What you need for a Glow Run

A Glow Run needs more than glow sticks and a bright start line. Your shopping list must cover visibility along the route, clear crowd control, runner identification, refreshments and a reliable power supply. Plan lighting and batteries separately, because a dark route or flat microphone can disrupt the event quickly. Use this list alongside your registration numbers and route plan so you buy enough for every participant, volunteer and checkpoint.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 30
Bar stoolsqty 6
Waste binsqty 12

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 12
LED lampsqty 10
Batteriesqty 40
Flashlightsqty 10

Decorations

Glow sticksqty 350
Glow braceletsqty 350
Neon flagsqty 20
Neon balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Photo frame

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 80
Barrier tapeqty 12
Traffic conesqty 40
Crowd barriersqty 20
Bib numbersqty 350
Safety pinsqty 400
Sports ribbonsqty 350
Stopwatchesqty 6
Measuring tape
Clipboardsqty 10
Conesqty 30

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 500
Platesqty 350
Cutlery setsqty 350
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 3
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Scoop ice creamqty 2

Cleaning

Hand broomsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 4
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 450 bottles
- Spa Rood - 100 bottles
- Cola - 40 bottles
- Coca-Cola Zero - 40 bottles
- Orange soda - 30 bottles
- Iced tea - 30 bottles
- Apple juice - 20 packs
- Orange juice - 20 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 60 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Ice cubes - 30 bags
- Raisin buns - 350 pieces
- Bananas - 350 pieces
- Apples - 350 pieces
- Muesli bars - 400 pieces
- Energy gels - 350 pieces
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Salted nuts - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 8 bags
- Mini wraps - 350 pieces
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Cheese slices - 8 packs
- Chicken breast slices - 8 packs
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 30 pieces
- Carrots - 15 bags
- Cherry tomatoes - 15 trays
- Grapes - 15 kilos
- Strawberries - 10 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Vegan toppings - 6 packages
- Allergen labels - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Straws - 400 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 12 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 20 pieces
- Kitchen gloves - 6 pairs
- Paper tissues - 20 packs
- Bandages - 6 boxes
- Paracetamol - 2 boxes

Tips

Buy at least one glow stick or glow bracelet per participant, plus 10% extra for replacements and late registrations. Sort them before the event so starter groups can collect them quickly.
Count route lighting by section rather than by decoration. Provide LED string lights or lamps for the start, finish and darker turns, and keep spare batteries and torches with the route team.
Allow one bib number and two safety pins per runner, then add roughly 10% extra. Pack the numbers in starter-group order instead of leaving volunteers to search through one large stack.
Prepare two to three drinks per person for the first hour, with extra water for volunteers and the first-aid team. Chill drinks in coolers before participants arrive; do not rely on last-minute cooling.
Pack route arrows, cones, tape and barriers together with a printed route plan. Bring power banks, extension cords and power strips as backups for microphones, music and lighting rather than assuming venue sockets will be nearby.

Frequently asked questions

How many glow sticks do I need for a Glow Run?: Plan one glow stick or glow bracelet for every participant, plus 10% extra. For 100 runners, buy or bring at least 110 light-up items so you can replace damaged ones and cover late registrations.
How much water and how many drinks should I buy for a Glow Run?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, and include volunteers and crew in the count. For 100 runners and 20 crew members, plan for about 240 to 360 drinks, depending on the weather and route length.
How many bib numbers and safety pins are needed?: Prepare one bib number and two safety pins per registered runner, with around 10% spare. For 100 runners, that means 110 bib numbers and 220 safety pins.
When should Glow Run supplies be bought?: Buy durable items such as route markers, lighting and power equipment at least one week before the run. Purchase drinks and snacks two to three days beforehand, then chill the drinks on the event day.

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