What you need for a walking challenge

A walking challenge needs more than route maps and registration supplies. You’ll need clear course markers, visible checkpoint equipment, participant bibs, communication tools and a practical setup for the start and finish. Food and drinks also need planning, especially when participants arrive at different times. This shopping list covers the equipment and consumables used to mark the route, run checkpoints, welcome walkers and keep the event working if power or daylight becomes an issue.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 16
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 40
Traffic conesqty 20
Checkpoint flagsqty 4
Reflective vestsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 80
Finish medalsqty 80
Pedometersqty 6
Course tapeqty 6

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Tabletsqty 3
Power banksqty 6
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 4
Pitcherqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Litter pickersqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Cheese slices - 3 kilos
- Turkey breast - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles

Tips

Buy route arrows, cones, checkpoint flags and course tape early enough to mark the entire route before participants arrive. Keep spare markers aside for sections that are moved, damaged or hard to see.
Plan one participant pack per registered walker, including a bib number and any route information you provide. Order or prepare finish medals against the final participant count, with a small reserve if numbers are still changing.
Prepare checkpoint supplies in separate kits so volunteers can take one complete set to each table. Include communication equipment and charged power banks rather than relying on a single phone battery.
Work out serving quantities from the confirmed registration list before buying catering supplies. Reusable cups, plates, cutlery, thermos flasks, coolers and food-preparation tools should match the number of people you expect at the start and finish.
Check the lighting and power setup before the event day. Charge tablets, walkie-talkies and power banks in advance, and test extension cords, LED lights and batteries at least one day before the walk.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a walking challenge?: You need route-marking equipment, checkpoint supplies, participant bibs, finish medals, communication equipment and start-and-finish furniture. Add catering, serving items, lighting and cleaning supplies based on the final participant count.
How many walking challenge bib numbers and medals should I order?: Prepare one bib number and one medal for every registered participant. Finalise the quantity when registration closes, and add a small reserve if late changes or walk-in participants are possible.
When should I prepare the walking challenge route markers?: Print route maps and prepare the arrows, cones, flags and course tape at least one day before the event. Mark the route on the day after checking the full course, so signs are visible and correctly positioned.
How early should I charge equipment for a walking challenge?: Charge tablets, walkie-talkies, power banks and the Bluetooth speaker at least one day in advance. Test the equipment and pack spare batteries before volunteers leave for the checkpoints.

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