Running race shopping list

A running race needs more than bib numbers and medals. You also need visible route marking, a reliable finish setup, first-aid supplies and a way for volunteers to stay in contact. Plan equipment by runner count, course length and the number of registration and traffic points. This checklist covers the practical items to buy, borrow or bring so setup does not stall on race day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Registration tablesqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Waste binsqty 12

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 350
Start number bandsqty 350
Finish medalsqty 350
Course signsqty 40
Directional signsqty 60
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Traffic conesqty 80
Ribbonqty 10
Stopwatchesqty 6
Backpacks for the courseqty 6
Stage blocksqty 3
First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Disposable glovesqty 100
Cool bagsqty 4
Ice packsqty 20
Conesqty 30
Starting ribbon
Finish arch
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 40
Notepadsqty 12
Route mapsqty 80
Volunteer vestsqty 30
Safety vestsqty 20
Prizesqty 12

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Mobile phonesqty 8
Mobile sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Printer

Catering

Water cupsqty 800
Paper coffee cupsqty 300
Napkinsqty 1000
Serving traysqty 12
Coolersqty 8
Water jugsqty 20
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 8
Scissorsqty 8

Lighting

Battery lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Trash bag holdersqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Toilet paper rollsqty 24
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Paper towel holdersqty 6

Groceries

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 450 liters
- Sports drink - 120 liters
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Milk - 20 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Bananas - 35 kilos
- Apples - 30 kilo
- Oranges - 20 kilo
- Grapes - 15 kilos
- Muesli bars - 400 pieces
- Currant buns - 250 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White rolls - 250 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 150 pieces
- Cheese - 12 kilos
- Hummus - 6 kilos
- Peanut butter - 5 jars
- Jam - 5 jars
- Butter - 4 kilos
- Turkey breast - 6 kilos
- Cucumber - 12 kilos
- Tomatoes - 12 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Pretzels - 8 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 4 kilos
- Vegan sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Lemons - 5 kilo
- Ice cubes - 40 kilos
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Paper plates - 500 pieces
- Wooden Forks - 500 pieces
- Wooden Knives - 500 pieces
- Wooden spoons - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Cleaning product - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 10 packs
- Hand sanitizer - 12 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Gauze compresses - 10 packs
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Elastic bandages - 12 pieces
- Disinfectant - 6 bottles
- Disposable cups for first aid - 100 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces
- Printer paper - 3 packs
- Printer cartridges - 2 sets
- Highlighters - 3 boxes
- Waterproof Markers - 2 boxes
- Duct tape - 8 rolls
- Cable ties - 500 pieces
- Rope - 4 rolls
- Chalk spray - 12 cans
- Safety pins - 1000 pieces
- Wristbands - 400 pieces
- Name Labels - 400 pieces
- Envelopes - 400 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bib number and one bib strap for every registered runner, plus at least 5% extra for late changes, damaged numbers or replacements.
Place route signs before race morning: use a clear start-to-finish sequence of course boards and arrow signs, with extra arrows at every junction where runners could hesitate.
Give each traffic post a way to communicate. Count one phone or walkie-talkie per key post, and keep power banks ready because phones used for coordination can run down quickly.
Pack one first aid kit at the start or finish and additional kits in course backpacks for longer routes. Add emergency blankets and disposable gloves where volunteers can reach them immediately.
Count tables and chairs by function rather than guest total: registration, information, timing and refreshments may each need their own surface. Bring extension cords, power strips and a printer only where electricity and printing are actually available.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a small running race?: For a small race, prepare one bib number and strap per runner, medals for every finisher, route and arrow signs, cones or barriers, stopwatches, first aid kits and volunteer communication equipment. Add registration tables, chairs, waste bins and a laptop or tablet for check-in.
How many race bibs and medals should I order?: Order one bib number and one medal per confirmed runner, then add about 5% extra. For 100 runners, that means at least 105 bibs and 105 medals if every finisher receives one.
What should I bring for race-day registration?: Bring registration tables, chairs, the sorted bib numbers, start number straps, a laptop or tablet and a printer if you need to print changes on site. Pack these items at least one day before the race and keep a small supply of spare bibs available.
How early should course signs and barriers be ready?: Have all course signs, arrow signs, cones, barriers and ribbon packed and checked at least 24 hours before the start. On race morning, allow enough time to place them before runners arrive and complete one full route check.

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