What to buy for a military march

A military march needs more than food and drinks at the start and finish. You also need clear route materials, participant identification, communication equipment, lighting and supplies for rest areas. Use the participant count and route length to set quantities, then add a small reserve for late registrations, damaged signs and unexpected delays. Buy non-perishable items first; chill drinks and prepare fresh food during the final 24 hours.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
High tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Power banksqty 6
Megaphonesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 8
First aid bagsqty 4
Cold packsqty 20
Stretchersqty 2

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 24

Sports equipment

Route signsqty 24
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 8
Bib numbersqty 150
Safety vestsqty 20
Wristbandsqty 150
Torch Sticksqty 12
Dutch flagsqty 6
Unit flagsqty 4
Medalsqty 150
Route card holdersqty 12
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 30
Notepadsqty 12
Emergency blanketsqty 12
Rain ponchosqty 30

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 20

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Water jugsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Ice packsqty 24

Cleaning

Trash bag holdersqty 8
Hand broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Paper towel dispensersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 60 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Lemon tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Oat bars - 180 pieces
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 150 pieces
- Apples - 150 pieces
- Mandarins - 120 pieces
- Grapes - 10 kilograms
- Currant buns - 150 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 180 pieces
- Whole wheat bread rolls - 120 pieces
- Cheese slices - 6 kilogram
- Ham slices - 5 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 4 kilogram
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Carrots - 5 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Vegan toppings - 3 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant hand gel - 12 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 24 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Bandages - 100 pieces
- Sterile gauze pads - 40 pieces
- Bandages - 12 rolls
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Nitrile gloves - 100 pieces
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Sunscreen - 12 bottles
- Insect repellent - 6 bottles
- Paper medicine cups - 100 pieces
- Chalk - 12 pieces
- Highlighters - 12 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Tape - 12 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Duct tape - 8 rolls
- AA batteries - 48 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces

Tips

Plan drinks for every rest stop, not just the finish. As a starting point, allow 500–750 ml of water or other drinks per participant for each marching hour, plus extra for staff and first aid.
Prepare route materials in sets before event day: one route card holder, bib number and wristband per participant, plus roughly 10% spare bibs, wristbands and printed cards for last-minute changes.
Bring enough visibility equipment for everyone working along the route. Give each traffic marshal and route volunteer a safety vest, and pack spare batteries for flashlights, work lights and megaphones.
Set up a practical refreshment point with tables, waste bins, thermos flasks and seating at each planned rest area. Keep food portions separate for recorded dietary requirements instead of trying to identify them during the march.
Test communication and power equipment the day before. Charge walkie-talkies and power banks, check every extension cord and power strip, and pack at least one backup communication method such as a megaphone.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a military march?: Buy drinks, food, route signs, cones, barrier tape, bib numbers, wristbands, safety vests, route card holders and first-aid support supplies. You will also need communication, lighting and power equipment for staff, rest areas and the start and finish points.
How much water do I need for a military march?: Allow about 500–750 ml per participant for every hour of marching, then add 10–15% for staff, warm weather and delays. For a three-hour march with 100 participants, that means approximately 150–225 litres before the reserve.
How many spare bib numbers and wristbands should I buy?: Prepare one bib number and one wristband per registered participant, plus at least 10% spare. For 200 participants, buy or print 220 of each so you can handle late registrations, damage and replacements.
When should I buy and prepare supplies for a military march?: Buy durable route, safety and participant supplies at least one week before the march. Chill drinks and prepare fresh food within the final 24 hours, and test radios, lighting and power equipment the day before.

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