What you need for a half marathon

A half marathon needs more than race numbers and medals. You will need equipment for registration, route marking, timing, communication, the start and finish area, volunteers, and runner support. Plan quantities from your confirmed runner count, then add a small reserve for damaged items, late registrations, and missing supplies. Order custom items early, especially bib numbers, medals, signs, and timing equipment, because replacements are rarely available at short notice.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 30
Foldable tablesqty 6
Crowd barriersqty 60
Crowd control barriersqty 40

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 600
Start number bandsqty 600
Finish medalsqty 600
Directional signsqty 80
Kilometer markersqty 22
Directional signsqty 40
Traffic conesqty 80
Wristbandsqty 650
Clipboardsqty 12
Markersqty 30
Pensqty 40
Start arch
Finish arch
Stage blocksqty 3
Finish ribbon
Route mapsqty 50
Starting listsqty 20
Volunteer vestsqty 40
Traffic marshal vestsqty 20
Rain ponchosqty 50
Blanketsqty 50

Equipment

Timing matsqty 2
Time tracking transmittersqty 600
Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 16
Mobile phonesqty 6
Megaphoneqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Power banksqty 6
Coolersqty 8
Water jerry cansqty 12
Jerrycan pumpsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 1000
Coffee cupsqty 300
Platesqty 300
Cutlery setsqty 300
Pitchersqty 12

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 6
Knivesqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coolersqty 4

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 20
Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 6
Hand sanitizer holdersqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 1200 bottles
- Sports drink - 300 liters
- Coca-Cola - 60 liters
- Cola Zero - 40 liters
- Orange juice - 30 liters
- Apple juice - 20 liters
- Coffee - 8 kilos
- Tea - 300 bags
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Milk - 30 liters
- Oat milk - 10 liters
- Lemon slices - 4 kilos
- Bananas - 300 pieces
- Apples - 300 pcs
- Oranges - 200 pieces
- Grapes - 20 kilos
- Muesli bars - 700 pieces
- Energy gels - 500 pieces
- Raisins - 10 kilos
- Currant buns - 300 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White bread - 15 loaves
- Cheese - 6 kilos
- Ham - 5 kilo
- Hummus - 4 kilos
- Peanut butter - 3 kilo
- Jam - 3 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Paprika chips - 8 kilos
- Plain chips - 8 kilos
- Nut mix - 5 kilos
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Diet biscuits - 100 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 50 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 3 kilos
- Lactose-free milk - 10 liters
- Ice cubes - 80 kilos
- Napkins - 1500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 250 pieces
- Hand soap - 12 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 12 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 10 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Disinfectant - 6 bottles
- Rubber gloves - 40 pairs
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 10 packs
- Bandage rolls - 20 pieces
- Adhesive bandages - 10 packs
- Wound disinfectant - 10 bottles
- Cold packs - 30 pieces
- Blister plasters - 20 packs
- Sunscreen - 12 bottles
- Insect spray - 6 bottles
- Cable ties - 1000 pieces
- Duct tape - 12 rolls
- Marking paint - 12 spray cans
- Printing paper - 10 packs
- Name stickers - 700 pieces
- Wristbands for volunteers - 100 pieces
- Water-resistant markers - 30 pieces
- AA batteries - 40 pieces
- AAA batteries - 40 pieces
- Charging cables - 10 pieces
- Rain ponchos - 50 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Bread bags - 500 pieces
- Cardboard boxes - 30 pieces
- Cooling elements - 80 pieces
- Coffee filters - 500 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Teaspoons - 300 pieces

Tips

Order one race bib and one medal per registered runner, plus 3–5% extra for reprints, damaged bibs, or late changes. Keep bibs, wristbands, pens, and clipboards together at registration.
Prepare route signage before race week: use kilometer markers for all 21.1 kilometers and enough directional signs, arrow boards, cones, barriers, and fencing for every turn and restricted section.
Count timing equipment against the registration system you booked. Allow one timing mat at the start and finish at minimum, and keep charged tablets, phones, power banks, extension cords, and power strips available as backup.
Give each volunteer team a reliable communication method. Plan at least one walkie-talkie or charged mobile phone per key post, plus a megaphone or loudspeaker and microphone for start and finish announcements.
For the start and finish area, match tables, foldable tables, chairs, party tents, coolers, and power supplies to the number of registration desks and staff. Check the weather forecast several days before the race and add shelter or warm storage where needed.

Frequently asked questions

How many race numbers and medals do I need for a half marathon?: Buy one bib number and one finish medal for every confirmed participant. Add 3–5% extra, so 1,030–1,050 of each for 1,000 runners.
How many kilometer markers are needed for a half marathon?: Use 21 kilometer markers for the full kilometers, plus a clearly marked finish at 21.1 km. Prepare spare directional signs and arrows as well, because signs can be moved or damaged on race day.
What should I buy for half marathon registration?: Prepare bib numbers, bib straps, wristbands if used, clipboards, pens, markers, tables, chairs, and at least one laptop or tablet for registration support. Have 5–10% more pens and paper supplies than your calculated minimum.
When should I order half marathon medals and signs?: Place orders for medals, bib numbers, and printed route signs at least 4–6 weeks before race day. Keep a final deadline for participant data and spelling changes before production starts.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.