What you need for a forest marathon

A forest marathon needs more than race numbers and medals. You also need clear route marking, hydration points, timing equipment, communication tools and practical supplies for the start and finish areas. This shopping list covers the items to buy or bring before race week, including equipment that is easy to overlook, such as spare batteries, extension cords, luggage bins and weather protection. Match quantities to your number of runners, volunteers and aid stations before ordering.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 4
Luggage binsqty 12

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 350
Start number bandsqty 350
Finish medalsqty 350
Route arrowsqty 120
Kilometer markersqty 45
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Traffic conesqty 60
Route tapeqty 12
Disposable cupsqty 1800
Spongesqty 300
Wristbandsqty 400
First aid kitsqty 4
Emergency blanketsqty 30
Ice packsqty 30
Stretcherqty 2
Safety vestsqty 30

Equipment

Time registration system
Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Mobile chargersqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Megaphoneqty 2
Handheld microphone
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 10
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 12
Hand tally countersqty 4
Flashlightsqty 12
Batteriesqty 48

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 500
Platesqty 400
Cutlery setsqty 400
Coffee cupsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Ice packsqty 30

Decorations

Finish arch
Start banner
Finish banner
Information boardsqty 12
Directional signsqty 30
Prize trophiesqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
Work lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 20
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Broomqty 4
Mop setsqty 2
Cleaning brushesqty 4
Rubber glovesqty 12
Disinfectant sprayqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Paper dispensersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 500 bottles
- Spa Rood - 120 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 180 liters
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange juice - 30 liters
- Apple juice - 20 liters
- Coffee beans - 6 kilograms
- Tea bags - 300 pieces
- Black tea - 100 tea bags
- Herbal tea - 100 bags
- Green tea - 100 bags
- Milk - 30 liters
- Oat milk - 12 liters
- Sugar - 5 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 400 pieces
- Lemon juice - 4 liters
- Honey - 3 jars
- Bananas - 45 kilogram
- Apples - 30 kilograms
- Oranges - 25 kilograms
- Grapes - 15 kilograms
- Dates - 8 kilogram
- Raisins - 6 kilograms
- Raisin buns - 350 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White rolls - 250 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 150 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 4 kilograms
- Young cheese - 8 kilograms
- Hummus - 5 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 6 jars
- Honey - 4 jars
- Vegetarian spread - 5 kilograms
- Chicken soup - 25 liters
- Vegetable Soup - 25 liters
- Vegetarian soup - 15 liter
- Croutons - 3 kilograms
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Pepper - 500 grams
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Muesli bars - 400 pieces
- Energy gels - 400 pieces
- Pretzels - 6 kilogram
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Paper napkins - 2500 pieces
- Paper towels - 24 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Freezer bags - 200 pieces
- Hand sanitizer gel - 12 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 500 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one disposable cup per runner at each planned drink station, plus a 10% reserve. Add extra water jugs, coolers and sponges if the forecast is warm.
Prepare one bib number and one start number band for every registered runner, then keep at least 5% spare for replacements, late changes and damaged numbers.
Use route arrows, kilometre markers and route tape together: place a marker at every kilometre and carry spare tape and arrows for the final course check.
Count communication equipment by team rather than by event. Give route, start-finish and first-aid teams a walkie-talkie, and keep a megaphone available for briefings and emergencies.
Test the time registration system, laptop, tablets, chargers, extension cords and power strips at least 24 hours before the race. Pack a backup charging option so timing and registration do not depend on one socket.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a forest marathon?: Prepare bib numbers, start number bands, finish medals, route arrows, kilometre markers, route tape and traffic cones. You will also need drinks equipment, first-aid and communication supplies, timing equipment, tables, chairs and weather cover for the start and finish area.
How many cups do I need for a marathon aid station?: Allow at least one disposable cup per runner per station, then add 10% for dropped or damaged cups. For 200 runners and five stations, that means at least 1,000 cups, or about 1,100 with the reserve.
How many spare race numbers should I order?: Order one bib number per registered runner and keep 5% spare. For 200 runners, prepare 210 numbers so you can handle late registrations, printing errors and replacements.
When should I prepare the forest marathon supplies?: Order personalised bibs, medals and timing equipment at least 2–3 weeks before race day. Complete the equipment test and pack route-marking materials no later than 24 hours before the start.

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