How to organise a Death March

A Death March needs more than a route and a start time. You must manage registrations, emergency contacts, transport, overnight accommodation, food, water and changing weather in the right order. Start with participant numbers and route logistics, then build the support plan around them. The final checks should cover the starting location, care station, lighting, communications and supplies so participants and helpers know what to expect before the first kilometre.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Invite participants
2
Process registrations
3
Check participant details
4
Collect emergency contacts
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Check start numbers
2 people
7
Reserve transport to the start
8
Reserve parking spaces
9
Reserve overnight accommodation
10
Review the route and supplies
2 people
11
Check the weather forecast
12
Send participant letter
13
Share emergency numbers
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Collect materials
2 people
16
Clean water bottles
2 people
17
Portion the food
3 people
18
Fill supply crates
3 people
19
Lay out clothing and spare clothing
2 people
20
Charge mobile phones
2 people
21
Check the starting location
2 people
22
Signpost parking area
2 people
23
Set up the care station
4 people
24
Set up party tents
4 people
25
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
26
Connect lighting
2 people
27
Fill coolers
2 people
28
Set up the food and drink area
3 people
29
Place waste bins
2 people

Event

30
Receive participants
3 people
31
Hand out race bibs
2 people
32
Provide start information
2 people
33
Take start photos
34
Depart for the aid station
4 people
35
Serve hot drinks
2 people
36
Refill drinks
2 people
37
Hand out fruit and snacks
2 people
38
Check supplies
39
Register walkers
2 people
40
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
41
Serve hot soup
2 people
42
Restock drinks and snacks
2 people
43
Provide foot care
2 people
44
Keep rest areas tidy
2 people
45
Guide tired walkers
2 people
46
Monitor lighting

Aftercare

47
Dismantle the care station
4 people
48
Sort materials
3 people
49
Collect waste
3 people
50
Clean the venue
3 people
51
Wash dishes and drink bottles
2 people
52
Empty coolers
2 people
53
Store leftovers safely
2 people
54
Return borrowed materials
2 people
55
Register participants home safely

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 12
Rest benchesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Soup bowlsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Thermos cupsqty 30

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Soup kettlesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Cooking and serving spoonsqty 6
Knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 4
Jerry cansqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Equipment

USB charging stationsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4
Headlampsqty 8

Sports equipment

Walking sticksqty 8
Reflective vestsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 25
Athletic tapeqty 8
Blister plastersqty 80
Elastic bandagesqty 8
Thermal blanketsqty 20
First aid kitsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 3
Paper towel dispensersqty 3
Toilet paper holdersqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set a registration deadline at least 14 days before the march. Use the final participant count to confirm start numbers, transport, parking spaces, overnight accommodation and the quantity of food and water.
Send the participant letter 5–7 days before the start. Include the meeting time, route information, emergency numbers, transport arrangements, required clothing and the deadline for reporting dietary requirements.
Review the route and supplies 2–3 days beforehand, then check the weather forecast again on the evening before. Poor weather can change clothing, water, lighting and care-station requirements at short notice.
Prepare food and water the day before: portion the food, clean and fill water bottles, load the supply crates and keep chilled items in coolers with ice packs. Do not leave this until the morning of the march.
Arrive at the starting location at least 2 hours early. Set up parking signs, party tents, tables, chairs and the care station, then test walkie-talkies, USB charging stations, extension cords and LED work lights before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a Death March?: Start planning at least 6–8 weeks before the march. Set the registration deadline about 14 days before the start, leaving time to check participant details, emergency contacts, dietary requirements, transport and accommodation.
How much food and water do I need for a Death March?: Base quantities on the final participant count and add a reserve of about 10%. Prepare water bottles and portion the food the day before, then distribute supplies between the start, care station and any transport or overnight location.
When should I check the Death March route and weather?: Review the route and supplies 2–3 days before the event and check the forecast again the evening before. On the day, confirm the starting location, access, parking and conditions before participants arrive.
How early should helpers arrive for a Death March?: Have the setup team at the starting location at least 2 hours before the first participant. This allows time to signpost parking, arrange tents, tables and chairs, prepare the care station and test communications and lighting.

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.