What you need for a relay race

A relay race needs more than batons and a marked route. You will also need supplies for registration, team identification, transition zones, timing, traffic control, refreshments and power. Buy or reserve the items early, especially barriers, tents, tables, microphones and a generator. Use the final shopping check alongside your course map and volunteer plan so nothing is missing on race day.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 24
Registration deskqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Relay batonsqty 20
Bib numbersqty 150
Race bib strapsqty 150
Transition zone signsqty 8
Route arrowsqty 30
Conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 10
Traffic barriersqty 20
Stopwatchesqty 6
Clipboardsqty 10
Measuring tape
Stage ribbon
Power generator

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Mobile phone chargersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Start and finish bannerqty 2
Stage ribbonsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomsqty 3
Dustpansqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2
Fever thermometer

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 60 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 120 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Assorted tea bags - 200 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Wholemeal rolls - 100 pieces
- Cheese slices - 4 kilogram
- Sliced ham - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Apples - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 120 pieces
- Oranges - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Cold packs - 12 pieces
- Elastic bandages - 12 pieces
- Aluminum emergency blankets - 8 pieces
- Sunscreen - 6 bottles
- Duct tape - 6 rolls
- Highlighters - 12 pieces
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces
- Paper route maps - 150 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs

Tips

Plan one relay baton per team, plus at least two spare batons. Keep the spares at the start area or with the race coordinator rather than packing them away.
Prepare bib numbers and race bib straps for every registered participant, then bring around 5% extra for late changes, damaged bibs or incorrect team assignments.
Mark the route with arrows, cones and barrier tape at every turn, crossing and transition area. Put out transition zone signs early enough for volunteers to check the layout before participants arrive.
Allow one registration desk with clipboards and pens, and provide enough tables and chairs for the expected queue. Set up registration at least 60 minutes before the first assigned start time.
Check electricity at the start and finish locations at least one week beforehand. Pack extension cords, power strips, power banks and phone chargers; arrange a generator if reliable mains power is unavailable.

Frequently asked questions

How many relay batons do I need for a relay race?: Plan one baton for each participating team and keep at least two spare batons. If teams are still changing, confirm the final count no later than 48 hours before the race.
How many race bibs should I buy?: Prepare one bib for every participant and add about 5% extra. Print the final bib numbers at least 2 days before the event so you have time to correct names, teams or start details.
When should I put out relay race route signs and cones?: Set out route arrows, cones, barrier tape and transition zone signs at least 60 minutes before the first start. Give volunteers another 30 minutes to walk the course and correct unclear or unsafe points.
How much drinking equipment is needed for a relay race?: Provide reusable drinking cups for each planned refreshment point and enough coolers or pouring jugs to keep supplies moving. Check participant numbers and dietary requirements at least 3 days before shopping.

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.