra for last-minute changes or damaged numbers. Keep the spare numbers at the registration desk.
For refreshments, allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra water for riders, officials and volunteers working outdoors.
Set aside at least two complete tool sets, a bike pump, tire levers and one spare inner tube for every 10 riders. Keep these at a clearly marked repair point rather than in the registration area.
Use one stopwatch per official who records times, and keep two spare stopwatches available. Test all laptops, tablets, printers, phones, microphones and speakers at least one day before the race.
Plan crowd control before the course inspection: place barriers and cones where spectators could enter the track, and bring cable ties, extension cords and power strips for safe, tidy equipment setup.

Frequently asked questions

How many race numbers do I need for a BMX race?: Prepare one race number and one bib number per rider, then add 10% spare. For 40 riders, that means 44 race numbers and 44 bib numbers.
How much drinking water should I buy for a BMX race?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one more per person for every extra hour. For 50 people at a three-hour event, plan for roughly 200 drinks, with water making up most of them.
How many spare helmets and gloves should I have?: Keep at least four spare helmets and four pairs of spare gloves for a group of up to 40 riders. For larger groups, add one spare helmet and one pair of gloves per additional 10 riders.
When should I buy BMX race supplies?: Buy race numbers, prizes, safety equipment and repair supplies at least two weeks before the event. Check electronics, tents, tables and power equipment one day before setup.

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