What you need for a vertical kilometer

A vertical kilometer needs more than race numbers and a finish line. You’ll need supplies for registration, route marking, timing, communication, luggage, refreshments, and a safe finish area. Plan quantities from your expected participant count, then add spare supplies for damaged bibs, changing weather, and last-minute entries. The items already listed in your plan cover the equipment; these practical checks help you buy and pack it at the right time.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 30
Registration desksqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 250
Race bib strapsqty 250
Time-tracking chipsqty 250
Route arrowsqty 120
Barrier tapeqty 12
Route conesqty 40
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Kilometer markersqty 12
Warning signsqty 12
Finish ribbonqty 2
Medalsqty 250
Cupsqty 6
Luggage tagsqty 250
Luggage cratesqty 20
Spare shoelacesqty 20

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Mobile phonesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Power banksqty 8
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Megaphonesqty 3
Thermo boxesqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Water jerry cansqty 12

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
LED string lightsqty 4

First aid

First aid kitsqty 4
AED
Emergency blanketsqty 30
Disposable glovesqty 100
Cool packsqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Reusable platesqty 250
Reusable cutleryqty 250
Coffee potsqty 4
Serving jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Ice packsqty 30

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 400 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 liters
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange juice - 30 liters
- Apple juice - 20 liters
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 30 kilos
- Apples - 25 kilos
- Oranges - 20 kilo
- Grapes - 12 kilos
- Muesli bars - 300 pieces
- Energy bars - 300 pieces
- Currant buns - 250 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White bread rolls - 250 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 250 pieces
- Young cheese - 8 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 6 kilos
- Hummus - 4 kilos
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Mixed nuts - 8 kilos
- Raisins - 5 kilos
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 40 kilos
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Coffee cups - 400 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 24 pieces

Tips

Prepare 5–10% extra race numbers, bib straps, cups, and luggage tags beyond the registered field. Late entries and damaged items are common on race morning.
Mark the route before participants arrive: place kilometre markers and warning signs at every planned point, then carry spare arrows, barrier tape, and cones for corrections after the final inspection.
Pack one communication kit for every volunteer team: a charged walkie-talkie or phone, plus a power bank. Test coverage along the climb at least 24 hours before the start.
Keep registration and finish supplies in separate, labelled crates. Put bibs, timing chips, tablets, pens, and participant information at registration; keep medals, cups, and the finish tape at the top.
Check power and shelter the day before. Allow at least one extension cord and power strip per powered station, and keep laptops, tablets, speakers, and microphones dry under the party tents.

Frequently asked questions

How many cups do I need for a vertical kilometer?: Plan at least 2 cups per participant for a single refreshment point, then add 10% spare capacity. For 200 runners, that means at least 440 cups.
How many spare race bibs should I buy?: Buy 5–10% more bibs and bib straps than the number of registered participants. For 300 runners, prepare 315 to 330 complete sets.
When should I buy supplies for a vertical kilometer?: Buy reusable equipment and printed materials at least 2–3 weeks before race day. Purchase weather-sensitive refreshments and final quantities after registration closes, usually 3–5 days beforehand.
What should I pack for route marking?: Pack route arrows, kilometre markers, warning signs, cones, barrier tape, and spare fixing materials. Prepare at least 10% extra markers and inspect the full route again within 24 hours of the start.

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