What you need for an obstacle run

An obstacle run needs more than obstacles and a start line. You will need equipment for climbing, crawling and carrying, plus materials to secure the course, mark the route and support participants. Plan water, towels and first-aid access before buying food or extras. This checklist brings the practical shopping together, so you can check the course, build the obstacles and run the start and finish without last-minute supply runs.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 8
Coat racksqty 4
Storage cratesqty 30

Sports equipment

Start and finish arch
Obstacle barriersqty 4
Climbing netsqty 3
Rope laddersqty 4
Climbing ropesqty 6
Tiresqty 40
Wooden beamsqty 12
Mud pitsqty 3
Water tubsqty 4
Crawl tunnelsqty 3
Sandbagsqty 30
Burlap sacksqty 40
Traffic conesqty 60
Rubber matsqty 30
Stopwatchesqty 6
Whistlesqty 20
Bib numbersqty 350
Finish medalsqty 350
Wristbandsqty 350
Towelsqty 350
Ropeqty 4
Cable tiesqty 500
Herringqty 80
Rubber malletsqty 8
Scoopsqty 6
Wheelbarrowsqty 3
Water hosesqty 3

Equipment

Mobile sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Megaphonesqty 3
Coolersqty 8
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Rechargeable lampsqty 12
Walkie-talkiesqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 500
Platesqty 300
Cutlery setsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 150
Thermos flasksqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Pitcherqty 8
Coolersqty 4

Decorations

Bannersqty 12
Route arrowsqty 30
Sponsor bannersqty 20
Information boardsqty 10
Whiteboardsqty 3
Markersqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 4
AED
Safety vestsqty 30
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Conesqty 40
Flashlightsqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 20
Broom setsqty 6
Floor squeegeesqty 4
Bucketsqty 8
Spongesqty 12
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Toilet brushesqty 4
Work glovesqty 20
Pressure washer

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 40 bottles
- Spa Rood - 20 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 30 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 3 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemon slices - 4 nets
- Sandwiches - 350 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 12 bags
- Cheese slices - 8 packs
- Ham - 6 packs
- Chicken breast slices - 6 packs
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Young cheese - 4 pieces
- Jam - 4 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 3 packs
- Butter - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Muesli bars - 400 pieces
- Bananas - 15 kilos
- Apples - 15 kilo
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Vegetarian wraps - 250 pieces
- Chicken wraps - 250 pieces
- Feta - 3 kilo
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Gluten-free sandwich rolls - 30 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 20 packages
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Brownies - 250 pieces
- Herb cheese - 6 tubs
- Ice cubes - 30 bags
- Syrup - 6 bottles
- Sports gel - 200 pieces
- Salt tablets - 4 jars
- Coffee milk - 6 packs
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Table paper - 12 rolls
- Disposable bowls - 400 pieces
- Coffee filters - 300 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 12 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 12 bottles
- Paper towels - 20 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 200 pieces
- Compostable bags - 100 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 6 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 12 packs
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 10 boxes
- Elastic bandages - 20 pieces
- Cold pack - 30 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 10 boxes
- Rescue blankets - 20 pieces
- Tweezers - 6 pieces
- Tick remover - 6 pieces
- Sunscreen - 12 bottles
- Rain ponchos - 50 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one water point on the course and place extra water at the finish. Participants lose more fluid on a muddy or warm course than you expect.
Buy more cable ties, rope and ground anchors than the build plan requires. These small items are often used up while securing tunnels, nets, signs and barriers.
Keep one labelled storage crate for start materials and another for finish materials. Store start numbers, wristbands, stopwatches, whistles and medals separately so volunteers can find them quickly.
Provide a dry area with folding tables, chairs and coat racks near the start or finish. Add towels and a clear place for wet clothing; these are easy to overlook when ordering obstacle equipment.
Check the weather forecast 48 hours before the run and again on the morning itself. Protect registration and briefing materials under party tents, and place rubber mats where mud could make access unsafe.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an obstacle run?: You need obstacles such as walls, climbing nets, rope ladders, tunnels, tyres, mud pits and water obstacles. Also prepare cones, rope, cable ties, anchors, rubber hammers, mats, stopwatches, whistles and participant numbers.
How much water do I need for an obstacle run?: Plan a water point on the route and additional water at the finish, with enough cups or bottles for every participant. As a practical starting point, allow 0.5 to 1 litre per participant for the event, then increase this for hot weather or a long course.
When should I buy obstacle run supplies?: Reserve hired obstacles, the start and finish arch, tents and tables several weeks before the event. Buy consumables and small fixing materials at least 7 days ahead, leaving the final 48 hours for weather-related additions.
What should I bring for participants at the finish?: Prepare a finish area with medals, towels, water and a place for wet clothing. Have these supplies ready at least 60 minutes before the first start group finishes, rather than waiting until the course is fully active.

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