What You Need for an Obstacle Course Run

An obstacle course run needs more than obstacles. You will also need clear start and finish markers, safety equipment, communication tools, lighting, tables and supplies for registration and volunteers. Buy or reserve items early, especially crash mats, water tubs, tents and portable toilets, because they are often limited on event dates. Use your participant count and course length to set quantities, then add a small backup for equipment that may be damaged or misplaced.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Benchesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 20
Coat racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 10

Sports equipment

Obstacle fencesqty 6
Climbing netsqty 3
Rope laddersqty 4
Crawl tunnelsqty 4
Tiresqty 40
Wooden beamsqty 8
Ropesqty 12
Water tubsqty 4
Sandbagsqty 20
Crash matsqty 12
Obstacle flagsqty 30
Start arch
Finish arch
Stopwatchesqty 6
Medalsqty 120
Prizesqty 12

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 16
Mobile sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Batteriesqty 40

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
String lightsqty 6

First aid

First aid kitsqty 3
Blanketsqty 6
Disposable glovesqty 100
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Stretcher

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 8
Traffic conesqty 30
Safety vestsqty 30
Work glovesqty 20

Registration

Bib holdersqty 120
Bib numbersqty 150
Pensqty 30
Clipboardsqty 12
Name stickersqty 150
Wristbandsqty 150

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 6
Broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Ice tea - 24 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Coffee cups - 300 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Burger buns - 150 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 40 pieces
- Hamburgers - 120 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 150 pieces
- Vegetarian hot dogs - 30 pieces
- Hot dogs - 120 pieces
- Ketchup - 6 bottles
- Mustard - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Fried onions - 4 bags
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Tomatoes - 8 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Onions - 5 kilograms
- Cheese slices - 4 kilogram
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Potato salad - 12 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 12 kilograms
- Whole wheat wraps - 80 pieces
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Pretzels - 8 bags
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 12 kilograms
- Apples - 12 kilograms
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Watermelons - 4 pieces
- Ice cubes - 40 kilogram
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Barbecue charcoal - 8 bags
- Firelighters - 4 boxes
- Torches - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Garbage bags - 120 pieces
- Compostable plates - 150 pieces
- Compostable cutlery sets - 150 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Disinfecting gel - 12 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 10 boxes
- Disinfectant - 6 bottles
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Cold packs - 20 pieces
- Blister plasters - 10 boxes
- Rain ponchos - 30 pieces
- Highlighters - 20 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs

Tips

Plan one clearly marked start and finish setup, plus one race number and medal for every registered participant. Order medals and printed numbers at least 2–3 weeks before the run so late registrations do not leave you short.
Provide one walkie-talkie for the start area, finish area, first-aid team and each course section that cannot be seen from the next station. Prepare spare batteries on the day rather than discovering dead devices during the briefing.
Allow at least one crash mat at every high-impact landing or climbing exit, and inspect ropes, nets, ladders and wooden beams before participants arrive. Keep spare rope, flags and sandbags available for repairs and route marking.
For an outdoor course, plan one waste bin near registration, one near refreshments and one at the finish, then add one extra bin for a large group. Pack heavy-duty extension cords, power strips and spare batteries separately so lighting and the sound system can be tested before the first group starts.
Reserve tents, tables, benches and chairs according to your volunteer and participant flow, not just the headcount. Set aside a covered area for registration and first aid at least 60 minutes before the first start group arrives.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an obstacle course run?: You need the planned obstacles, safety equipment such as crash mats and sandbags, route and obstacle flags, start and finish arches, stopwatches, communication equipment and basic event furniture. Check every item at least 1 day before setup and keep repair supplies on hand.
How many water tubs do I need for an obstacle course run?: The number depends on the course design and participant flow, but place a water tub at every obstacle that requires one and keep at least 1 spare tub if the run has several waves. Position them before the safety inspection, not after participants have started.
How many medals should I buy for an obstacle course run?: Buy 1 medal for every registered participant, plus 5–10% extra for late registrations, damaged items or volunteers who complete the course. Place the order at least 2–3 weeks before the event.
What should I bring for the obstacle course start and finish areas?: Bring a start arch, finish arch, race numbers, stopwatches, a microphone or mobile sound system, tables, chairs, waste bins and spare batteries. Have both areas fully marked and tested at least 60 minutes before the first starter group.

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