Quarter Marathon Shopping List

A quarter marathon needs more than race numbers and medals. You will also need clearly marked route equipment, water containers, timing gear, volunteer clothing and supplies for the start and finish area. Order anything printed or personalised early, especially bib numbers and medals. Buy consumables and check equipment against the route plan during the final week, so missing items can still be replaced before race day.

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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 30
Tableclothsqty 10
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Time registration system

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 150
Medalsqty 150
Race bib strapsqty 150
Route arrowsqty 40
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Traffic conesqty 40
Warning signsqty 12
Start and finish arch
Conesqty 30
Stopwatchesqty 6
Reflective vestsqty 25
First aid kitsqty 2
Thermal blanketsqty 20
Coolersqty 6
Jerry cansqty 8
Foldable water tapsqty 6
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 40
Route mapsqty 30

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 6

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 6
Drink dispensersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 10
Ice cube traysqty 4
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 60 bottles
- Sports drink lemon - 80 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Ice tea - 12 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Bananas - 15 kilos
- Apples - 15 kilo
- Oranges - 10 kilos
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Melons - 6 pieces
- Raisins - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Energy bars - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 150 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Multigrain bread - 6 loaves
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Semi-skimmed spread - 2 kilo
- Semi-aged cheese - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Peanut butter - 3 kilo
- Jam - 3 kilo
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 kilos
- Cucumber - 5 kilo
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Crab salad - 1 kilo
- Egg salad - 2 kilo
- Gluten-free bread - 4 loaves
- Vegan sandwich spread - 2 kilos
- Yogurt - 10 liters
- Muesli - 4 kilos
- Herb cheese - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Herb mix - 4 sachets
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Vinegar - 1 liter
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 24 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Freezer bags - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Labels - 200 pieces
- Tape - 10 rolls
- Paper drinking cups - 300 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Wooden forks - 200 pieces

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broomqty 3
Litter pickersqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Mopqty 3
Toilet brushesqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloon archesqty 2
Welcome bannersqty 2

Tips

Order bib numbers and medals as soon as registration closes, or at least 2–3 weeks before the race. That gives you time to correct names, quantities and delivery errors.
Plan water points by distance, not just by headcount. Prepare coolers, jerry cans and foldable water taps for every planned station, plus a small reserve for hot weather.
Buy and pack route-marking supplies together: route arrows, cones, warning signs and barriers. Count what is needed at every intersection during the route check, then add about 10% spare signs and cones.
Give every route or traffic volunteer a reflective vest and a clipboard with a route map. Keep spare pens and printed maps at the start and finish rather than relying on phones.
Test the timing system, sound system, microphones and extension cords at least one day before the race. Pack power strips and a backup stopwatch so a dead battery or loose cable does not delay the start.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a quarter marathon?: Plan for bib numbers, race bib straps, medals, timing equipment, route arrows, cones, warning signs, barriers, reflective vests, first aid kits, thermal blankets and water supplies. The start and finish area may also need tents, tables, chairs, a sound system and stationery.
How many medals and bib numbers should I order?: Order one medal and one bib number for every confirmed participant, then add a small reserve of around 5% if your budget allows. Check the final registration list before placing a personalised print order.
How much water do I need for a quarter marathon?: Use your participant count, the number of water points and the weather forecast to calculate the total. As a starting point, allow roughly 250–500 ml per runner on the course, then add extra for volunteers and hot conditions.
When should I order quarter marathon supplies?: Order printed bib numbers and medals at least 2–3 weeks before race day. Buy route-marking, first-aid and water equipment no later than the week before, and check all electrical and timing equipment the day before.

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