What you need for a forest run

A forest run needs more than water and a start line. You will need supplies for registration, route marking, timing, first aid, refreshments and a clearly organised finish area. The quantities depend mainly on your participant count, but some items are easy to forget: spare safety pins, weatherproof direction signs, extension cords and enough cups at every refreshment point. Use this list alongside the event plan so shopping and setup are finished before runners arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 16
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4

Sports equipment

Conesqty 30
Bib numbersqty 150
Safety pinsqty 300
Route arrowsqty 80
Kilometer markersqty 10
Stopwatchesqty 4
Clipboardsqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 4

Tableware

Disposable cupsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6

Decorations

Start arch
Bannersqty 4
Direction signsqty 12

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Honey - 2 jars
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Apples - 12 kilograms
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Mandarins - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 180 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 3 kilogram
- Ham slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 10 pieces
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sports tape - 6 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Prizes - 12 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bib number and at least four safety pins per runner, plus 10% extra for late changes, damaged numbers and lost pins. Sort the numbers before setup so registration stays quick.
For each refreshment point, allow at least two disposable cups per runner and bring extra water in coolers or water jugs. Place waste bins beside the tables rather than at the end of the route.
Pack route arrows, cones and kilometre markers in separate bundles by route section. Take spare arrows and signs: forest paths can make markings less visible after rain or wind.
Keep one first aid kit at the start or finish and another with the person checking the course. Charge stopwatches, mobile speakers and the microphone the evening before, then pack extension cords and power strips together.
Set aside coffee cups, plates, cutlery and serving equipment for volunteers as well as runners. Build in at least 60 minutes before the start to place tents, tables, chairs, signs and the registration table.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a forest run?: Bring bib numbers, safety pins, route arrows, cones, kilometre markers, stopwatches, clipboards and first aid kits. You will also need registration furniture, tents, refreshments, cups and equipment for the start and finish areas.
How many safety pins do I need per runner?: Allow four safety pins per runner, which covers one bib number with a pin at each corner. Add at least 10% extra so a torn bib or missing pin does not delay registration.
How much water and how many cups should I buy for a forest run?: Plan at least two cups per runner at each refreshment point, with extra water for warm weather and volunteers. Final water quantities depend on the route length, number of rest points and forecast, so check these no later than the day before.
When should I set up the forest run equipment?: Start the physical setup at least 60 minutes before runners arrive, and allow additional time for a longer route. Charge speakers and stopwatches the evening before, while route signs and kilometre markers should be checked during the full course inspection.

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