Dog run checklist: organise the day step by step

A dog run needs more than a route and a starting time. You need permission to use the venue, a clear registration process, safe route markings, volunteers and enough water and waste facilities for dogs and handlers. Plan the administrative work first, then prepare participant information and race materials. On the day itself, allow time to build tents, set up the start and finish area, mark the route and check every dog water station before runners arrive.

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The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

Set the date and route
2 people
Reserve venue
Apply for permits
Check insurance
Publish registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Send participant information
Make race numbers and wristbands
2 people
Check the route and distances
3 people
Brief volunteers
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Sort route signs
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Check the weather forecast

Event

Open venue
2 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up the start and finish arch
3 people
Place route arrows
5 people
Set up barrier tape and fences
4 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up dog water stations
3 people
Set up first aid and rest area
2 people
Set up catering
3 people
Test music and microphone
2 people
Register participants
4 people
Give the start briefing
2 people
Guide the dog run
8 people
Staff water stations
4 people
Receive finishers
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Collect waste along the way
2 people

Aftercare

Remove route signs
4 people
Dismantle furniture
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Process lost and found items

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Start and finish arch
Waste binsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 30
Kilometer markersqty 6
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 6
Dog water bowlsqty 12
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 8
Bib numbersqty 120
Finish medalsqty 120
Stage prizesqty 6

Equipment

Portable speakerqty 2
Wireless microphone
Megaphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitcherqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Ice packsqty 20

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloon archesqty 2
Information boardsqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the date and route before opening registration. Measure and confirm the distances, then apply for permits and check insurance before inviting participants.
Send participant information several days before the run, including the meeting point, route distance, arrival time, race number instructions and what owners should bring for their dogs.
Brief volunteers before event day and assign clear positions for registration, route points, the start and finish area, water stations and crowd control. Give them a contact method and a simple escalation plan.
Set up route arrows, kilometre markers, barrier tape and fences before opening the registration desk. Walk the entire route once to check that signs are visible from a runner’s approach.
Prepare dog water bowls, waste bag dispensers, chilled drinks and snacks before the first participants arrive. Check the weather forecast on the day before and again on the morning of the run.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a dog run?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the event. Use the first weeks to confirm the date, route, venue, permits and insurance, then open registration once those details are secure.
When should I open registration for a dog run?: Open registration after the route, venue and required permissions are confirmed, usually 4 to 6 weeks before the run. Close it early enough to prepare bib numbers, wristbands and participant information.
How much water do I need for a dog run?: Provide a dog water station at the start and finish, plus additional stations on longer routes. Check and refill every station during the event; in warm weather, have a volunteer inspect them at least every 30 minutes.
How early should I set up a dog run venue?: Allow at least 2 to 3 hours before participants arrive. This covers opening the venue, building party tents, placing tables and chairs, marking the route, setting up registration and checking the start, finish and water stations.

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.