What you need for a track and field competition

A track and field competition needs more than event equipment. You also need a clear registration area, judging stations, timing equipment, shelter and supplies for participants and volunteers. Check every item against the confirmed events, because hurdles, throwing implements and high-jump equipment are not interchangeable. Arrange bib numbers, medals, paperwork and charged timing devices before competition day so the first event is not delayed.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Registration tablesqty 2
Jury tablesqty 8
Catering tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 80
Bar stoolsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Starting blocksqty 8
Hurdlesqty 20
High jump uprightsqty 2
High jump barsqty 4
High jump matsqty 2
Takeoff boardsqty 2
Measuring tapesqty 6
Measuring sticksqty 4
Bulletsqty 4
Discus throwqty 4
Spearsqty 6
Relay batonsqty 12
Conesqty 40
Marker discsqty 50
Barrier tapeqty 6
Starter pistol
Starting pistol blanksqty 2
Finish ribbonsqty 6
Competition flagsqty 12
Race bib beltsqty 180
Jury clipboardsqty 20
Writing boardsqty 10
Judging vestsqty 20
Volunteer vestsqty 15
Medal ribbonsqty 60
Medal holdersqty 60
Trophiesqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Sun umbrellasqty 4

Equipment

Electronic time clocksqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 8
PA system
Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Laptopsqty 3
Printersqty 2
Label printers

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Wayfinding signsqty 14
Start and finish bannersqty 4
Directional signsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12
Thermos bottlesqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4
Sink basinsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Coffee roll - 180 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Multigrain bread - 6 loaves
- Kaiser rolls - 180 pieces
- Herb cheese - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Bananas - 10 kilo
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Oranges - 10 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 30 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 mills
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Organic dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Drinking straws - 200 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Diet biscuits - 4 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Vegan sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Nut-free muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Ice packs - 20 pieces
- Grape sugar - 6 packs
- Chewing Gum - 10 packs

Tips

Match equipment to the confirmed events at least 7 days before the competition. Check that you have the correct number of hurdles, relay batons, throwing implements, takeoff boards and high-jump bars for the schedule.
Prepare one registration pack for every participant and sort bib numbers in running order. Keep spare bibs, pens and printed start lists at the registration desk rather than in a storage box.
Plan at least two timing methods for every timed event: electronic timing plus two stopwatches. Charge electronic clocks and the PA system the day before, then test them on site before athletes arrive.
Set up separate tables for registration, judges and catering. Put the jury instructions, match forms, measuring tapes and measuring sticks at the relevant judging tables before the first call-up.
Have weather cover ready before setup begins. A practical starting point is one party tent for registration and another for officials or catering, with folding chairs and tables kept dry until they are needed.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a track and field competition?: You need equipment that matches the scheduled events, such as start blocks, hurdles, high-jump uprights, bars and mats, takeoff boards, measuring tools, throwing implements, relay batons, cones and markers. Add timing devices, a PA system, competition flags and finish tape.
How many stopwatches do I need for a track meet?: Use at least two stopwatches for each timed competition, even when electronic timing is available. Keep one additional stopwatch as a backup for a small meet, and test every device before athletes report.
What should I buy for athlete registration?: Prepare bib numbers, printed start lists, registration tables, pens, match forms and spare paper. Set up the registration desk at least 60 minutes before the first event so late corrections do not delay the schedule.
How early should I prepare track and field competition equipment?: Confirm and inspect the equipment 7 days before the competition, then complete the site setup and equipment check on the previous day where possible. Charge electronic clocks and the PA system overnight and retest them on competition morning.

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