What you need for a duathlon

A duathlon needs more than bikes and race numbers. You will need clearly marked cycling and walking routes, a transition zone, timing equipment, traffic-control supplies and a practical repair setup. Plan one race bib and strap per participant, plus spare batteries and inner tubes before race week. The list below covers the equipment and supplies for registration, course control, transition, timing and the finish area, so you can buy or gather everything in one place.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Bike racksqty 80
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Start and finish arch
Competition arrowsqty 40
Traffic conesqty 80
Crowd barriersqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 10
Transition zone signsqty 6
Bib numbersqty 120
Race bib strapsqty 120
Medalsqty 120
Stopwatchesqty 6
Spare bike pumpsqty 4
Tire leversqty 8
Basic bike toolsqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Course mapsqty 30
Clipboardsqty 10

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Mobile chargersqty 6
PA system
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Time registration system
Spare batteriesqty 24
Megaphonesqty 2

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 20
Traffic marshal signsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 8
Pouring tongsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Insulated boxesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 60 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 120 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Oranges - 8 kilo
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Energy bars - 120 pieces
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 30 kilo
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 6 boxes
- Wound bandages - 6 rolls
- Sports tape - 8 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Sunscreen - 8 bottles

Tips

Prepare one bib number and one bib strap for every registered participant, then add at least 5% spare sets for damaged or missing items. Print the start list only after registration closes, and keep a few blank bibs available for late corrections.
For the transition zone, provide enough bike-rack space for every competitor and place transition-zone signs where athletes can see them before entering. Keep spare bike pumps, tire levers, basic bike tools and spare inner tubes together at one clearly marked repair point.
Count traffic cones, competition arrows, barrier tape and crowd barriers against the route plan rather than buying by guesswork. Walk the course once before race day and mark every turn, crossing and restricted area that needs a visible sign or barrier.
Test the time registration system, laptop, printer, PA system and walkie-talkies at least 24 hours before the start. Charge mobile chargers and spare batteries, and pack extension cords and power strips separately so the registration and finish areas can be powered quickly.
Set aside medals, course maps, clipboards and waste bins before the venue setup begins. Put tables and chairs under the party tents, and keep the finish-area supplies separate from registration materials so volunteers do not have to search during the event.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a duathlon?: You need race bibs and straps, course arrows, cones, barriers, transition-zone signs, bike racks, timing equipment and a PA system. Add bike pumps, tire levers, basic bike tools and spare inner tubes for mechanical problems. The complete plan contains 48 items.
How many race bibs should I buy for a duathlon?: Buy one bib number and one race bib strap per participant, plus at least 5% spares. For 100 participants, prepare at least 105 bibs and 105 straps so replacements are available.
What should I bring for duathlon bike repairs?: Pack at least one spare bike pump, one set of tire levers, basic bike tools and spare inner tubes for the event. For larger fields or a long course, prepare one repair point at transition and a second mobile kit for course support.
When should I prepare duathlon equipment?: Gather and test timing, printing, communication and power equipment at least 24 hours before race start. Inspect the course and place signs, cones, barriers and tape during the final setup period, after checking the latest route and weather information.

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