What you need for an obstacle run

An obstacle run needs more than obstacles and a start line. You’ll need equipment for climbing, crawling, balancing and getting wet, plus clear course marking, timing and a properly stocked first-aid setup. Plan supplies for the full participant group, volunteers and the weather you may get on the day. This shopping list covers the items people often forget until setup has already started, such as spare towels, work gloves and lighting.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 6
Coat racksqty 2
Clothing binsqty 12

Sports equipment

Mud pitsqty 3
Climbing netsqty 2
Wooden obstaclesqty 4
Crawl tunnelsqty 3
Tiresqty 30
Hay balesqty 20
Ropesqty 12
Water tubsqty 4
Conesqty 40
Ribbonsqty 10
Bib numbersqty 120
Medal ribbonsqty 120
Finish timersqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 6
Megaphonesqty 3
Towelsqty 120

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Cold packsqty 20
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Safety vestsqty 20
Work glovesqty 20
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 10
Flashlightsqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Audio mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Decorations

Directional signsqty 20
Start arch
Buntingqty 8
Stage blocksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 130
Cutlery setsqty 130
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Food warmersqty 6
Gas barbecuesqty 3
Gas cylindersqty 3
Aluminum foilqty 4

Cleaning

Mop setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 6
Broom setsqty 4
Waste binsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Toilet paper holdersqty 4
Towel dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 25 pieces
- Burger buns - 150 pieces
- Veggie burger buns - 30 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 30 pieces
- Mixed vegetable salad - 8 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 8 kilograms
- Potato salad - 6 kilogram
- Mixed green salad - 5 kilograms
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Cheddar slices - 150 slices
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Satay sauce - 3 kilograms
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Italian herbs - 250 grams
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Peanut oil - 2 liters
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilogram
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 150 pieces
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Still water - 240 bottles
- Sparkling water - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Iced tea - 18 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Fruit juice - 12 packs
- Beer - 180 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 60 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- Coffee - 3 kilograms
- Tea - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 10 liter
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon tea - 2 boxes
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 20 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Wooden satay skewers - 150 pieces
- Barbecue mat - 3 pieces
- Aluminum trays - 150 pcs
- Diet-friendly sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free burgers - 10 pieces
- Vegan Sauce - 3 bottles

Tips

Allow at least one towel per participant who will use water or mud obstacles, and keep an extra 10% available for unexpected weather or spills.
Prepare one safety vest for every course marshal and volunteer working along the route. Keep work gloves at the build area so obstacles can be adjusted without delaying setup.
Mark every turn, crossing and restricted area with cones, ribbons or barriers. Have at least two spare rolls or sets of marking materials ready before the course inspection.
Set up a registration table with start numbers, timers, stopwatches and megaphones before participants arrive. Sort the bib numbers in start-group order to avoid a queue at check-in.
Keep first-aid kits, cold packs and emergency blankets at the registration point and at the course’s main access point. Add torches if the event may run in low light or volunteers need to leave the course after dark.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an obstacle run?: For this plan, prepare obstacles such as mud pits, climbing nets, wooden barriers, crawl tunnels, tyres, hay bales, ropes and water obstacles. You’ll also need cones or ribbons for marking, start numbers, timing equipment and safety equipment. Check every item during the course inspection rather than waiting until setup day.
How many towels do I need for an obstacle run?: Plan one towel per participant who will go through mud or water, plus around 10% extra. For 50 participants, that means at least 55 towels. Keep clothing collection bins nearby so wet and muddy items do not end up on registration tables or chairs.
How much safety equipment is needed for an obstacle race?: Provide one visible safety vest for each marshal or volunteer on the course, and place first-aid kits at registration and the main course access point. Stock cold packs and emergency blankets as well, and check the contents at least 24 hours before the run.
What should I buy for obstacle run registration?: Prepare a registration table, start numbers sorted by group, a megaphone and timing equipment such as finish timers or stopwatches. Set everything up at least 60 minutes before the first start group so missing numbers or batteries can be dealt with before participants arrive.

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