What do you need for a bubble run?

A bubble run needs more than bubble solution and a route. You’ll need race supplies for participants, equipment to run bubble machines safely, and practical items for registration, hydration, signage and waste. Plan quantities from your participant limit, then add a small buffer for damaged bibs, extra cups and last-minute volunteers. Order medals, race numbers and rented equipment early, especially once registrations start coming in.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Registration tablesqty 3
Buffet tablesqty 5
Folding chairsqty 30
High tablesqty 8
Start arch
Finish arch
Waste binsqty 12

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 180
Safety pinsqty 400
Finisher medalsqty 180
Directional signsqty 25
Conesqty 40
Traffic conesqty 30
Crowd barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 8
Hand stopwatchesqty 4
Starter pistol
Sports bagsqty 6

Equipment

Bubble machinesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4
Power stripsqty 8
Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Mixer
Coolersqty 6
Rechargeable work lightsqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable platesqty 200
Reusable cutleryqty 220
Coffee cupsqty 80
Water jugsqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Water kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Ice packsqty 24
Water dispensersqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Hand broomsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Sparkling water - 60 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee biscuits - 6 packs
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Wholemeal rolls - 120 pieces
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Back ham - 4 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salt sticks - 8 bags
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Bananas - 15 kilos
- Apples - 15 kilo
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Oranges - 10 kilos
- Mini carrots - 6 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Freezer bags - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 60 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 10 packs
- Latex gloves - 6 boxes
- Bubble fluid - 60 liters
- Paper tasting cups - 500 pieces
- Wristband cords - 200 pieces
- Wristbands - 200 pieces
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces
- Tape - 12 rolls
- Duct tape - 8 rolls
- Cable ties - 500 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces

Tips

Order bib numbers, safety pins and finisher medals for every registered participant, then add around 5% spare stock. This covers lost numbers, damaged items and late additions without reopening the order.
Check how many bubble machines can run at the same time and match them with extension cords, cable reels and power strips. Keep cables away from wet areas and pedestrian routes, and bring rechargeable work lights if setup or pack-down may happen in low light.
Plan one registration table, waste bin and directional sign for each busy access point rather than placing everything at the start line. Put signs at turns and crossings where runners are most likely to hesitate.
Bring reusable cups, coolers and enough drinking water for the participant limit, volunteers and first-aid staff. If you are serving drinks for an hour, allow roughly 2–3 drinks per person for that first hour.
Keep cones, traffic cones, barrier tape and crowd barriers together in a course-safety kit. Pack them before event day and assign one volunteer to check the route again after the bubble machines and start equipment are in place.

Frequently asked questions

How many medals and bib numbers do I need for a bubble run?: Prepare one medal and one bib number per registered participant, plus about 5% extra. For 200 runners, that means 210 medals and bib numbers; order earlier if production or delivery can take several weeks.
How much bubble solution do I need for a bubble run?: The amount depends on the number and output of your bubble machines, so check each machine’s consumption before buying. Prepare enough for the full run plus at least 20% extra, because refilling during the event is difficult.
What power equipment is needed for bubble machines?: For each powered machine, plan a safe connection using suitable extension cords or cable reels, with power strips only where the load allows it. Test the complete setup at least one day before the run and keep spare power banks for phones and small devices.
When should I order bubble run equipment and supplies?: Order medals, bib numbers and any rented bubble machines as soon as the participant limit and event date are confirmed. Aim for at least 3–4 weeks before the run, and finish the final quantity check after registrations close.

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