What you need for a police run

A police run needs more than race numbers and medals. You’ll need clear route markings, equipment for traffic control, timing supplies, first aid materials and a practical setup for registration and the finish area. Use the participant count to work out quantities: prepare one bib, strap and medal for every registered runner, then add spares. Buy drinks and snacks early enough to chill them before the event, and check batteries and communication equipment before volunteers arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Registration tablesqty 4
Catering tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 350
Race bib strapsqty 350
Finish medalsqty 350
Route arrowsqty 80
Kilometer markersqty 10
Traffic conesqty 60
Barrier tapeqty 8
Traffic barriersqty 30
Start Line
Finish arch
Clipboardsqty 12
Whistlesqty 12
Safety vestsqty 25
Flaggingqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 6
Megaphonesqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 24
Timekeeping devicesqty 2
First aid kitsqty 3
Blanketsqty 20
Ice packsqty 20
Blanketsqty 6

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Printer
Mobile phonesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 400
Coffee cupsqty 250
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Water jugsqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Scissorsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 8

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Waste binsqty 12

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 30 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Sports drink - 24 bottles
- Isotonic drink powder - 4 packs
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 3 packs
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White Bread - 12 loaves
- Whole wheat rolls - 180 pieces
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Young cheese - 8 packs
- Aged cheese - 6 packs
- Ham - 8 packs
- Chicken breast - 6 packs
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 30 pieces
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Apples - 250 pieces
- Bananas - 180 pieces
- Mandarins - 120 pieces
- Muesli bars - 250 pieces
- Currant buns - 150 pieces
- Raisins - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan toppings - 6 packages
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 12 packs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Freezer bags - 4 boxes
- Paper food trays - 400 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Toothpicks - 4 boxes
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 6 boxes

Tips

Prepare one race bib, bib strap and medal for each registered participant, plus at least 5% spare supplies for late registrations, damaged items or missing numbers.
For every route section staffed by volunteers, provide a safety vest and a reliable way to communicate. Test walkie-talkies and megaphones at least 24 hours before the start, with spare batteries ready.
Print route maps and participant lists on the day before the run, then pack them in separate clipboards for registration, traffic control and first aid. Keep a waterproof copy of the route at the start and finish.
Mark the route with arrows and kilometre markers before participants arrive. Bring extra cones, barrier tape and flagging because signs can move, fall down or become hard to see in poor weather.
Plan refreshments by headcount rather than by guesswork: allow 2–3 drinks per participant for the first hour, and prepare more if the course is long or the weather is warm. Keep snacks at the finish, not only at registration.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a police run?: At minimum, prepare one bib, strap and medal per runner, plus route arrows, kilometre markers, cones, barrier tape, safety vests, first aid kits and timing equipment. Registration also needs tables, chairs, clipboards and printed participant lists.
How many race numbers and medals should I order?: Order one race number and one medal for every registered participant. Add at least 5% extra, or a minimum of 5 spare sets for a small run, to cover late changes and damaged items.
When should I buy drinks and snacks for a police run?: Buy packaged drinks and snacks at least 2–3 days before the event so you can check quantities and replace missing items. Chill drinks the day before, then move them to the finish area before the first runners arrive.
How many safety vests and radios do volunteers need?: Provide one safety vest for every volunteer working on the route or at traffic points. Plan one walkie-talkie for each key post or team, test them at least 24 hours beforehand and pack spare batteries.

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