What to buy for a street run

A street run needs more than race numbers and medals. You will need equipment for registration, timing, route marking, traffic control, first aid support and the finish area, plus drinks and serving supplies for participants and volunteers. Check quantities against your expected field size, then add a small buffer for damaged bibs, missing cups and last-minute entries. Several items, especially medals, race numbers and timing equipment, need to be ordered well before race day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 20
Registration tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 250
Race bib strapsqty 250
Finish mat
Start arch
Medalsqty 250
Kilometer markersqty 10
Route arrowsqty 30
Traffic conesqty 80
Crowd barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 12
Timing matsqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 4
Whistlesqty 15
Safety vestsqty 20
Route mapsqty 30
Prizesqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Serving jugsqty 8

Equipment

Portable Sound System
Wireless microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 6
Power banksqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 6
Cool bagsqty 4

Cleaning

Trash bag holdersqty 8
Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 10
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 400 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Bananas - 250 pieces
- Apples - 250 pieces
- Grapes - 12 kilos
- Oranges - 15 kilos
- Muesli bars - 250 pieces
- Currant buns - 150 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Cheese - 4 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 6 jars
- Jam - 6 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Mixed nuts - 8 bags
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Vegan spread - 8 packs
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant hand gel - 12 bottles
- Liquid hand soap - 8 bottles
- Sponge cloths - 20 pieces
- Freezer bags - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Ice cubes - 30 kilo
- Herb mix - 4 jars
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars

Tips

Order race bibs, bib straps and medals as soon as registration closes, with 5–10% extra bibs and straps for replacements or late entries.
Plan one route arrow or clear directional marker at every turn, plus kilometre markers at each measured kilometre. Pack spares so a missing sign does not leave runners guessing.
Prepare separate supplies for registration, the start and the finish: registration tables and bibs at check-in, timing mats at the start and finish, and medals where runners collect them.
Allow at least 2–3 reusable cups per participant if you are serving drinks at more than one point. Fill coolers shortly before the run and keep extra water available for volunteers and marshals.
Count safety equipment by position, not just by team: provide a safety vest and whistle for every traffic marshal or route volunteer who needs to be visible and give directions.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a street run?: Plan for race bibs and straps, medals, a start arch, finish mat, timing mats, kilometre markers, route arrows, cones, barriers, safety vests and whistles. You will also need tables, registration supplies, coolers, reusable cups, a sound system and power equipment for the event area.
How many race bibs should I order?: Order one bib and one strap per registered runner, plus 5–10% extra. For 200 runners, that means 210–220 bibs and straps, allowing for damaged items, forgotten bibs and late registrations.
How many cups do I need for a street run?: Start with 2–3 reusable cups per participant when drinks are served at both the start and finish. For 200 runners, prepare at least 400–600 cups, then add more if volunteers and spectators will also be served.
When should I order medals and timing equipment?: Order medals and race numbers at least 4–6 weeks before race day, depending on supplier lead time. Confirm timing mats and the timing service at least 2 weeks ahead so you can test the setup and arrange a backup stopwatch.

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