What to buy for a couples run

A couples run needs more than race numbers and a marked route. Plan supplies for registration, course safety, timing, refreshments and the finish area, with enough seating and shelter for participants and volunteers. Buy or gather reusable tableware, coolers, coffee equipment and serving supplies before the final setup day. Check quantities against your participant list, then add a small reserve for damaged bibs, spilled drinks and unexpected arrivals.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 4
Table skirtsqty 8

Sports equipment

Start and finish arch
Directional signsqty 20
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Bib numbersqty 120
Start number bandsqty 120
Stopwatchesqty 4
Whistlesqty 6
Safety vestsqty 12
Medalsqty 120
Winner's cupsqty 6

Equipment

Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 150
Reusable cutleryqty 150
Serving plattersqty 12
Coffee cupsqty 60

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Cooking supplies
Ice cube traysqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloon archesqty 2

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Isotonic sports drink - 48 bottles
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 6 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Oranges - 5 kilogram
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 10 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Mini raisin buns - 80 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Jam - 4 jars
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Table sugar - 2 packs
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles
- Kitchen gloves - 2 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Sports tape - 6 rolls
- Cold packs - 10 pieces
- Tissues - 12 packs

Tips

Prepare one bib number and one start number band for each runner, then keep at least 5% extra for last-minute changes or replacements. Sort them in registration order so pairs can collect their numbers quickly.
Allow roughly 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour after the run, plus extra water for volunteers. Use coolers to keep drinks cold and reusable cups to reduce the amount of waste at the finish area.
Place directional signs and cones at every turn, crossing and unclear section of the route. Keep barrier tape available for restricted areas, and provide safety vests for every volunteer working near traffic or the start and finish.
For a coffee and tea station, prepare at least one coffee cup per expected drink and enough thermos flask capacity for the first serving wave. Set out serving platters, cutting boards and cooking supplies before the catering buffet opens.
Test the portable speaker, wireless microphone, extension cords and power strips before participants arrive. Keep the sound equipment away from drink stations and bring spare batteries or a backup way to make announcements.

Frequently asked questions

How many bib numbers do I need for a couples run?: Prepare one bib number per runner, not per couple. Add at least 5% extra; for 100 runners, prepare 105 bib numbers and matching start number bands.
How many drinks should I buy for a couples run?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour after the run, then add extra for volunteers and helpers. For 100 participants, that means at least 200–300 drinks before adding your reserve.
How much coffee do I need for a couples run?: Plan one coffee serving for each person who is likely to use the station, plus about 10% extra. For 100 people, prepare capacity for roughly 110 cups and have the first batch ready before the finishers arrive.
When should I prepare the shopping for a couples run?: Buy non-perishable equipment and tableware at least 3–7 days beforehand. Chill drinks, check catering supplies and pack bibs and route equipment no later than the day before the run.

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