Running race shopping list

A running race needs more than bib numbers and medals. You will need supplies for registration, course marking, hydration, safety, timing and the finish area, plus equipment to keep everything working outdoors. Buy disposable items according to your runner count, then add a small reserve for late registrations and damaged supplies. Check power, weather protection and volunteer equipment at least one week before race day.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Registration tablesqty 3
Catering tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 30
Clothes racksqty 2
Clothing binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 180
Safety pinsqty 400
Finish medalsqty 180
Starter pistol
Whistlesqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 6
Measuring tapesqty 2
Kilometer markersqty 10
Route arrowsqty 40
Disposable cupsqty 600
Water cratesqty 12
Blanketsqty 6

Safety

Traffic barriersqty 30
Rolls of barrier tapeqty 12
Traffic conesqty 40
Safety vestsqty 25
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Disposable glovesqty 100

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6

Lighting

Battery lampsqty 8

Decorations

Finish arch
Start arch
Buntingqty 8
Stage pennantsqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Litter pickersqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mop setsqty 2

Catering

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Reusable cupsqty 250
Paper napkinsqty 500
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Apples - 15 kilogram
- Bananas - 12 kilograms
- Oranges - 10 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole grain buns - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Turkey breast - 3 kilograms
- Cucumber - 5 kilograms
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Iceberg lettuce - 8 heads
- Jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 5 bags
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Tea - 200 bags
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Lemon tea - 100 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 2 kilogram
- Allergen labels - 1 pack
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Bandages - 5 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Cold compresses - 12 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes
- Paper wristbands - 250 pieces
- Pens - 30 pieces
- Highlighters - 12 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Tape - 8 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bib number and at least two safety pins per runner, then print 5–10% extra bibs for replacements and late changes. Keep the participant list at registration so volunteers can check names quickly.
Plan at least two drinks per runner for the first hour, with extra water if the forecast is warm. Set disposable cups, water crates, fruit and starter packs near the catering tables before runners arrive.
Mark the route with kilometer markers and arrows, then add cones, barriers or barrier tape wherever runners could take a wrong turn. Walk or drive the full course again the day before the race rather than relying on an old route check.
Give every course volunteer a safety vest and whistle, and place a first aid kit at registration and near the finish. Keep emergency blankets and disposable gloves together so they can be reached without searching through boxes.
Test the starter pistol, stopwatches, sound system, microphones and speakers before loading the van. Pack extension cords and power strips separately, and bring weather protection for registration and catering tables if rain is possible.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a running race?: Plan supplies for registration, marking the course, hydration, safety, timing and the finish. For each runner, allow one bib number, two safety pins, one medal and at least two drinks for the first hour, then add 5–10% spare stock.
How many safety pins do I need for race bibs?: Allow two safety pins per runner, so 200 runners need 400 pins. Buy an extra 5–10% because pins are easily dropped or damaged during registration.
How much water do I need for a running race?: Budget at least two drinks per runner for the first hour, with additional water for warm weather or a longer course. For 150 runners, start with 300 drinks and increase the reserve after checking the forecast.
When should I buy running race supplies?: Buy reusable equipment and safety supplies at least one week before race day, and order printed bibs and participant lists after registration closes. Do the final shopping two to three days before the race, leaving time to replace missing items.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.