Half Marathon Shopping List

A half marathon needs more than bib numbers and medals. You also need clear route markings, equipment for registration and timing, barriers for the start and finish area, and practical supplies for volunteers and runners. Buy or hire the core equipment early, especially the timing system, tents, toilets, barriers, and communication gear. Use this list alongside your course plan so nothing is still missing when setup begins.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 18
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 8
Counter buffetsqty 6
Luggage racksqty 10

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 600
Safety pinsqty 1200
Finish medalsqty 600
Route arrowsqty 120
Kilometer markersqty 22
Start and finish ribbonsqty 8
Conesqty 80
Crowd control barriersqty 50
Crowd barriersqty 80
Start arch
Finish arch
Luggage tagsqty 600
Headlampsqty 30

Equipment

Time registration system
Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 20
Mobile chargersqty 12
Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4
Megaphonesqty 4

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

First aid

First aid kitsqty 3
AED
Stretchersqty 2
Blanketsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 700
Platesqty 500
Cutlery setsqty 500
Coffee potsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 8
Serving plattersqty 20

Kitchen

Coolersqty 12
Water jugsqty 20
Cutting boardsqty 6
Bread knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 12
Pliersqty 10
Coffee machinesqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 20
Broom setsqty 6
Floor squeegeesqty 3
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning cartsqty 2

Decorations

Stage ribbonqty 2
Buntingqty 12
Sponsor bannersqty 12
Information boardsqty 10
Directional signsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 900 bottles
- Sports drink - 300 bottles
- Cola - 30 bottles
- Cola Zero - 30 bottles
- Orange soda - 20 bottles
- Apple juice - 20 packs
- Alcohol-free beer - 120 bottles
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Milk - 20 liters
- Oat milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 4 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemon slices - 4 kilos
- Bananas - 35 kilos
- Apples - 35 kilo
- Oranges - 25 kilos
- Grapes - 15 kilos
- Currant buns - 600 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White bread - 20 loaves
- Bread rolls - 600 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 8 kilos
- Young matured cheese - 6 kilos
- Ham - 5 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 5 kilos
- Hummus - 4 kilos
- Peanut butter - 8 jars
- Jam - 8 jars
- Butter - 3 kilos
- Cucumber - 10 kilo
- Tomatoes - 10 kilos
- Lettuce - 20 heads
- Cherry tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Muesli bars - 700 pieces
- Sugar buns without milk - 100 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 20 bags
- Plain chips - 20 bags
- Salted crackers - 15 packs
- Spice cake - 15 packs
- Raisins - 10 kilos
- Energy bars - 600 pieces
- Gels - 600 pieces
- Salt tablets - 300 pieces
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Paper towels - 24 rolls
- Napkins - 1500 pieces
- Paper straws - 600 pieces
- Coffee filters - 3 boxes
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Compostable gloves - 10 boxes
- Hand soap - 12 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 12 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 12 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 24 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Toilet paper rolls - 12 rolls
- Paper cups - 1000 pieces
- Ice packs - 60 pieces
- Ice cubes - 80 kilos

Tips

Order bib numbers, safety pins, luggage tags, and finish medals as soon as registration closes. Add a small reserve of at least 5% for damaged, missing, or last-minute entries.
Plan one route arrow or kilometre marker for every decision point, and keep spare signs available. Walk the full course during the final check to confirm that signs are visible from a runner’s approach.
Provide one walkie-talkie for each key team or control point, then test the full communication chain before race morning. Charge every device and bring mobile chargers as backup.
Count tables, chairs, tents, barriers, and luggage racks against the number of registration desks, volunteer stations, and bags expected. Arrange delivery at least one day before the race if the site allows it.
Check power requirements for the timing system, laptop, tablets, sound system, microphones, and megaphones. Bring extension cords, power strips, and cable reels, and keep cables away from pedestrian routes.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a half marathon?: At minimum, plan bib numbers, safety pins, finish medals, route arrows, kilometre markers, cones, barriers, start and finish equipment, luggage tags, and communication gear. You will also need timing equipment and practical event furniture such as tables and tents.
How many half marathon medals should I order?: Order one finish medal for every confirmed participant, plus a reserve of about 5% for late registrations or damaged items. Finalise the quantity when registration closes so the order matches the published start list.
How many kilometre markers does a half marathon need?: For markers at every kilometre, prepare 21 kilometre markers and add spare signs for replacement. Also provide route arrows at every turn, junction, or point where runners could take the wrong road.
When should I order half marathon equipment?: Order printed items and medals several weeks before race day, particularly if they require design approval or production. Reserve timing equipment, tents, barriers, toilets, and sound equipment as soon as the date and course are confirmed.

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