What to Buy for a Duathlon

A duathlon needs more than race numbers and refreshments. You will need clear course marking, a controlled transition zone, timing equipment and a way to keep volunteers connected across the route. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for registration, bike and run sections, the start and finish area, and participant support. Check quantities against your field size, course layout and volunteer posts before placing the order, especially for cups, bibs, signs and communication equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 6

Sports equipment

Start and finish arch
Traffic conesqty 80
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Route arrowsqty 45
Kilometer markersqty 12
Changeover zone stickersqty 120
Bib numbersqty 130
Race bib strapsqty 130
Wristbandsqty 130
Medal ribbonsqty 120
Stage blocksqty 3
Prize trophiesqty 12

Equipment

Timing set
Laptop
Printer
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Serving traysqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Bannersqty 6

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Trash binsqty 10
Cleaning bucketsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 8 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Banana bread - 6 pieces
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Wholegrain rolls - 80 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 2 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian wraps - 60 pieces
- Chicken breast for wraps - 4 kilogram
- Wrap vegetables - 5 kilograms
- Yogurt dressing - 3 bottles
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Cupcakes - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Compostable snack trays - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Prepare one race bib, bib strap and wristband per participant, plus at least 5% extra for replacements, late registrations or damaged items.
Buy route arrows and kilometre markers according to the course map, then add roughly 10% extra so a missing or damaged sign does not leave a section unmarked.
Plan the transition area before buying stickers or barriers: allow a clearly marked space for every bike position and keep spare stickers for last-minute changes.
Test the timing set, laptop, printer, microphone and sound system at least 24 hours before race day. Pack extension cords and power strips with the equipment rather than sourcing them at the last minute.
For refreshments, count reusable cups, plates and cutlery for every registered participant and volunteer, then add 10–15% spare capacity. Arrange coolers and kettles early because drinks and hot water are often needed before the first start.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a duathlon race day?: Bring race numbers and straps, wristbands, route arrows, kilometre markers, transition-zone stickers, cones or barriers, timing equipment and communication devices. You will also need start and finish equipment, tables, refreshments and power supplies for the registration and finish areas.
How many race bibs and wristbands should I buy for a duathlon?: Plan one bib and one wristband per participant, then add at least 5% spare. For 100 entrants, prepare at least 105 of each so replacements and late changes do not interrupt registration.
How many cups do I need for a duathlon?: Start with one cup per planned serving for each participant and volunteer, then add 10–15% extra. If 120 people may use the drinks station, prepare about 132 to 138 reusable cups, depending on how often they are collected and washed.
When should I prepare the duathlon shopping list?: Confirm quantities after registration closes or no later than 7 days before the event. Check the route signs, timing equipment, power leads and communication gear again 24 hours before the first start.

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