What you need for a BMX race

A BMX race needs more than bikes and a starting gate. You will need clear course marking, rider numbers, crowd control, timing equipment, tools and shelter for officials and volunteers. Buy or reserve items according to the number of riders, race categories and course layout, not just the expected audience. This checklist helps you spot easy-to-forget supplies before race day, including spare equipment, printed signs and backup ways to communicate results and instructions.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 6
Bar stoolsqty 12
Stage sectionsqty 4

Sports equipment

Starting gate
Starting blocksqty 8
Bib numbersqty 120
Number signsqty 120
Starting ribbonsqty 10
Finish ribbon
Crowd control barriersqty 40
Crowd barriersqty 30
Conesqty 60
Marking tapeqty 12
Course signsqty 12
Directional signsqty 10
Chalk sprayqty 8
Spare bicyclesqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 4
Tool setsqty 3
Bicycle racksqty 12

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 3
Printer
Timing set
Megaphoneqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Cool bagsqty 4
Nitrile glovesqty 4
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving plattersqty 12
Soup ladlesqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Food warmersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Pitchersqty 8

Decorations

BMX flagsqty 12
Starting bannersqty 2
Stage backdrop
Competition postersqty 20

Lighting

LED lampsqty 10
String lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Waste binsqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 3
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea selection - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Chocolate milk - 12 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Sports drink - 8 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Oat bars - 10 boxes
- Muesli bars - 8 boxes
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Mandarins - 8 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Snack nuts - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mini sausages - 8 cans
- Cheese cubes - 5 kilos
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilo
- Carrots - 5 kilos
- Hummus - 10 tubs
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini rolls - 180 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 12 bags
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Back ham - 4 kilos
- Sliced chicken breast - 4 kilos
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 3 packs
- Butter - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Tomato soup - 12 liters
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Vegetarian soup - 8 liters
- Breadsticks - 8 packs
- Croquettes - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian croquettes - 30 pieces
- Frikandellen - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 30 pieces
- Fry sauce - 4 bottles
- Curry - 4 bottles
- Bitterballen - 150 pieces
- Vegetarian bitterballen - 40 pieces
- Fries - 25 kilos
- Salt - 2 kilos
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Coffee filters - 4 packs
- Dish soap - 6 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 2 boxes
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 24 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper coffee cups - 300 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Wooden snack forks - 300 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bib number and one clearly visible number sign per rider, plus at least 10% extra for damaged, lost or late replacements. Print the race numbers before registration closes so the start lists and numbering match.
Plan crowd control before ordering barriers: measure the start, finish and spectator edges, then add roughly 10% extra barrier length for gaps, access points and last-minute course changes.
Bring at least two bike pumps and one complete tool set for a small race; for larger fields, provide one pump per 20 riders and keep spare bicycles available for mechanical or safety needs.
Allow one table and two chairs for each staffed administration or judging point, with an extra table for registration or equipment. Add a tent wherever officials, timing equipment or first-aid staff must work out of the weather.
Test the timing set, laptop, tablets, printer, microphone and speakers at least 24 hours before racing. Pack charging cables, extension leads and printed start lists as a backup if the electronic system fails.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a BMX race?: Plan for a starting gate or starting blocks, bib numbers, course and directional signs, cones, marking tape, crowd barriers, a timing set, communication equipment and bicycle tools. Add tables, chairs and tents for officials and volunteers based on the number of staffed stations.
How many BMX race bib numbers should I order?: Order one number for every registered rider, plus at least 10% extra. For 80 riders, that means 88 bib numbers, so you can replace a lost or damaged number without renumbering the field.
How many bike pumps and tool sets are needed at a BMX race?: For a small event, take at least two pumps and one complete tool set. For larger races, use one pump per 20 riders and place the tools near the start area, pits or bicycle racks where riders can reach them quickly.
When should I test BMX race timing and audio equipment?: Test the timing set, laptop, printer, microphone and speakers at least 24 hours before the first race. Repeat a short live test on race morning, before riders enter the start area, and keep printed start lists available as backup.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.