What you need for a duathlon

A duathlon needs more than bikes and race numbers. You will need supplies for registration, a clearly marked course, the transition area, timing, volunteers, first aid and the finish line. Buy or hire key equipment early, especially the timing system, bicycle racks and crowd barriers. Use the participant count to calculate drinks, medals, bibs and safety pins, then add a small reserve for late entries and damaged items.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 6
Bicycle racksqty 12
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 150
Race bib strapsqty 150
Safety pinsqty 400
Conesqty 80
Route arrowsqty 100
Crowd barriersqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 12
Traffic conesqty 30
Hand stampsqty 4
Medal ribbonsqty 150
Finish medalsqty 150
Cup prizesqty 6
Clipboardsqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 8
Bike pumpsqty 3
Basic bike toolsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 20
Traffic flagsqty 12

Equipment

Timing system
Laptopqty 2
Mobile phonesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 8
Printer
Printer paperqty 500

Lighting

LED lightsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Thermos flasksqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Water jugsqty 12
Serving Cupsqty 24
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Storage binsqty 12

Decorations

Bannersqty 8
Directional signsqty 20
Start/finish banner
Tableclothsqty 10

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemon slices - 4 tubs
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Bananas - 15 kilograms
- Apples - 12 kilograms
- Oranges - 8 kilogram
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 180 pieces
- Energy gels - 180 pieces
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole grain buns - 80 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 5 kilograms
- Sliced ham - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 5 kilograms
- Popcorn - 8 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Vegetarian Sliced Toppings - 2 kilogram
- Vegan sandwich spread - 8 tubs
- Yogurt - 10 liters
- Muesli - 3 kilogram
- Cupcakes - 180 pieces
- Banana bread - 6 pieces
- Paper napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Disinfectant hand gel - 12 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 6 packs
- Toilet freshener - 4 pieces
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Blister plasters - 4 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Paper cups for first aid - 100 pieces
- Cable ties - 500 pieces
- Duct tape - 8 rolls
- Waterproof markers - 24 pieces
- Ballpoint pens - 50 pieces
- A4 envelopes - 100 pieces
- Labels - 300 pieces
- AA Batteries - 32 pieces
- AAA batteries - 32 pieces
- Rain ponchos - 30 pieces
- Thermal blankets - 20 pieces
- Cooling packs - 40 pieces
- Rope - 100 meters

Tips

Prepare one race bib, bib strap and at least two safety pins per participant, plus 5–10% extra. Sort the bib numbers before race day so registration staff are not searching during check-in.
For course marking, count every turn and junction rather than buying signs by distance. Prepare one route arrow for each direction change, then add 10% spare arrows, cones and barrier tape.
Set up one bicycle rack space per participant and keep at least one bike pump and a basic bike tool kit in the transition area. Bring spare inner tubes in common wheel sizes, but do not rely on them as a substitute for on-course mechanical support.
Give each marshal a reflective vest, traffic flag and a mobile phone or walkie-talkie. Test the communication plan at least 60 minutes before the first start and confirm who calls first aid if needed.
Plan finish-line supplies by finisher count: one medal and medal ribbon per finisher, with 5% extra. Provide one waste bin near registration, transition, refreshment points and the finish, and check them after every race wave.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a duathlon?: Buy or arrange race bibs, bib straps, safety pins, route arrows, cones, barriers, bicycle racks, bike pumps, basic bike tools, timing equipment, medals and communication devices. Also plan furniture, waste bins and any participant refreshments based on your final entry count.
How many safety pins do I need for a duathlon?: Allow at least 2 safety pins per participant, so 200 pins for 100 entrants. Buy 5–10% extra to cover lost or bent pins and late registrations.
How many duathlon medals should I order?: Order one medal and one ribbon for every expected finisher, plus 5% spare. For 100 expected finishers, that means 105 medals and ribbons.
When should I arrange duathlon timing equipment?: Reserve the timing system at least 4–6 weeks before race day, especially if it is hired. Test the system and prepare a backup timing method during the final course and equipment check.

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