What you need for a greyhound race

A greyhound race needs more than starting boxes and a finish line. This shopping list covers the equipment for marking and timing the course, supplies for keeping dogs comfortable, and practical items for registration and spectators. Plan water, shade and waste disposal before buying food or decorations. Check quantities against the number of dogs, race groups, volunteers and expected visitors so you do not run short on race day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Bar stoolsqty 6
Folding benchesqty 6
Dog crate tablesqty 8
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Starting boxesqty 4
Course markingsqty 24
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Conesqty 30
Measuring tapesqty 2
Starting ribbonsqty 4
Finish ribbon
Stopwatchesqty 6
Start flagsqty 2
Water bowls for dogsqty 12
Dog leashesqty 20
Collarsqty 20
Dog muzzlesqty 12
Dog towelsqty 30
Dog cooling matsqty 8
Dog waste bag dispensersqty 6
Dog waste bag rollsqty 24

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Socket coversqty 8
Laptop
Printer
Timing display
Megaphonesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Food warmersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 40
Directional signsqty 12
Route mapsqty 40
Name stickersqty 100
Prizesqty 12
Medal ribbonsqty 12

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Broomqty 4
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Trash bag holdersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 10 bottles
- Still water - 20 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Mini rolls - 80 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 12 tubs
- Jam - 6 jars
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Coffee creamer - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Muffins - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Lactose-free sandwich fillings - 6 packages
- Dog water - 120 liters
- Dog treats - 10 bags
- Dog food - 6 kilo
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Drinking straws - 150 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Matches - 2 boxes

Tips

Prepare at least one water bowl for every active dog area, plus spare bowls, and refill them throughout the day. Keep dog towels, cooling mats and leashes near the track rather than at the registration desk.
Bring enough course markings, cones and barriers to make the route visible from every approach. Pack spare markers because wind, rain or spectators can move the first set.
Set aside one registration pack for each participant: race number, schedule or group information, and any instructions needed at the start. Print extra race numbers in case of late changes or damaged numbers.
Provide one dog waste bag dispenser at each main dog-access point and enough rolls for the full event. A practical starting point is one roll per 10 to 15 dogs, with extra rolls kept at registration.
Check power and audio before setup: count extension cords and power strips by location, protect unused sockets with socket covers, and test the speakers and wireless microphones before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a greyhound race?: You need starting boxes, course markings, cones, barriers, measuring tapes, stopwatches, start flags, starting and finish ribbons, plus dog leashes and collars. Add water bowls, waste bags and welfare supplies for every dog area.
How much water should I bring for a greyhound race?: Bring enough water to refill every bowl several times during the event, not just one serving per dog. Set up at least one bowl per active dog area and keep a separate reserve for hot weather or delays.
How many dog waste bags do I need for a race day?: Use at least one roll for every 10 to 15 dogs as a starting calculation, then add extra rolls for long events and public areas. Place dispensers at each main entrance and near the track.
When should I prepare the greyhound race equipment?: Reserve tents, tables and competition equipment as soon as the date and location are confirmed. Complete the equipment check and track setup before participants arrive, with a final weather and course inspection on the day.

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