SUP marathon checklist: what to arrange and when

A SUP marathon needs more than boards and paddles. You must secure the water venue, check permits, plan and inspect the route, and arrange safety cover before opening registration. This checklist also covers participant information, weather decisions, equipment checks, route marking and the practical setup at the start and finish. Work through the planning tasks in order so safety arrangements are confirmed before participants arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Announce the event
Send invitations
2 people
Open the registration form
Reserve the water venue
Arrange a safety boat
Check the permit
Plan the route
2 people
Check the water route
2 people
Keep track of the participant list
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm participants
Assign start numbers
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Send participant information
Do the shopping
2 people
Check equipment
3 people
Prepare race numbers
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Make the weather decision
2 people
Inspect the site
3 people
Set up tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Mark route
4 people
Set up water station
3 people
Prepare safety equipment
3 people
Test time tracking
2 people

Event

Register participants
4 people
Issue SUP equipment
3 people
Set out snacks and drinks
3 people
Give the safety briefing
3 people
Guide the starting area
4 people
Start the marathon
4 people
Staff route checkpoint
4 people
Manning the safety boat
2 people
Assist participants at the water station
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Register arrivals
3 people
Receive finishers
3 people
Serve finish drinks and snacks
3 people
Check results
2 people
Present prizes
2 people
Check out participants
3 people

Aftercare

Remove route buoys
4 people
Collect SUP equipment
3 people
Take down tents and furniture
5 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Archive the timekeeping records
Publish results
Process lost and found items
Return rented equipment
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Folding tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 20
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Changing matsqty 20

Sports equipment

SUP boardsqty 55
SUP paddlesqty 55
Ankle bandsqty 55
Life jacketsqty 60
Route buoysqty 12
Paddle racksqty 4
Life ringsqty 4
Throw linesqty 4
Bib numbersqty 60
Waterproof markersqty 12
Wristbandsqty 70
Medal ribbonsqty 60
Finish medalsqty 60
Prizesqty 6

Equipment

Handheld megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 4
Tabletsqty 3
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Waterproof phone casesqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 10

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Ice packsqty 40

Lighting

Battery lanternsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the water venue and check permit requirements before announcing the event. Do this early enough to change the date or route if approval is not available.
Plan the route on paper, then check it on the water before race day. Mark turns and hazards with route buoys, and keep a clear record of the route for participant information.
Arrange the safety boat and confirm the safety equipment before registration opens. Check life jackets, life rings, throw lines, walkie-talkies and waterproof phone protection rather than leaving the inspection until event morning.
Close the participant list before assigning start numbers. Send the final route, arrival instructions and safety information after confirming participants, and collect dietary requirements before buying snacks and drinks.
Make the weather decision at a fixed time before the start, using the forecast and an on-site inspection. On event day, set up the registration desk, tents, tables, barriers and route markings before participants begin arriving.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a SUP marathon?: Start venue, permit and safety-boat planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the event. Open registration only after the route and basic safety arrangements are confirmed.
When should I check the weather for a SUP marathon?: Check the forecast several days beforehand, then make the final weather decision 24 hours before the start. Inspect the site and water conditions again on the morning of the event.
What safety equipment do I need for a SUP marathon?: Plan safety cover with a boat, life jackets, life rings, throw lines and communication equipment such as walkie-talkies. Check every item before the event and keep emergency contact information accessible at the registration desk.
When should I send information to SUP marathon participants?: Send the route, start instructions, equipment requirements and safety information after the participant list is confirmed and start numbers are assigned. Aim to send the final version at least 3 to 5 days before the event.

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.