Walking marathon shopping list

A walking marathon needs more than route signs and participant numbers. Plan supplies for registration, rest stops, changing weather, route marking and communication between volunteers. Stock drinks and refreshments by participant count, then add a reserve for delays and warm conditions. This list also covers the items people often arrange too late, such as power access, bib holders, route arrows and lighting for early starts or late finishes.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Folding tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 24
Beer tablesqty 6
Tableclothsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 8
Electric kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 8
Scalesqty 2

Route signage

Route arrowsqty 80
Kilometer markersqty 43
Start sign
Finish arch
Barrier tapeqty 12
Traffic conesqty 30
Conesqty 20
Arrow holdersqty 40
Cable tiesqty 200
Herringqty 50
Rubber malletsqty 4

Registration

Bib numbersqty 150
Bib holdersqty 150
Wristbandsqty 150
Ballpoint pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 6
Storage boxesqty 8
Medalsqty 150

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving jugsqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 8

Catering

Water containersqty 12
Drink dispensersqty 6
Ice packsqty 40
Bread basketsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 6
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 12
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 10

Sports equipment

Reflective vestsqty 30
Walking sticksqty 10
Rain ponchosqty 20
Blanketsqty 10
Foldable stretcher
Ice packsqty 20
Cool bagsqty 10
Umbrellasqty 10

First aid

First aid kitsqty 3
Disposable glovesqty 100
First aid kitsqty 6
Bandagesqty 200
Athletic tapeqty 12
Disinfecting wipesqty 100
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Painkillersqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 15
Litter pickersqty 6
Broom setsqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning spongesqty 12
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 24

Lighting

LED lampsqty 10
String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Banners

Start banner
Finish banner
Sponsor bannersqty 6

Groceries

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 60 bottles
- Sports drink lemon - 80 bottles
- Orange sports drink - 80 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Coffee beans - 3 kilograms
- Black tea bags - 200 pieces
- Herbal tea bags - 100 pieces
- Decaf coffee - 500 grams
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Bananas - 150 pieces
- Apples - 150 pieces
- Pears - 80 pieces
- Mandarins - 120 pieces
- Grapes - 12 kilograms
- Oranges - 80 pieces
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 8 kilograms
- Carrots - 8 kilograms
- Red bell pepper strips - 6 kilograms
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat bread rolls - 120 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Wholegrain wraps - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Halal chicken breast - 3 kilograms
- Smoked chicken breast - 3 kilogram
- Herb cream cheese - 2 kilogram
- Vegan slices - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 20 heads
- Tomatoes - 8 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 5 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Energy bars - 150 pieces
- Nut bars - 100 pieces
- Raisins - 5 kilograms
- Dates - 5 kilograms
- Plain chips - 20 bags
- Paprika chips - 20 bags
- Salty pretzels - 15 bags
- Rice cakes - 15 packs
- Milk chocolate bars - 80 pieces
- Vegan chocolate bars - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 20 packs
- Banana bread - 10 loaves
- Cupcakes - 100 pieces
- Applesauce - 80 squeeze pouches
- Yogurt drink - 80 bottles
- Vegan yogurt drink - 40 bottles
- Herbal tea - 100 bags
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable sandwich bags - 300 pieces
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 50 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 10 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Duct tape - 6 rolls
- AA batteries - 40 pieces
- AAA batteries - 40 pieces
- Refillable lighters - 4 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one staffed rest point every 8–10 kilometres, and place tables, chairs, coolers and refreshments there before participants arrive. Allow extra supplies at the busiest stop rather than splitting everything evenly.
For drinks, calculate around 500–750 ml per participant for each 10 kilometres, then add 10–15% extra for warm weather. Bring coolers and check whether coffee machines or electric kettles need separate extension cords.
Prepare one bib number, bib holder and wristband per participant, plus at least 5% spare sets. Sort them in registration order so late arrivals do not create a queue at the start.
Mark the route before registration opens: place kilometer markers at every kilometre and use extra arrows at crossings, turns and unclear sections. Pack cable ties, herring, rubber mallets, arrow holders and a few spare signs for repairs.
Give each volunteer a charged walkie-talkie or phone and a power bank, with the phone numbers printed as a backup. Keep flashlights and a megaphone at the start and finish for poor visibility, crowd control or last-minute instructions.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a walking marathon?: Allow 500–750 ml per participant for each 10 kilometres, depending on the weather and access to refill points. Add 10–15% extra so a delayed group or warm conditions do not empty a rest station.
How many spare bib numbers should I buy?: Prepare one bib number per registered participant and add at least 5% spare numbers. For 200 walkers, that means 210 bib numbers, with matching holders and wristbands for the extra sets.
When should I put up walking marathon route signs?: Install the route arrows and kilometer markers before registration opens, ideally 2–3 hours before the first start. Check every turn again shortly before the event because signs can be moved or removed.
What should I bring to the rest points?: Each rest point needs refreshments, tables, seating, coolers and the equipment required to serve drinks. Set everything up at least 60 minutes before the first walkers are expected, and keep a reserve of cups and drinks at the finish.

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