What to buy for a scratch race

A scratch race needs more than bikes and a marked course. Plan supplies for registration, rider identification, course control, quick repairs, first aid, refreshments, and the awards finish. Buy or gather the items early enough to check that pumps, tools, stopwatches, batteries, and lighting work before race day. This list also helps you cover practical gaps such as waste collection, shelter, secure barriers, and spare inner tubes.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 6
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Competition arena fencingqty 80
Traffic conesqty 30
Crowd barriersqty 20
Lane marking tapeqty 4
Start and finish matsqty 2
Spare bike pumpsqty 3
Tire leversqty 6
Bike tool kitsqty 3
Bicycle standsqty 12
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Bicycle light setsqty 10
Course signsqty 10
Bib numbersqty 120
Bib holdersqty 100
Stopwatchesqty 4
Clipboardsqty 6
Markersqty 20
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 6
Repair matqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6

Equipment

Speakerqty 2
Wireless microphone
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Rechargeable batteriesqty 12
Power banksqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Light Stripsqty 6

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 10

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Ice packsqty 24
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermos bottlesqty 4

Decorations

Bannersqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Sponsor bannersqty 10
Tableclothsqty 8
Winner podium sign

Cleaning

Broomsqty 4
Dustpansqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning cartsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 40 pieces
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Turkey breast - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Chicken satay - 6 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 40 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 80 pieces
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Rubber gloves - 6 pairs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 6 bottles
- Bandages - 3 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 3 boxes
- Blister plasters - 2 boxes
- Sports tape - 6 rolls
- Cool bags - 10 pieces
- Paper wristbands - 150 pieces
- Pens - 30 pieces
- Tape - 12 rolls
- Rope - 4 rolls
- Highlighters - 12 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs

Tips

Plan one registration place with a desk, clipboards, markers, bib numbers, and bib holders. Keep a few extra bibs available for late entries or damaged numbers.
For a short course, prepare more than one repair option: spare pumps, tire levers, bike tool kits, spare inner tubes, and a repair mat. Check compatibility with the bikes expected in the race at least one week beforehand.
Use fencing, crowd barriers, cones, lane marking tape, and course signs to separate riders from spectators and make turns visible. Walk the full route after placing them and correct any unclear section before opening registration.
Prepare one clearly marked first-aid point with first aid kits, safety vests, flashlights, and fire extinguishers. Recharge lights and batteries the day before, especially if setup or course checks continue after dark.
Set aside cups, waste bins, tables, chairs, and party tents for the waiting and refreshment areas. Chill drinks several hours before the start and keep medals and other prizes at the awards table so they are not misplaced during pack-down.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a scratch race?: You need course-control equipment, registration supplies, bike-repair items, safety equipment, refreshments, and prizes. Allow at least 1 registration desk, 1 first-aid point, and enough cones, barriers, signs, and fencing for every course hazard and access point.
How many spare inner tubes should I buy for a scratch race?: A practical starting point is 1 spare inner tube for every 5 to 10 riders, plus at least 2 extra tubes for the whole event. Match the sizes and valve types to the bikes registered before ordering.
How much water and how many cups do I need for a scratch race?: For the first hour, plan roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person, then add extra for hot weather and volunteers. Provide at least 1 cup per planned drink and keep a reserve of about 10% for spills and replacements.
When should I prepare the scratch race equipment?: Check bikes, pumps, tools, stopwatches, barriers, signs, and lighting 3 to 7 days before the race. Chill drinks, charge batteries, pack registration supplies, and place prizes together the day before.

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