Dike walk checklist: everything to arrange

A dike walk needs more than a marked route and a start time. You need to arrange registration, permits, traffic measures, toilets, volunteers, water points and equipment in a workable sequence. Start with the route and permissions, then set up participant communication and staffing before ordering supplies. In the final week, check the forecast, inspect the route, prepare starter packs and confirm every station. This checklist helps you see what is still missing before walkers arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Publish event page
Send invitations
2 people
Open registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Apply for a route permit
Coordinate traffic measures
2 people
Reserve location for start
Reserve toilets
Reserve crowd-control barriers
Determine checkpoint stations along the route
2 people
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Assign volunteers
2 people
Prepare a volunteer briefing
Design race numbers
Check participant list
2 people
Sort bib numbers
2 people
Check route in advance
2 people
Mark route points
3 people
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
3 people
Assemble starter packs
4 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Charge equipment
2 people
Set out weather protection
2 people
Check first aid supplies
2 people
Check the start arch
2 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up results desk
2 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Check power supply
2 people
Put up route signs
5 people
Put up barriers
4 people
Set up water stations
4 people
Set up the first aid station
2 people
Check toilets
2 people
Prepare starter packs
3 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people

Event

Welcome volunteers
2 people
Brief volunteers
2 people
Register participants
4 people
Process late registrations
2 people
Hand out race numbers
3 people
Hand out pins and chips
2 people
Collect luggage
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Guide participants to the starting pen
3 people
Announce the starting instructions
Provide the starting signal
Staff route checkpoints
12 people
Hand out water
6 people
Refill drinks
3 people
Record the finish
3 people
Hand out medals
3 people
Return luggage
3 people
Process results
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Inform participants about the results
Collect lost property
2 people
Receive the last participants
2 people
Open the route
4 people

Aftercare

Clear the start area
5 people
Collect route signs
5 people
Remove the barriers
4 people
Clear water stations
4 people
Collect waste
5 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the venue
5 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Put furniture back
4 people
Switch off equipment
2 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return rented materials
2 people
Store leftover food
2 people
Register lost and found items
Publish results online
Send participant message
Archive invoices and receipts

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 8
Waste binsqty 12
Luggage racksqty 6
Coat racksqty 4
Parasol basesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 4

Sports equipment

Start arch
Route signsqty 35
Directional signsqty 45
Kilometer markersqty 10
Bib numbersqty 250
Race bib strapsqty 250
Time-tracking chipsqty 250
Finisher medalsqty 250
Ribbonsqty 12
Traffic conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 10
Crowd barriersqty 30
Water jerry cansqty 12
Water tapsqty 12
Water bottle cratesqty 12
Prize trophiesqty 12
Garment hooksqty 60
Clipboardsqty 12
Route mapsqty 30
Plastic binsqty 20
Wristbandsqty 300

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Printer
Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 8
Flashlightsqty 8
Coolersqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4
Scalesqty 2
Hand tally countersqty 4
Label printersqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Cold packsqty 20
Disposable glovesqty 100
Safety vestsqty 25
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Traffic whistlesqty 20

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 12
Light Stripsqty 4

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 6
Mop setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 6
Laundry basketsqty 8

Tips

Apply for the route permit and coordinate traffic measures before publishing the event details. If the route or start location changes later, participants and volunteers need updated information.
Set registration deadlines early enough to process entries, collect dietary requirements and prepare bib numbers. Check the participant list and sort the bibs before assembling starter packs.
Inspect the full route before the event, not just the start and finish. Mark route points, kilometer markers and direction signs, and check that barriers, cones and barrier tape are ready for risk areas.
Give each checkpoint a named volunteer team and a short briefing. Include who brings water, who reports incidents and when the next team takes over; last-minute volunteer gaps are difficult to replace.
Complete a separate equipment check 24 hours before opening. Charge the laptop, tablets and timing equipment, test the printer and sound system, and confirm extension cords, microphones and weather protection are on site.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I apply for a dike walk route permit?: Start the permit application at least 8 to 12 weeks before the walk. Traffic measures, barriers and route conditions may require additional coordination, so do not wait until registration has opened.
When should I send invitations for a dike walk?: Send the first invitation 6 to 8 weeks before the event, once the route, start location and registration process are clear. Close or review registration early enough to prepare bibs and starter packs.
How much water do I need for a dike walk?: Plan at least one drinking point at the start and additional points at checkpoints on longer routes. Keep water jerry cans, taps and bottle crates together at each station, and confirm the refill plan before event day.
When should I check the weather and the route?: Check the forecast 5 to 7 days before the walk and again on the morning itself. Walk or cycle the route in advance, then repeat a quick safety inspection on event day before participants leave.

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.