What to Buy and Bring for a Pentathlon

A pentathlon needs more than sports equipment. You also need clearly marked competition areas, timing and scoring supplies, registration materials, drinks and basic first aid. Plan equipment for every discipline, plus spares for anything that can be damaged or misplaced. Start shopping at least one week before the event so you have time to check sizes, batteries, printed materials and venue access. Keep drinks chilled and assemble participant packs on the day before the competition.

Use this plan

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Party tentsqty 4
Jury tablesqty 6
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Starting blocksqty 4
Relay batonsqty 12
Bulletsqty 6
High jump barsqty 3
High jump uprightsqty 3
High jump matsqty 2
Measuring tapesqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 8
Conesqty 40
Marker discsqty 30
Starter pistol
Start flagsqty 4
Hurdlesqty 12
Springboardsqty 2
Rakeqty 2
Scoopsqty 2
Scoreboardsqty 6
Bib numbersqty 40
Sports ballsqty 10
Whistlesqty 8
Ropeqty 2
Paper tapeqty 8
Sidewalk chalkqty 12
Clipboardsqty 10
Pensqty 50
Pencilsqty 30
Calculatorsqty 4
Bib numbersqty 150
Wristbandsqty 150
Medalsqty 30
Cupsqty 6
Certificatesqty 150
Prize table

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Water dispensersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 60
Water jugsqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Ice packsqty 24

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Glovesqty 12
Trash grabbersqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Outdoor lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Information boardsqty 8
Tablecloth setsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Ice tea - 12 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Coffee biscuits - 6 packs
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Wholemeal rolls - 120 pieces
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Halal chicken breast - 2 kilogram
- Halal salami - 1 kilogram
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Apples - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 120 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Mandarins - 8 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 180 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Nut-free snack bars - 100 pieces
- Raisins - 4 kilograms
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Large trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 60 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Disinfectant - 2 bottles
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Bandages - 12 rolls
- Cold compresses - 12 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Tick removers - 2 pieces
- Sunscreen - 12 bottles

Tips

Allow at least one stopwatch per active judge, plus one spare, so a single flat battery does not stop the schedule. Check batteries 24 hours before the first event.
Prepare bib numbers, score sheets, route maps and clipboards for every participant group. Print 10% extra copies to cover lost papers, rain damage or late registrations.
Bring more cones, marker discs and paper tape than the course plan uses—roughly 10% extra is a practical buffer. Pack sidewalk chalk as a backup for marking lines on hard surfaces.
Set aside drinks for the first hour before shopping for extras: two to three drinks per participant is a useful starting point, with more needed in warm weather. Chill them overnight rather than on the morning itself.
Pack first aid supplies, waste bins and weather cover with the competition equipment. Put these items at the registration desk or jury tables before participants arrive, so they are not left in the vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a pentathlon?: You need equipment for each discipline, including starting blocks, relay batons, hurdles, high jump bars and uprights, mats, springboards, sports balls, measuring tapes and cones. Add timing, judging and scoring supplies such as stopwatches, whistles, scoreboards and clipboards.
How much drinking water should I buy for a pentathlon?: Plan on two to three drinks per participant for the first hour, then add more according to the event length and weather. Buy and chill the drinks at least one day before the pentathlon.
When should I print pentathlon bib numbers and score sheets?: Print them after registrations close and the participant groups are assigned, preferably 24 to 48 hours before the event. Print about 10% extra copies so late changes or damaged sheets do not cause delays.
How many stopwatches and judges are needed for a pentathlon?: Provide one stopwatch for each judge who records an active result, plus at least one spare. Confirm the judge assignments and test every stopwatch no later than the day before the competition.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.