What you need for a run-bike-run event

A run-bike-run needs more than race numbers and a marked course. You will need equipment for the transition between running and cycling, clear route signage, bike support, timing, communication and participant refreshments. Plan quantities around your number of competitors, volunteers and course posts. Check the shopping list several days before the event, then pack small essentials such as spare tubes, power banks and cable ties together so they do not get missed on race morning.

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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 30
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 100
Race bib strapsqty 100
Bike racksqty 6
Conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 8
Route arrowsqty 35
Kilometer markersqty 12
Whistlesqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 6
Bike pumpsqty 3
Tool setsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 12

Equipment

Handheld megaphonesqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100

Kitchen

Water jugsqty 12
Coolersqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving jugsqty 6

Decorations

Bib numbersqty 4
Finishing cloth
Medal hooksqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 10

Cleaning

Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 120 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Bananas - 12 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Oranges - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Dates - 3 kilogram
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Energy gels - 80 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Cheese - 4 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilogram
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 6 packages
- Vegetarian Snacks - 60 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bib number and one bib strap for every participant, plus a small reserve for last-minute registrations or damaged numbers. Print the participant list before race day so timekeepers and volunteers are working from the same version.
Mark the bike section with route arrows, cones and kilometre markers, and count the signs by junction rather than by distance alone. Check every turn on the route before participants arrive; one missing arrow can send riders off course.
Put a bike pump, tool set and spare inner tubes at the start or transition area, with a volunteer assigned to them. These items are easy to overlook because they are support equipment rather than race supplies.
Give each traffic post and timing point a whistle and walkie-talkie, and charge the radios and power banks the day before. If the event may run into low light, pack LED work lights or battery lanterns before loading the van.
Bring reusable cups, water jugs and coolers for the refreshment point, and pack reusable plates and cutlery if food is served. Keep at least one clearly labelled cutting board and a separate waste bin at the serving area to make setup faster.

Frequently asked questions

How many run-bike-run bib numbers do I need?: Prepare one bib number and one race bib strap per registered participant, then add 5–10% spare numbers. For 50 participants, that means 53–55 bibs and straps.
How many route signs are needed for a run-bike-run?: Count one arrow or directional sign for every turn, junction and route change, then add 10% spare signs. Walk or cycle the course at least 3–7 days before the event to confirm the count.
When should I charge the timing and communication equipment?: Charge stopwatches, walkie-talkies, power banks and any battery lighting the day before the event. Test every device within 24 hours of the start and pack spare batteries where applicable.
How much bike repair equipment should I bring?: Bring at least one bike pump, one tool set and two spare inner tubes for a small event, then add another set for each busy support point. Place the equipment before volunteers arrive, ideally 60 minutes before the start.

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