What You Need for a Relay Race

A relay race needs more than batons and a start line. You will need clear identification for runners, visible route and exchange-point markers, timing equipment, volunteer supplies and power for communication or printing. Buy or gather the items early enough to test the clocks, printer, megaphone and phones before race day. Keep spare bib straps, batteries or charged power banks, tape and markers available for last-minute changes.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 4
Flag standsqty 6

Sports equipment

Relay batonsqty 30
Conesqty 40
Marker ribbonsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 150
Race bib strapsqty 150
Route arrowsqty 60
Barrier tapeqty 10
Traffic conesqty 20
Timekeeping clocksqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 8
Clipboardsqty 12
Route mapsqty 30
Whistlesqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 20
Course signsqty 15

Equipment

Megaphoneqty 2
Mobile phonesqty 8
Power banksqty 8
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speakersqty 2
Laptop
Printer

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 200
Reusable platesqty 150
Reusable cutleryqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Towelsqty 12
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Start-finish banner
Buntingqty 12
Team table labelsqty 30
Stage ribbonsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 3
Canqty 3
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Washing-up bowlsqty 3

First aid

First aid kitsqty 3
Blanketsqty 10
Disposable glovesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Bottled water - 180 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Multifruit juice - 8 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Bananas - 100 pieces
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Mandarins - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 8 trays
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Brown rolls - 100 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Cheese - 5 kilo
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Cupcakes - 150 pieces
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian spread salad - 8 tubs
- Allergen stickers - 2 sheets
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Prepare one relay baton for every team running at the same time, plus at least one spare. Check that each baton is easy to grip and pass before the event.
Give every participant a bib number and a secure bib strap. Sort the numbers in start-list order and pack a small reserve in case a bib is lost or damaged.
Use route arrows, course signs, cones and barrier tape at every turn, crossing point and exchange area. Walk the route once before race day so missing or unclear markers are found in time.
Provide one clipboard, route map and whistle for each key volunteer position, such as the start, exchanges and finish. Reflective vests make route staff easier to identify, especially near crossings.
Charge the megaphone, mobile phones, stopwatches and power banks the evening before. Test extension cords, power strips, the printer and LED lamps at least one day before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a relay race?: Plan for relay batons, bib numbers and straps, cones, route arrows, course signs and timing equipment. Add clipboards, route maps, whistles, reflective vests and barrier tape for the people managing the course.
How many relay batons do I need?: You need one baton for each team that is racing at the same time. Bring at least one spare baton, so one broken or lost baton does not stop the race.
What should I buy for marking a relay race route?: Use route arrows and course signs for direction, cones and traffic cones for the course, and barrier tape where access or crossings need control. Check the complete route at least one day before the race and pack extra markers for adjustments.
When should I prepare the relay race equipment?: Sort bib numbers, route materials and volunteer packs at least one day before the event. Charge phones and power banks, test the printer and timing clocks, and check all signs before loading the equipment.

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