Marathon shopping list: what to buy and bring

A marathon needs more than medals and race numbers. You also need supplies for registration, route marking, water stations, timing, communications and the finish area. This shopping list brings those items together so you can check quantities against your participant list and course plan. Order printed materials, medals, portable equipment and power supplies early; last-minute gaps are hardest to fix on race morning.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 600
Race bib strapsqty 600
Medalsqty 600
Route arrowsqty 80
Kilometer markersqty 43
Traffic conesqty 120
Crowd control barriersqty 40
Ribbonsqty 12
Conesqty 30
Clipboardsqty 20
Stopwatchesqty 12
Thermal blanketsqty 50
Starting ribbon
Finish arch
Clothes racksqty 4
Clothing labelsqty 600

Equipment

Time registration system
Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Mobile phonesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 16
Power banksqty 12
Charging cablesqty 16
Megaphonesqty 3
Sound system
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6

Furniture

Party tentsqty 6
Tablesqty 18
Chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 8
Dressing tablesqty 4
Bins for clothingqty 20
Mobile toilet cabinsqty 8

Catering

Coolersqty 12
Drink dispensersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 8
Reusable cupsqty 800
Coffee potsqty 6
Serving jugsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 700
Reusable cutleryqty 700
Knivesqty 20

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 8
Kitchen knivesqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 12
Bottle openersqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 40
Flashlightsqty 12
Emergency blanketsqty 30

Lighting

Work lightsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 8
Mopsqty 8
Broom setsqty 6
Hand broomsqty 8
Litter pickersqty 8
Waste binsqty 30

Groceries

Groceries
- Still water - 1200 bottles
- Sparkling water - 300 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 500 liters
- Cola - 80 liters
- Cola Zero - 40 liters
- Apple juice - 30 liters
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Milk - 20 liters
- Oat milk - 10 liters
- Sugar - 5 packs
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Bananas - 600 pieces
- Apples - 400 pieces
- Oranges - 250 pieces
- Raisins - 20 kilograms
- Energy gels - 1200 pieces
- Energy cookies - 600 pieces
- Muesli bars - 700 pieces
- Currant buns - 500 pieces
- White rolls - 500 pieces
- Wholegrain rolls - 300 pieces
- Sliced young cheese - 8 kilograms
- Sliced chicken breast - 5 kilograms
- Hummus - 4 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 20 bags
- Plain chips - 20 bags
- Snacks - 12 bags
- Gluten-free sandwich rolls - 30 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 3 kilograms
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Napkins - 1500 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 800 pieces
- Paper straws - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 300 pieces
- Trash bags - 250 pieces
- Paper towels - 24 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 12 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 20 bottles
- Dish soap - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 24 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 40 pairs
- Aluminum foil - 6 rolls
- Cling film - 6 rolls
- Ice cubes - 100 kilograms

Tips

Prepare one race number and one strap for every registered runner, then add a small reserve for replacements or late corrections. Keep the sorted numbers with the participant list before registration opens.
Plan water-station supplies by station rather than buying one large mixed batch. Label tables, containers and refill stock so volunteers can restock without calling the race office.
Count route arrows and kilometre markers from the final route plan, then add spare signs for corners, crossings and weather damage. Pack cones, barriers and ribbons separately for each route section.
Give every timing and communications device its own charging cable and power bank. Test the time registration system, laptop, tablets, phones and walkie-talkies before loading them for race day.
Pack the finish area as a separate kit: medals, finish arch, starting ribbon, clothes racks, clothing labels, tables, chairs and thermal blankets. This prevents finish-line equipment from being left behind with registration materials.

Frequently asked questions

How many race numbers do I need for a marathon?: Prepare one bib number and one race bib strap per registered participant. Add at least 5% extra numbers and straps so you can handle damaged prints, lost bibs or late changes.
How much water station equipment do I need for a marathon?: Allow one clearly marked table or service point for each planned water station, plus enough cups, water and refill containers for the expected runners. Final quantities depend on participant count, station spacing and weather, so confirm them after registrations close and the forecast is checked.
When should I order marathon medals and printed race numbers?: Order medals and race-number printing early enough to inspect, sort and correct them before race week. Aim to have both in hand at least 7 days before the event, with the final participant list checked before printing.
How many walkie-talkies and power banks are needed for a marathon?: Provide one walkie-talkie for each key coordination point, such as the start, finish, medical support, route teams and race office. Give each device a tested power bank and charging cable, and charge everything the evening before the marathon.

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.