Running race shopping list

A running race needs more than a start line and a route. You will need clear signage, bib numbers, timing equipment, water supplies and a practical setup for registration and the finish area. This shopping list covers the physical items to buy, borrow or bring, from kilometer markers and traffic barriers to coolers, printers and walkie-talkies. Check quantities against your participant count, route length and volunteer positions before ordering, because replacement supplies are difficult to arrange on race day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 6
Bar stoolsqty 8
Waste binsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 4

Sports equipment

Start arch
Finish arch
Directional signsqty 35
Kilometer markersqty 6
Bib numbersqty 600
Race bib strapsqty 600
Competition medalsqty 600
Ribbon streamerqty 12
Traffic conesqty 60
Traffic barriersqty 30
Brushesqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 6
Measuring wheel
Conesqty 40
Coolersqty 8
Water jugsqty 20
Water bottle cratesqty 10

Equipment

Laptopsqty 3
Tabletsqty 4
Mobile phonesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Wi-Fi router
Printer
Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Power banksqty 10

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Work lightsqty 4
Batteriesqty 40

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 700
Platesqty 300
Cutlery setsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 150

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving traysqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Balloonsqty 150
Stage ribbonqty 2
Information bannersqty 6
Arrow bannersqty 12

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 6
Spongesqty 12
Hand broomsqty 6
Hand sanitizer dispensersqty 8
Toilet paper holdersqty 4

First aid

First aid kitsqty 3
Blanketsqty 20
Ice packsqty 20
Stretcher
Disposable glovesqty 100
Flashlightsqty 6

Registration

Clipboardsqty 12
Pen setsqty 30
A4 paperqty 5
Name stickersqty 200
Envelopesqty 600
Rolls of tapeqty 12
Scissor setsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 40 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemons - 4 kilograms
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Bananas - 12 kilograms
- Apples - 12 kilograms
- Oranges - 8 kilogram
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 600 pieces
- Energy bars - 300 pieces
- Currant buns - 300 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Wholemeal rolls - 150 pieces
- White rolls - 150 pieces
- Cheese - 6 kilogram
- Ham - 4 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Margarine - 3 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 5 kilogram
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Lettuce - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 20 bags
- Plain chips - 20 bags
- Snacks - 12 bags
- Mixed nuts - 8 bags
- Gluten-free crackers - 8 packs
- Vegan toppings - 12 packages
- Gluten-free sandwich rolls - 30 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Vegan cheese - 2 kilograms
- Vegan margarine - 2 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Tomato soup - 12 liters
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Breadsticks - 12 packs
- Yogurt - 8 liter
- Granola - 4 kilogram
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Brownies - 300 pieces
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Straws - 700 pieces
- Coffee filters - 3 packs
- Tea filters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Compostable trash bags - 50
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 8 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Paper towels - 24 packs
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 10 packs
- Disinfectant wipes - 10 packs
- Sports tape - 10 rolls
- Bandages - 10 sets
- Disposable gloves - 200 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bib number and one bib strap for every registered runner, then add at least 5% spare numbers for damaged, lost or last-minute replacements.
Use one directional sign at every turn or decision point, plus a kilometer marker for each kilometer on the route. Inspect the route before race day so missing or unclear signs can be replaced.
Plan water by station rather than buying it all for the finish area. Provide enough water bottle crates and water jugs for the expected runners, with coolers positioned where volunteers can refill cups or bottles quickly.
Count traffic equipment by road position: place cones and barriers wherever runners cross or share space with vehicles, and keep spare cones available for shifting or damaged markers.
Set aside a working printer, laptop or tablet, mobile phone and walkie-talkie for registration and timing. Test the Wi-Fi router, printer and stopwatches at least one day before the race instead of discovering a connection problem at the start.

Frequently asked questions

How many race bibs should I order for a running race?: Order one bib number and one bib strap per registered runner. Add at least 5% extra, so a race with 200 participants would need about 210 bibs and straps.
How many kilometer signs do I need for a running race?: For a 10-kilometer race, prepare 10 kilometer markers, plus directional signs for every turn and split in the route. Add two or three spare signs in case one is damaged or misplaced.
How much water do I need for a running race?: Plan the amount by runner count and station layout rather than using one fixed total. As a starting point, allow 500 to 750 milliliters per runner for a short race, then add extra for warm weather and volunteers.
When should I prepare the running race equipment?: Order medals, bibs, signs and barriers at least 2 to 4 weeks before race day. Test timing devices, the printer, Wi-Fi router and walkie-talkies at least 24 hours beforehand, and inspect the route once more on the day before the race.

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