How to organise a greyhound race

A greyhound race needs more than a track and a start time. Begin with the date, location, permit and animal welfare rules, then build registration and race groups around the available capacity. Confirm veterinary cover, volunteers and hired equipment before invitations go out. In the final week, publish the schedule, inspect the course, check the forecast and prepare a registration desk that keeps dogs and handlers moving safely.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

1
Confirm date and location
2 people
2
Check race permit
3
Draw up competition rules
2 people
4
Set animal welfare rules
2 people
5
Create registration form
6
Send invitations
2 people
7
Process registrations
2 people
8
Collect dietary requirements
9
Put together start groups
2 people
10
Publish the schedule
11
Send participant confirmations
12
Reserve competition equipment
13
Reserve tents and tables
14
Confirm veterinary appointments
15
Assign volunteers
2 people
16
Prepare race registration
2 people
17
Print race numbers
18
Create signs and route maps
2 people
19
Check the weather forecast
20
Inspect the race track
2 people
21
Clear obstacles from the site
3 people
22
Do the shopping
2 people
23
Store chilled products
2 people
24
Check equipment
2 people

Event

25
Set up the race track
4 people
26
Place the starting boxes
3 people
27
Mark the finish line
2 people
28
Set up tents
4 people
29
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
30
Set up registration desk
2 people
31
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
32
Chill drinks
2 people
33
Test the PA equipment
2 people
34
Test timekeeping
2 people
35
Set up the veterinary area
2 people
36
Receive participants
3 people
37
Check dogs
2 people
38
Hand out race numbers
2 people
39
Welcome spectators
3 people
40
Explain the competition rules
41
Give the opening briefing
42
Bring dogs to the start
4 people
43
Supervise races
6 people
44
Record times
2 people
45
Announce starting order
46
Guide the audience along the track
3 people
47
Refill the water for dogs
2 people
48
Check rest area
2 people
49
Refill drinks
2 people
50
Serve snacks
3 people
51
Empty trash bins
2 people
52
Hang Up Interim Results
53
Check prize winners
2 people
54
Present prizes
2 people
55
Make closing announcements
56
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

57
Clear dog rest area
2 people
58
Clean up catering
3 people
59
Dismantle the race track
4 people
60
Take down tents
4 people
61
Collect waste
3 people
62
Clean the grounds
3 people
63
Wash dishes
2 people
64
Send results digitally
65
Thank participants
66
Inventory supplies
2 people
67
Return borrowed equipment
2 people
68
Archive competition data

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

Tips

Set the rules before opening registration. Define race distances, eligibility, muzzling, leash requirements, welfare checks and what happens if a dog is withdrawn, then include these points in the registration form.
Work backwards from race day when assigning groups. Leave time between heats for dogs to cool down and handlers to move safely; send each participant their race number, start time and arrival instructions before the event.
Treat the track inspection as a separate job from setup. Walk the full route, remove obstacles, check course markings and barriers, and measure key points before placing the starting boxes and finish ribbon.
Plan the welfare station before arranging spectator areas. Provide water bowls, cooling mats, towels, waste bags and a quiet place for dogs; confirm veterinary appointments and make sure volunteers know who handles an incident.
Test the sound and power setup before participants arrive. Check speakers, wireless microphones, the mixer, extension cords, power strips and socket covers, and keep cables away from the course and wet areas.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a greyhound race?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Permits, veterinary availability, hired tents and competition equipment can take longer to confirm than expected, so secure those before sending invitations.
What should I do first when organising a greyhound race?: Confirm the date and location first, then check whether a race permit is required. Once the site and legal requirements are clear, write the competition and animal welfare rules before opening registration.
When should I send the greyhound race schedule?: Publish the schedule as soon as registrations are processed and start groups are stable, ideally 5 to 7 days before race day. Send individual confirmations with the race number, start time and arrival instructions.
How do I prepare the track for a greyhound race?: Inspect the complete course on the day before the race and again during setup. Clear obstacles, place course markings, cones and crowd-control barriers, and check the starting boxes, stopwatches and finish area before the first heat.

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.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

Organize for free and invite your contacts!