Track and field competition shopping list

A track and field competition needs more than race equipment. You also need clearly marked lanes, measuring tools, timing backups, bib numbers, seating, shelter, and a safe way to manage spectators. This shopping list covers the items to buy, hire, or bring for events including sprints, hurdles, relays, jumps, and throws. Check quantities against your event programme, then verify every item at least one week before competition day.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Starting blocksqty 8
Hurdlesqty 20
Relay batonsqty 12
Bulletsqty 6
Throwing spearsqty 6
Discus throwsqty 6
High jump barsqty 4
High jump uprightsqty 2
Barrier boardsqty 3
Measuring tapesqty 6
Measuring sticksqty 3
Conesqty 40
Marker discsqty 30
Starter pistol
Spare pistol
Start flagsqty 4
Competition hammersqty 2
Anemometersqty 2
Judge clipboardsqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 8
Whistlesqty 8
Bib numbersqty 180
Safety pinsqty 400
Medal packagesqty 30
Result boardsqty 4

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 40
Jury tent
Party tentsqty 3
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Clothes racksqty 4

Equipment

Electronic timing
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving plattersqty 12
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8

Catering

Coolersqty 6
Drink dispensersqty 4
Food warmersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Corkscrewsqty 2
Groceries
- Still water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Multigrain sandwiches - 180 pieces
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat bread rolls - 120 pieces
- Young cheese - 6 kilo
- Aged cheese - 4 kilos
- Turkey breast - 5 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Semi-skimmed spread - 2 kilo
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Peppers - 4 kilos
- Apples - 15 kilo
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Mandarins - 10 kilos
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Wholegrain cookies - 150 pieces
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Raisins - 3 kilos
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 500 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Herb mix - 4 sachets
- Vegetarian Sandwich Spread Salad - 3 kilos
- Egg salad - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast - 4 kilos
- Tuna salad - 3 kilos
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Lactose-free sandwich slices - 2 kilos
- Tomato soup - 12 liters
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Soup sticks - 10 packs
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Herb butter - 2 kilo
- Yogurt - 8 kilos
- Granola - 4 kilo
- Custard - 8 liters
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Bread bags - 300 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Cooling packs - 30 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Hot drink cups - 300 pieces

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Dustpansqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Microfiber clothsqty 24
Hand soap dispensersqty 6

Tips

Allow at least one bib number and four safety pins per competitor, plus a spare set for damaged or missing numbers. Sort bibs into race packets before registration opens.
Prepare two timing methods: electronic timing and at least two working stopwatches as backup. Test the electronic system before athletes arrive, not after the first race starts.
For field events, count the implements and measuring equipment separately. You need a measuring tape or stick at every active event area, with cones or marker discs to mark safe boundaries.
Order medals by event and placing, then check the packages when they arrive. Keep a small reserve of medals and safety pins available for last-minute registration changes.
Plan shelter and seating before checking the weather forecast. A jury tent, tables, chairs, and crowd-control barriers should be ready before officials, volunteers, and spectators enter the track area.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a track and field competition?: For track events, prepare starting blocks, hurdles, relay batons, a starter pistol with a spare, start flags, stopwatches, and timing equipment. Field events may require high jump uprights and bars, measuring tools, shot puts, javelins, discus, and competition hammers.
How many bib numbers and safety pins should I buy?: Plan one bib number per registered competitor and four safety pins per bib. Add at least 5% extra bibs and pins, so a field of 100 athletes needs 105 bibs and about 420 pins.
When should I order medals for a track meet?: Place the medal order at least four weeks before the competition. Check the packages as soon as they arrive and keep them sorted by event and placing.
How many stopwatches are needed for an athletics competition?: Keep at least two working stopwatches available as a backup for electronic timing. For larger programmes, provide one stopwatch for each timing official and test all devices the day before.

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