One-Day Race Shopping List

A one-day race needs more than bib numbers and a finish arch. You also need practical supplies for registration, route marking, timing, refreshments, power, communication and minor bike problems. Plan quantities around your number of participants, volunteers and course stations, then add spares for items that can fail or get lost. This checklist helps you shop before race day instead of discovering missing cables, cups or inner tubes during setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 40
Traffic barriersqty 30
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 80
Bib numbersqty 150
Bib holdersqty 150
Round signsqty 6
Finish arch
Stage
Spare bike pumpsqty 3
Tire leversqty 6
Inner tubesqty 12
Basic bike toolsqty 3

Equipment

Timing clocksqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 4
Laptopsqty 2
Printersqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 100

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Water jugsqty 8

Decorations

Stage ribbonsqty 3
Medalsqty 12
Winner's cupsqty 6
Start and finish bannersqty 4

Cleaning

Broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 crates
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 crates
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 8 cases
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 2 kilograms
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 4 kilogram
- Bananas - 12 kilograms
- Apples - 12 kilograms
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Diet-free sandwiches - 20 pieces

Tips

Buy bib numbers and bib holders for every registered participant, plus at least 5% extra for late changes, damaged numbers and replacements. Keep the spare set at the registration desk.
Allow two to three drinks per participant during the first hour, then add extra for volunteers and finish-area staff. Use coolers and reusable cups at each planned refreshment point rather than putting all drinks in one place.
Match route arrows and round signs to every turn, crossing and approach to the start or finish. Add two spare signs per major section and pack cable ties or tape so signs can be fixed quickly on race morning.
Prepare one complete communications and power kit for the event office: walkie-talkies for key volunteers, tested laptops and printers, extension cords, power strips and work lights. Test every cable and microphone before loading the vehicles.
Stock the equipment station with spare bike pumps, tire levers, inner tubes and basic bike tools before the course opens. Carry at least one spare inner tube in each size used by the participating bikes, where sizes are known.

Frequently asked questions

How many bib numbers should I buy for a one-day race?: Buy one bib number per registered participant and add 5% extra. For 200 runners, that means 210 bib numbers, with the additional 10 available for late registrations or replacements.
How much food and drink do I need for a one-day race?: Plan two to three drinks per participant for the first hour, then add supplies for volunteers and staff. Buy food according to your confirmed headcount and include at least 10% extra for unexpected arrivals or larger portions.
How many route signs do I need for a one-day race?: Use one clearly visible arrow or direction sign for every turn, intersection and approach where participants could go wrong. Add two spare signs per major route section so damaged or missing signs can be replaced before the start.
When should I prepare the race shopping and equipment?: Complete the main shopping at least 3 to 5 days before race day. Test timing clocks, stopwatches, printers, speakers, microphones and power leads the day before, then pack consumables and spare equipment together for quick setup.

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