What you need for a night course

A night course needs more than race equipment: participants and volunteers must be able to see the route, stay in contact and deal with minor bike problems. Plan lighting for the start, finish, crossings and darker sections, then add power banks and spare batteries rather than relying on one power source. For refreshments, reusable cups, plates and serving supplies keep the finish area moving. This checklist also covers barriers, signs, timing, tools and basic bike support.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
High tablesqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Start and finish arch
Traffic conesqty 60
Traffic barriersqty 25
Traffic signsqty 12
Ribbonsqty 6
Race bib beltsqty 120
Bike pumpsqty 3
Basic tool kitsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Bicycle standsqty 10

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 8
LED work lightsqty 6
Rechargeable flashlightsqty 10
Batteriesqty 24

Equipment

Laptop
Time registration system
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitcherqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 6
Storage binsqty 12

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Route arrowsqty 20
Stage cardsqty 3

Cleaning

Hand broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 96 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 3 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Mini pistolets - 100 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 10 kilo
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Allergen-friendly sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 250 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one LED work light for the registration or finish area and rechargeable flashlights for course marshals. Add spare batteries before the event; lights are commonly checked too late.
Allow one walkie-talkie for each key position, such as start, finish, course lead and traffic control. Test the full route before participants arrive, because buildings and bends can block the signal.
Place traffic cones, barriers and signs before setting out the course. Keep a small reserve at the start and finish so a missing or moved marker can be replaced during the night.
Pack at least one basic tool kit, a bike pump and spare inner tubes at the support point. Check that the tubes fit the bicycles used on the course rather than buying generic spares at the last minute.
Charge the time registration system, laptop, flashlights and power banks on the day before the course. Bring extension cords and power strips only after checking where safe power is available.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a night course?: You need route lighting, traffic cones, barriers and signs, plus a start and finish arch, timing equipment and communication devices. Add bike pumps, a basic tool kit, spare inner tubes and refreshments for participants and volunteers.
How many walkie-talkies do I need for a night course?: Use one walkie-talkie for each essential operating position, usually at least four: start, finish, course lead and traffic control. Add extra units for larger or split routes so marshals do not have to leave their posts to relay a message.
How much lighting is needed for a night course?: Light every dark or confusing section, as well as the start, finish, registration point and any crossing controlled by volunteers. Prepare rechargeable flashlights for marshals, LED work lights for fixed areas and spare batteries before the route is set out.
When should I prepare the night course shopping list?: Check the equipment and power needs at least 2 weeks before the course, especially for tents, barriers, timing equipment and lighting. Buy consumables and charge rechargeable items no later than the day before, then test everything during the route inspection.

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