What you need for a track and field competition

A track and field competition needs more than event equipment. Alongside starting blocks, hurdles, throwing implements and high-jump gear, you need clearly packed judging materials, bib numbers, flags, timing support and prizes. Plan quantities from the number of athletes, disciplines and competition sessions rather than buying one set for every event. Check equipment at least one week ahead, and buy chilled catering and last-minute refreshments no earlier than needed.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Starting blocksqty 8
Hurdlesqty 24
Relay batonsqty 12
Bulletsqty 6
Discus throwersqty 6
Discsqty 6
Javelin throwersqty 6
Spearsqty 6
High jump barsqty 4
High jump uprightsqty 2
High jump mat
Measuring tapesqty 6
Measuring sticksqty 4
Exchange slotsqty 8
Conesqty 40
Course tapeqty 4
Starter pistol
Starter pistol ammunitionqty 30
Red Flagsqty 8
White flagsqty 8
Windsocksqty 4
Sports watchesqty 6
Spare ballsqty 6
Jury casesqty 6
Clipboardsqty 12
Referee whistlesqty 12
Bib numbersqty 250
Start number magnetsqty 500
Medalsqty 120
Cupsqty 24

Equipment

Electronic timing
Anemometersqty 2
Laptopqty 2
Printersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Megaphone
Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 14
Chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 8
Jury tablesqty 6
Registration tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 12
Drink coolersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 20
Pitchersqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 8

Catering

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Buffet traysqty 8
Insulated boxesqty 4
Bread knivesqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 6
Pliersqty 12
Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cocoa powder - 1 kilo
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Sandwiches - 300 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Buns - 120 pieces
- Ham - 5 kilo
- Cheese - 6 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Vegetarian slices - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 10 tubs
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Red onion - 2 kilos
- Apples - 200 pieces
- Bananas - 150 pieces
- Grapes - 10 kilos
- Muesli bars - 250 pieces
- Currant buns - 150 pieces
- Sponge cakes - 150 pieces
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Stroopwafels - 10 packs
- Nut mix - 6 bags
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Gluten-free cookies - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- 60 liter trash bags - 100 pieces
- Garbage bags 120 liters - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 8 packs
- Sponges - 20 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Bread bags - 300 pieces
- Paper drinking cups - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Skewers - 500 pieces
- Table runners - 20 pieces
- Bandage strips - 100 pieces
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Cold packs - 20 pieces

Cleaning

Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Toilet brushesqty 4

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 6

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Info boardsqty 8
Program postersqty 20

Tips

Prepare one labelled kit for each competition area: sprinting, hurdles, relay, field events and officials. This prevents measuring tapes, flags and clipboards from disappearing between events.
Bring spare bib numbers, magnets, pens and printed start lists. A small supply of replacements is useful when an athlete loses a number or a heat changes on the day.
Allow at least one spare ball or throwing implement for each field-event group. Check that discs, shot and spears are suitable for the disciplines and quantities in your schedule.
Pack starter pistol ammunition separately and count it before leaving. The amount depends on the number of races, so add several test and reserve shots rather than buying only the exact race total.
Order medals and cups against the confirmed entries, not the first registration estimate. Finalise the quantity after registration closes, leaving enough time for delivery and sorting by event.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a track and field competition?: You need the equipment for the scheduled disciplines, such as starting blocks, hurdles, relay batons, throwing implements, high-jump equipment and measuring tools. Add bib numbers, flags, timing support, officials’ stationery and prizes for the event administration.
How many medals should I buy for a track meet?: Buy one medal for every planned medal place in every discipline and age or gender category. Confirm the number after registration closes, then add a small reserve for corrections or extra finals.
How early should I prepare equipment for a track and field competition?: Check and test the equipment at least 7 days before competition day. Pack bibs, start lists, flags and officials’ materials no later than the day before, and verify weather-sensitive items on the morning of the event.
How much food and drink do I need for a track competition?: Base catering on the confirmed number of athletes, officials and volunteers, including dietary requirements collected during registration. Keep chilled items refrigerated until serving and buy fresh refreshments close to the competition date.

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.