What to Buy for an Obstacle Race

An obstacle race needs more than obstacles. You will also need clear bib numbers, timing equipment, barriers, protective materials and a practical setup for participants and volunteers. Plan drinking water and snacks for the first hour, then add extra supplies for delays, bad weather and damaged equipment. Use this list alongside your course measurements and safety plan so you buy or hire the right quantities for your route.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 60
Beer tablesqty 8
Coat racksqty 2
Luggage binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Baffle balesqty 20
Climbing netsqty 3
Climbing ropesqty 4
Crawl tunnelsqty 4
Wooden hurdle barsqty 12
Hoopsqty 30
Traffic conesqty 60
Spongesqty 40
Water tubsqty 6
Rubber matsqty 20
Skipping ropesqty 15
Sandbagsqty 20
Medal ribbonsqty 160
Stopwatchesqty 6
Bib numbersqty 180
Conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 12
Herringqty 80
Ratchet strapsqty 20
Protective panelsqty 12
Key setsqty 4
Hammerqty 4
Work glovesqty 12

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 8
Mobile chargersqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Fever thermometersqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 10
String lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8

Decorations

Start arch
Finish arch
Route signsqty 18
Information boardsqty 8
Buntingqty 10
Stage ribbonsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable platesqty 180
Reusable cutleryqty 200
Serving spoonsqty 12
Pitchersqty 8

Kitchen

Barbecuesqty 2
Food warmersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 4
Cooling traysqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Kettlesqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Hand broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Washing-up basinsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 18 crates
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 crates
- Sports drink - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Hamburger buns - 180 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Beef hamburgers - 150 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 30 pieces
- Veggie hot dogs - 30 pieces
- Frankfurters - 120 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 100 pieces
- Corn cobs - 50 pieces
- Potato salad - 10 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 10 kilogram
- Mixed salad - 8 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 12 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 6 kilograms
- Red onions - 3 kilogram
- Lettuce - 20 heads
- Pickles - 6 jars
- Grated cheese - 5 kilograms
- Cheddar slices - 180 slices
- Mayonnaise - 6 bottles
- Ketchup - 6 bottles
- Mustard - 4 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Sambal - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Bananas - 15 kilograms
- Apples - 15 kilogram
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Watermelons - 4 pieces
- Brownies - 200 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Ice lollies - 200 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Barbecue charcoal - 20 kilograms
- Firelighters - 4 boxes
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 8 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 10 boxes
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 10 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 10 packs
- Cold packs - 20 pieces
- Drawing tweezers - 4 pieces
- Duct tape - 8 rolls
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces

Tips

Measure the course before ordering equipment. Count each obstacle separately, then add spare cones, barrier tape and fastening materials for changes or repairs on race day.
Prepare one bib number and starter pack for every registered participant, plus at least 5% extra for replacements, late registrations or damaged numbers.
Allow two to three drinks per participant for the first hour, with extra water available at obstacle stations and in the finish area. Chill drinks before participants arrive.
Bring protective panels, rubber mats, work gloves and a hammer for setup and adjustments. Keep these with the course team instead of leaving them at the registration table.
Pack weather and waiting-area supplies separately: party tents, tables, luggage bins and coat racks are easy to overlook when the focus is on the course itself. Set them up before the first starter group arrives.

Frequently asked questions

How much water and how many drinks do I need for an obstacle race?: Plan on two to three drinks per participant for the first hour, then add more for hot weather or a longer event. Keep additional water at the start, finish and any staffed obstacle station.
How many obstacle race bib numbers should I buy?: Buy one bib number per registered participant and add at least 5% spare numbers. For 100 participants, prepare at least 105 bib numbers so replacements and late registrations do not cause delays.
What safety equipment is needed for an obstacle race?: Use rubber mats, protective panels, barrier tape, traffic cones, work gloves and suitable fastening equipment around the course. Check every obstacle before opening and keep repair tools and spare materials available throughout the race.
When should I prepare the obstacle race shopping list?: Finalise the list at least two weeks before the race, after measuring the course and confirming the obstacle inventory. Recheck quantities three to five days before the event, then chill drinks and assemble participant packs on the day before.

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