What to Buy for a Track and Field Competition

Use this shopping list to prepare a track and field competition without leaving essential equipment until the last minute. Check the programme first: hurdles, relay races, jumps and throws each need different gear, and some items require several sets. Plan separate supplies for registration, officials, weather protection and participant packs. Test timing, announcements and power connections before competition day, especially if results or start lists will be printed on site.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Folding tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
Jury tablesqty 3
Changing matsqty 4

Sports equipment

Starting blocksqty 8
Hurdlesqty 12
Relay batonsqty 8
Bulletsqty 4
Discus throwqty 4
Javelin throwersqty 4
Long jump rakesqty 2
Measuring tapesqty 4
Measuring sticksqty 4
High jump barsqty 4
High jump matsqty 2
Conesqty 30
Marker discsqty 40
Starter pistol
Starting pistol cartridgesqty 30
Stopwatchesqty 8
Round signsqty 2
Anemometersqty 2
Cable reelsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Whistlesqty 8
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 50
Bib numbersqty 250
Safety pinsqty 500
Competition bibsqty 30
Prizesqty 30
Medalsqty 60
Barrier tapeqty 8
Crowd barriersqty 20
Directional signsqty 12
Whiteboardsqty 3
Whiteboard markersqty 12
Calculatorsqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Audio mixer
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving jugsqty 4

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Spa Blauw - 12 trays
- Spa Rood - 4 trays
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Sports drink - 8 trays
- Energy drink - 2 trays
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 80 pieces
- Pears - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 100 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Low-fat margarine - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Turkey breast - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Yogurt - 8 kilos
- Muesli - 3 kilos
- Oat bars - 120 pieces
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Rice cakes - 8 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mini ice pops - 120 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Compostable snack bags - 250 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Toilet freshener - 4 pieces

Tips

Count equipment by event, not just by competition. For example, allow one relay baton per active team plus at least two spares, and check that every hurdle height and throwing implement matches the rules.
Prepare registration and start-list supplies at least 2 days beforehand. Bring the laptop, printer, paper, power leads and printed backup documents so registration can continue if the printer or internet fails.
Plan one officials’ table for each judging area and provide a stopwatch for every timing official who needs an independent time. Keep spare batteries with the timing equipment.
Buy or pack weather protection before the forecast becomes urgent: party tents, cable reels and extension cords should be checked for outdoor use, while tables and chairs need to cover registration, officials and changing areas.
Keep prizes, starter packs and round signs together in labelled boxes. Separate items by event or age group so volunteers can distribute them quickly instead of opening every box during registration.

Frequently asked questions

How much track and field equipment do I need for a competition?: The quantity depends on the programme and number of simultaneous events. Start with one complete set for each event running at the same time, then add at least 1–2 spare measuring tapes, batons and timing devices for failures or extra heats.
How many stopwatches are needed for a track meet?: Provide one stopwatch for each official taking an independent time, plus 1–2 spare watches. For a small meet, 3–5 stopwatches usually cover the finish area and backup timing, but larger meets need one per timing position.
What should I bring for track meet registration?: Bring a laptop, printer, power cables, paper, participant lists, start numbers and spare pens. Pack the registration materials at least 2 days before the meet and keep a printed copy of the start documents as backup.
What do people usually forget for a track and field competition?: Commonly missed items include spare starting pistol cartridges, batteries, extension cords, measuring sticks and weather cover for officials. Check these items 24–48 hours before setup, then test the starter, printer and microphone before athletes arrive.

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