Last-Man-Standing Run Checklist

A last-man-standing run needs more than a marked course and a starting signal. You need clear elimination rules, a checked route, timed starts, safety cover and enough people to manage runners as the field changes. Use this checklist to work from the first planning decisions through registration, course setup and the final drink check. Pay particular attention to emergency contacts, traffic points, lighting and spare timing equipment—these are easy to leave until race morning.

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

Draw up competition rules
2 people
Finalize the course
3 people
Set start and finish locations
2 people
Develop safety plan
2 people
Check permits
Check insurance
Arrange first aid contact
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Assign volunteers
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Send participant information
2 people
Collect emergency contacts
Assign start numbers
2 people
Check medal order
Set out prizes
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Sort bib numbers
2 people
Check the course in advance
3 people
Mark the course
5 people
Secure traffic points
4 people
Build the start and finish arch
3 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Install time tracking
2 people
Place lighting along the course
4 people
Set up drink station
3 people
Set up the first aid area
2 people
Test sound and megaphone
2 people
Brief volunteers
3 people

Event

Check in participants
4 people
Hand out race numbers
3 people
Receive luggage
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Give participant briefing
2 people
Lead the group warm-up
2 people
Start first round
4 people
Record lap times
3 people
Check participants by round
3 people
Staff the drink station
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill snacks
2 people
Flag off the course rounds
2 people
Check the lighting
2 people
Register dropouts
2 people
Provide first aid support
2 people
Guide the final round
4 people
Determine the winner
3 people
Present prizes and medals
3 people
Check out participants
2 people

Aftercare

Remove course materials
5 people
Take down tents and furniture
4 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Clean materials
3 people
Complete time registration
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Store leftover food
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Foldable tablesqty 2

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 120
Race bib strapsqty 120
Medal ribbonsqty 120
Staff vestsqty 25
Traffic conesqty 60
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Directional signsqty 25
Ribbon for course markingqty 6
Start and finish arch
Notice board
Clipboardsqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Round clocksqty 2
Wristbandsqty 150
Spare batteriesqty 40

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Megaphoneqty 2
Portable speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 12
Headlampsqty 10

Catering

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Groceries

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 120
Reusable cutleryqty 150

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Serving jugsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Cooling matsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8

Tips

Write the competition rules before opening registration, including lap length, start intervals, cut-off times and what counts as an elimination. Send the final version to every participant at least 7 days before the run.
Check the full course in advance and mark turns, crossings and restricted areas before participants arrive. Put volunteers at every traffic point and give them visible staff vests, a megaphone or a clear communication method.
Recruit more volunteers than the minimum needed for the start and finish. Assign separate people to registration, timing, course points, first aid coordination and refreshments so one late arrival does not leave a critical station unattended.
Prepare participant information and emergency contacts before assigning bib numbers. Print a spare copy of the start list, keep clipboards and spare batteries ready, and test the laptop, printer, stopwatches and clocks before setup begins.
Treat the finish area as an event site, not just a line on the course. Set up the arch, notice board, barriers, tents, tables and chairs early; chill drinks in advance and check extension cords, power strips and battery lighting before dusk.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a last-man-standing run?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before race day. Use the first weeks for rules, the course, permits, insurance and safety planning, then allow the final 2 weeks for registrations, participant information, bibs, medals and volunteer assignments.
How many volunteers do I need for a last-man-standing run?: Plan at least 1 volunteer for registration and timing, 1 for the start and finish, and 1 at each traffic or course-control point. Add a reserve of 2 people for breaks, late arrivals and unexpected gaps; the exact total depends on the number of crossings and course sections.
When should I mark the course for a last-man-standing run?: Inspect the route in the days before the event and mark it on the same day whenever weather, traffic or public access could move the markers. Complete the final course check at least 60 minutes before the first start, including every sign, ribbon and barrier.
How much drink should I prepare for a last-man-standing run?: For the first hour, allow roughly 2 to 3 drinks per participant, then adjust for the expected duration and weather. Chill the first supply before the event and keep extra stock in coolers so drinks can be served without interrupting registration or timing.

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.