What you need for a diabetes run

A diabetes run needs more than race numbers and water. You also need clearly marked checkpoints, hydration supplies, medical equipment, power, communication gear and shelter for the start and finish area. This shopping list brings those details together, including items that are easy to arrange too late, such as emergency blankets, spare power banks and volunteer visibility vests. Check quantities against your number of runners, route length, stations and volunteers before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Beer tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
High tablesqty 8
Waste binsqty 10
Coolersqty 8

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Payment terminalsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 10

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 220
Race bib strapsqty 220
Medal ribbonsqty 220
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 8
Water cupsqty 500
Drink dispensersqty 8
Blanketsqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 6
Bikesqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
AEDs
Reflective vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 8
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Ice packsqty 24

Signage

Directional signsqty 30
Directional signsqty 20
Start/finish arch
Information boardsqty 8
Notice boardsqty 3

Administration

Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 40
Markersqty 20
Staplersqty 4
Name stickersqty 250
Table numbersqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Coffee potsqty 6
Teapotsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 10
Storage binsqty 12
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Balloon archesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 12
Bannersqty 6

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 8
Battery lampsqty 12

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Rood - 120 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 80 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar sticks - 500 pieces
- Sweetener - 300 pieces
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon - 20 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Bananas - 180 pieces
- Apples - 150 pieces
- Grapes - 15 kilos
- Mandarins - 100 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- Gluten-free bread - 4 loaves
- Whole wheat wraps - 120 pieces
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Chicken breast spread - 8 packs
- Young cheese - 8 packs
- Dairy spread - 8 tubs
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Bell peppers - 30 pieces
- Herb cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Olives - 6 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Unsalted nuts - 8 kilo
- Rice cakes - 12 packs
- Wholegrain crackers - 12 packs
- Sugar-free muesli bars - 240 pieces
- Glucose tablets - 40 rolls
- Dextrose gel - 40 tubes
- Raisins - 80 bags
- Yogurt - 80 cups
- Plant-based yogurt - 24 cups
- Herbs - 6 jars
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam without added sugar - 4 jars
- Butter - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 800 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Tea bags - 250 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Organic waste bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 12 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Latex-free gloves - 20 boxes
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 10 packs
- Disinfectant - 6 bottles
- Wound bandages - 10 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 500 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one water and care station for every 3–5 kilometres, then match cups, drink dispensers, coolers and water to the number of runners expected. Buy extra cups rather than relying on an exact count.
Prepare one race bib, bib strap and medal ribbon per participant, plus a small spare supply for damaged or missing items. Sort bib numbers and wristbands before setup so registration does not become a bottleneck.
Give each checkpoint a clear safety and communication kit: a walkie-talkie, first aid kit, reflective vest, stopwatch and route signs. Add flashlights when any part of setup, the run or pack-down takes place in low light.
Allow at least one power bank for each key volunteer team and bring extension cords and power strips for the sound system, laptops and payment terminals. Test the full setup before race day instead of discovering a missing adapter at the start.
Keep blankets, emergency blankets and first aid kits at the finish area as well as at care points. An AED should be easy to reach, and volunteers should know its location before runners arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a diabetes run?: Use the runner count, weather and route length to calculate the total, with a water station about every 3–5 kilometres. Stock enough cups and drinking water for every participant at each station, plus an extra 10–20% for spills, volunteers and warm conditions.
What medical supplies should I bring to a diabetes run?: Bring first aid kits, AED access, emergency blankets and blankets, with equipment placed at the finish and at care stations. Confirm the medical plan and station locations at least 1 week before the run, and brief volunteers on how to call for help.
How many race bibs and medal ribbons do I need?: Prepare one bib, strap and medal ribbon per registered runner, then add 5–10% spare items for late changes, damage or replacements. Sort the bib numbers before registration opens on race day.
What equipment do volunteers need on the route?: Each checkpoint needs visible identification, such as a reflective vest, route signs or barrier tape, plus communication and timing equipment. Assign one walkie-talkie, stopwatch and first aid kit to each key checkpoint, and test them no later than the day before.

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