What to Buy for a Relay Race

A relay race needs more than batons and a start line. You’ll need clear course markers, bib numbers, timing equipment, water, a staffed care station and enough serving gear for everyone who stays afterwards. This shopping list covers the items that are easiest to overlook, from safety pins and power banks to cold packs and route arrows. Check quantities against your team size, route length and the number of volunteers before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer table setsqty 6

Sports equipment

Relay batonsqty 12
Conesqty 40
Bib numbersqty 80
Safety pinsqty 160
Route arrowsqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 6
Sidewalk chalkqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 4

Equipment

Megaphonesqty 2
Tabletsqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED lightsqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Cold Packsqty 12

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Water dispensersqty 3

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Start-finish banner

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6

Groceries

Groceries
- Still mineral water - 100 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Whole wheat buns - 80 pieces
- White rolls - 40 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 80 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 4 rolls

Tips

Plan one relay baton for every team, plus at least two spare batons. A spare prevents a broken or misplaced baton from stopping the race.
Buy enough bib numbers and safety pins for every participant, then add 5–10% extra for replacements and last-minute registrations.
Use cones, barrier tape, sidewalk chalk and route arrows together at turns, crossings and the finish area. Place a final route check 1–2 hours before the start.
Prepare one clearly stocked first aid kit at registration and another at the drinks and care station. Keep cold packs in a cooler so they are ready for strains or minor knocks.
Charge tablets, stopwatches, megaphones and power banks the day before. Bring extension cords and LED lights if registration, catering or the finish area may run in low light.

Frequently asked questions

How many relay batons do I need?: Plan one baton per team and buy two spare batons for every 20 teams. Keep the spares at registration or with the race coordinator rather than at the start line.
How many bib numbers and safety pins should I buy for a relay race?: Prepare one bib number and four safety pins per participant. Add 5–10% extra bibs and pins for damaged numbers, forgotten items and late registrations.
How much water do I need for a relay race?: Allow at least 0.5 litres of water per participant for a short race, plus 10–15% extra for volunteers and warm weather. Use water dispensers and reusable cups at the care station instead of relying on one supply point.
When should I prepare the relay race shopping?: Buy non-perishable equipment and tableware at least 3–5 days before the race. Check fresh catering supplies, chilled drinks, charged electronics and the weather-dependent items again on the day before.

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