What you need for a two-person race

A two-person race needs more than bib numbers and a finish line. Your shopping list must cover course marking, participant check-in, timing, hydration, catering, changing space, and basic safety. Buy or bring enough supplies for the number of participants, plus a small reserve for damaged signs, missing safety pins, and extra drinks. Check power, tables, shelter, and communication equipment before race day so setup does not depend on last-minute borrowing.

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
    • Spa Blauw - 180 bottles
    • Sports drink - 60 bottles
    • Cola - 12 bottles
    • Cola Zero - 8 bottles
    • Orange soda - 8 bottles
    • Tonic - 6 bottles
    • Apple juice - 8 cartons
    • Orange juice - 8 packs
    • Beer - 120 cans
    • Alcohol-free beer - 48 cans
    • Coffee - 3 packs
    • Tea - 2 boxes
    • Sugar - 2 packs
    • Milk - 8 liters
    • Oat milk - 4 liters
    • Lemons - 12 pieces
    • Croissants - 80 pieces
    • Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
    • White rolls - 100 pieces
    • Currant buns - 80 pieces
    • Butter - 4 packs
    • Young cheese - 5 kilogram
    • Cooked ham - 4 kilograms
    • Hummus - 12 tubs
    • Jam - 4 jars
    • Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
    • Ketchup - 2 bottles
    • Mustard - 2 jars
    • Bananas - 12 kilograms
    • Apples - 10 kilograms
    • Mandarins - 8 kilograms
    • Muesli bars - 180 pieces
    • Paprika chips - 8 bags
    • Plain chips - 8 bags
    • Snacks - 6 bags
    • Mixed nuts - 4 kilograms
    • Olives - 4 jars
    • Cucumber - 12 pieces
    • Cherry tomatoes - 6 kilograms
    • Carrots - 5 kilograms
    • Paper towels - 12 rolls
    • Napkins - 500 pieces
    • Trash bags - 100 pieces
    • Dish soap - 2 bottles
    • All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
    • Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
    • Toilet paper - 36 rolls
    • Hand soap - 4 bottles
    • Bandages - 4 boxes
    • Disinfectant - 2 bottles

Tips

  • Prepare one bib number and at least two safety pins per participant, then add a small spare supply. Keep the bibs, wristbands, participant list, and pens together at the registration table.
  • Mark the route with cones, barrier tape, route arrows, and kilometer markers before participants arrive. Count the signs in advance and keep a few spare arrows for sections that are easy to miss.
  • Plan drinking points around water jugs, coolers, and cups rather than relying on one container at the finish. Chill the drinks ahead of time, and place used-cup collection near each serving point.
  • Pack first aid kits where volunteers can reach them quickly, not inside a locked vehicle or under catering supplies. Keep stopwatches or sports watches ready for timing and test them before the start.
  • Allow enough equipment for the changing area and finish setup: dressing room racks, clothes hangers, tables, chairs, and shelter if needed. Test speakers, microphones, extension cords, and power strips before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a two-person race?
You need race numbers, safety pins, wristbands, medals, route arrows, cones, kilometer markers, barrier tape, timing devices, first aid kits, drinks, cups, and registration supplies. For the event area, also plan tables, chairs, shelter, changing racks, and sound equipment.
How many safety pins do I need per runner?
Allow two safety pins per participant, so a race with 50 participants needs at least 100 pins. Add around 10% extra because pins can be dropped, damaged, or requested for replacement.
How much water and how many cups should I buy?
Use the participant count and number of drinking points to calculate the total, then add at least 10% spare drinks and cups. Keep water in jugs or coolers and prepare extra supplies at the finish for late arrivals and volunteers.
When should I prepare the race shopping list?
Finish the main shopping at least two days before the race, leaving the day before for chilling drinks and checking materials. Test timing, microphones, speakers, and power connections no later than the evening before.

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.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

Organize for free and invite your contacts!