Two-Person Race Checklist

Organising a two-person race takes more than marking a start and finish line. You need to confirm the route and permissions, manage registrations, prepare bibs and participant information, and make sure the course is easy to follow. On race day, allow time for check-in, volunteer briefings, timing equipment, refreshments and a changing area. This checklist keeps those jobs in sequence so late details do not disrupt the start.

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The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

Check the route and permit
2 people
Set start and finish locations
2 people
Make reservations
Publish registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Publish route information
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign start numbers
2 people
Print participant list
Sort bib numbers and wristbands
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Prepare route signs
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set out the course
6 people
Build the start and finish arch
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up catering point
3 people
Test music and microphone
2 people
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

Hand out race numbers
3 people
Register participants
3 people
Designate a changing area
Lead the warm-up
2 people
Give the start briefing
2 people
Provide the starting signal
2 people
Staff traffic points
8 people
Keep time records
2 people
Staff the water station
3 people
Receive finishers
4 people
Hand out medals and water
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Process results
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Inform participants about the results
Handle the final drinks round
2 people

Aftercare

Remove course markings
4 people
Collect materials
4 people
Collect waste
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Switch off equipment
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Send results and photos

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Bar stoolsqty 4
Dressing room racksqty 4
Clothes hangersqty 60

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 150
Safety pinsqty 300
Finisher medalsqty 150
Conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 8
Route arrowsqty 30
Kilometer markersqty 10
Disposable cupsqty 500
Sports watchesqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Water jugsqty 8

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Decorations

Start-finish arch
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Stage ribbonsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the route, permit requirements and start and finish locations before opening registration. Publish the final route information at least 7 days before race day so participants know where to go.
Close registration early enough to print the participant list, assign bib numbers and sort wristbands. A 48-hour buffer gives you time to correct names, dietary requirements and missing entries.
Walk the course before participants arrive and place route arrows, cones and kilometre markers where runners can see them from the previous sign. Check junctions and turns twice, since these are the easiest places to send people the wrong way.
Set up the registration table, changing area, catering point and course before the first arrivals. Chill drinks in coolers, fill water jugs and test the microphone, speakers and stopwatches at least 60 minutes before the start.
Brief every volunteer with a specific position and backup contact, then keep first aid kits, power banks and spare extension cords accessible. Do not leave the finish arch, medal handout or timing process to be decided on the day.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a two-person race?: Start route checks, permit enquiries and location planning at least 8 weeks before the race. Open registration only after the route, start and finish points, and essential reservations are confirmed.
When should registration close for a two-person race?: Close registration at least 48 hours before race day if you need to print participant lists and assign bib numbers. Use the final day to sort bibs, wristbands and any dietary information rather than adding late entries.
How early should volunteers arrive for race day setup?: Bring the setup team 2 to 3 hours before the first participant arrives. Course signs, tables, the start and finish arch, registration area, catering point and sound equipment all need checking before check-in begins.
How many drinks do I need for a two-person race?: Plan at least 500 millilitres of water per participant for a short race, with extra supplies for warm weather and volunteers. Chill the drinks before setup and keep a separate reserve in coolers so the finish area does not run out.

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.