Obstacle Run Shopping List

An obstacle run needs more than obstacles and a start line. You will need equipment for crawling, climbing, balancing and landing, plus clear route markers, participant numbers, safety supplies and a workable finish area. Plan drinks and basic refreshments by participant count, and have spare supplies ready for wet or muddy conditions. This shopping list helps you check the items people most often arrange too late, especially signage, protective equipment, volunteer gear and first-aid supplies.

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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 24
Changing room tentsqty 2

Sports equipment

Obstacle fencesqty 6
Climbing netsqty 3
Crawl tunnelsqty 4
Tiresqty 40
Wooden beamsqty 12
Balance blocksqty 10
Rope laddersqty 4
Climbing ropesqty 4
Soft landing matsqty 12
Foam blocksqty 30
Water tubsqty 4
Plastic rampsqty 4
Sandbagsqty 20
Conesqty 40
Bib numbersqty 180
Finish medalsqty 180
Stopwatchesqty 6
Whistlesqty 15
Caps for volunteersqty 25
Safety vestsqty 30
Work glovesqty 20
Rubber bootsqty 12
Start and finish arch
Route signsqty 24
Directional signsqty 16
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Bollardsqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 12
Ground anchorsqty 40
Ratchet strapsqty 30
Ropesqty 10
Herringqty 60
Rubber tilesqty 30
Plastic protective filmqty 4
Megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Clipboardsqty 8
Pensqty 40
Waterproof markersqty 12
Tapeqty 10
Duct tapeqty 8
Scissorsqty 6
Measuring tapesqty 4
Waterproof storage binsqty 10
First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Ice packsqty 20
Nitrile glovesqty 100
Stretcher with support

Equipment

Portable sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 250
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180

Kitchen

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

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Litter pickersqty 6
Bucketsqty 8
Broomsqty 6
Floor squeegeesqty 4
Spongesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 60 bottles
- Lemon sports drink - 60 bottles
- Orange sports drink - 60 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee beans - 4 kilos
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 4 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 2 kilos
- Coffee creamer - 12 packs
- Semi-skimmed milk - 20 liters
- Oat milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Coffee cups - 400 pieces
- Stir sticks - 400 pieces
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White rolls - 240 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 120 pieces
- Mini wraps - 120 pieces
- Young cheese - 6 kilo
- Aged cheese - 4 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Bell peppers - 5 kilos
- Carrots - 6 kilos
- Apples - 20 kilo
- Bananas - 15 kilos
- Grapes - 10 kilos
- Oranges - 12 kilo
- Muesli bars - 250 pieces
- Energy bars - 180 pieces
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 8 bags
- Raisins - 6 kilo
- Unsalted nuts - 5 kilos
- Gluten-free sandwich rolls - 30 pieces
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian wraps - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 6 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Yogurt dressing - 4 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 500 grams
- Paper trays - 40 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 10 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Garbage bags - 120 pieces
- Latex-free bandages - 10 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 10 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 10 packs
- Bandages - 20 Rolls
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 200 pieces
- Sunscreen - 12 bottles
- Mosquito spray - 6 bottles
- Cable ties - 500 pieces
- Marking spray - 12 cans

Tips

Plan at least one bib number and one finish medal per participant, then add 5–10% spares for late registrations, damaged numbers and replacements.
For a course with water tubs, mud or wet ground, buy or bring rubber boots, work gloves and enough towels or dry storage space for volunteers and equipment.
Count route signs and arrow boards by every turn, junction and entrance rather than by obstacle. Add one extra sign for each major section so participants do not miss the route.
Use soft landing mats and foam blocks wherever participants may fall from beams, nets, ropes or ramps. Check the full landing area before opening registration, not just the obstacle itself.
Set aside a separate volunteer kit: safety vests, caps, whistles and stopwatches. Provide at least one whistle and one visible vest for every marshal or course official.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an obstacle run?: You need obstacles suited to the course, such as climbing nets, crawl tunnels, tyres, beams, balance blocks, rope ladders and climbing ropes. Add soft landing mats, foam blocks, cones, water tubs, ramps and sandbags where the course design requires them.
How many medals and bib numbers should I buy for an obstacle run?: Buy one bib number and one finish medal for every registered participant. Add a 5–10% reserve, so a 100-person event needs about 105–110 bib numbers and medals.
What safety supplies are needed for an obstacle run?: Prepare first-aid kits, soft landing mats, foam blocks, cones, safety vests, work gloves and rubber boots. Keep at least one fully stocked first-aid kit at the start or finish and another near the highest-risk obstacle area.
How early should I buy obstacle run supplies?: Order or reserve specialist obstacles, tents, barriers and the start-finish arch at least 4–6 weeks before the event. Buy consumables, drinks and replacement signage during the final 7 days, after checking registrations and the weather forecast.

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