What you need for a pursuit race

A pursuit race needs more than race numbers and a finish arch. You will need clear route markers, timing equipment, water for course posts, and enough power and communication gear for a spread-out event. This shopping list also covers the practical items people often arrange too late, such as bib straps, clipboards, socket protection, and lighting. Check quantities against your participant count, volunteer posts, and route length before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 150
Race bib strapsqty 150
Medalsqty 150
Conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 12
Water cups for postsqty 500
Spongesqty 100
Stopwatchesqty 6
Clipboardsqty 10
Route arrowsqty 30
Kilometer markersqty 6
Starting gate
Finish arch

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Laptop
Printer
Socket protectionqty 6

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 10

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Disposable glovesqty 100
Safety vestsqty 20
Traffic conesqty 30
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Administration

Registration formsqty 200
Route mapsqty 150
Volunteer listsqty 20
Pen setsqty 10
Markersqty 12
Name stickersqty 150
Wristbandsqty 200
Envelopesqty 200

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitchersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Buntingqty 8
Event postersqty 20
Directional signsqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 120 liters
- Sparkling water - 40 liters
- Isotonic sports drink - 60 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 6 crates
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Kaiser rolls - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Cucumbers - 5 kilos
- Tomatoes - 6 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Apples - 18 kilos
- Bananas - 15 kilos
- Oranges - 12 kilo
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Energy bars - 150 pieces
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 60 pieces
- Chicken soup - 8 liters
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Soup sticks - 6 packs
- Pasta - 8 kilo
- Pasta sauce - 10 jars
- Vegetarian balls - 6 kilos
- Grated cheese - 2 kilos
- Herb mix - 10 sachets
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 500 grams
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Cleaning product - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Disinfectant gel - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 24 pieces
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Gauze compresses - 10 packs
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Ice packs - 20 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one bib number and one bib strap per participant, plus 5–10% spare numbers for last-minute changes or damaged items.
Provide a water cup supply for every staffed post and refill the coolers before the first start group; two to three cups per participant at each post is a workable starting point.
Use route arrows and kilometre markers at every decision point, then keep extra cones and barrier tape available for changes after the final route inspection.
Allow one stopwatch or timing device for each timing point, and give every volunteer post a clipboard with the information it needs before the first group starts.
Count extension cords, power strips, power banks, and socket protection by location rather than as one central pile; test the sound system, microphones, printer, and work lights before setup day.

Frequently asked questions

How many race bibs do I need for a pursuit race?: Prepare one bib number and one bib strap per registered participant. Add 5–10% spare bibs and straps, so a race with 100 participants needs about 105–110 sets.
How much water should I buy for a pursuit race?: For a staffed water post, start with two to three cups per participant expected to pass that post, then add roughly 10% for spills and volunteers. Fill coolers before the first start group and arrange a refill before the final groups arrive.
How many route signs and cones are needed?: Place a route arrow at every turn, junction, and point where the course could be misunderstood. Count signs after the route inspection, then buy or bring at least 10% extra cones and barrier tape for last-minute corrections.
When should I prepare the race equipment?: Sort bib numbers and pack volunteer materials at least one day before the race. Test stopwatches, walkie-talkies, microphones, the printer, power connections, and work lights before setup begins, not when participants are arriving.

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