Zombie Run shopping list

A zombie run needs more than costumes and a starting line. You will need equipment for registration, route marking, obstacles, water, first aid, crowd control, and communication between volunteers. This shopping list helps you prepare the start area, course, zombie zones, and finish point without leaving essential supplies until the last week. Check quantities against your runner numbers, route length, number of obstacle sections, and volunteer teams before ordering.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 30
Registration deskqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 16
Megaphoneqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 4

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 250
Wristbandsqty 250
Medalsqty 250
Starter pistol
Conesqty 80
Ribbonsqty 20
Obstacle fencesqty 12
Skipping ropesqty 10
Climbing netsqty 2
Foam matsqty 12
Water barrelsqty 6
Bucketsqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 35
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 8
Traffic conesqty 30
Flashlightsqty 12
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Warning signsqty 20

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
String lightsqty 6

Decorations

Start and finish arch
Route signsqty 25
Zombie decorationsqty 30
Plastic spider websqty 10
Fake bloodqty 12
Photo backdrop
Arrow stickersqty 50

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Serving plattersqty 12

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Buckets for cleaningqty 4
Hand broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 300 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Iced tea - 18 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 60 bottles
- Coffee beans - 3 kilo
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar sticks - 300 pieces
- Milk cups - 300 pieces
- Oat milk - 12 liters
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White rolls - 150 pieces
- Wholemeal bread rolls - 100 pieces
- Chicken breast slices - 5 kilos
- Mild aged cheese - 5 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 30 pieces
- Tomatoes - 30 pieces
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Apples - 250 pieces
- Bananas - 180 pieces
- Grapes - 15 kilos
- Muesli bars - 300 pieces
- Energy gels - 150 pieces
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Pretzel sticks - 8 bags
- Mini cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Vegan wraps - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Spice mix - 2 bags
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 12 bottles
- Garbage bags - 120 pieces
- Cleaning product - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Disinfectant wipes - 10 packs

Tips

Plan one bib number and one wristband per participant, plus at least 5% extra for replacements, late registrations, or damaged items. Keep the spare numbers at the registration desk.
Prepare one clearly marked first aid kit at the start and another near the busiest obstacle zone. Add emergency blankets and make sure safety-vested volunteers know where both kits are.
Use cones, ribbons, barrier tape, and crowd control barriers to separate the running route from spectators. Mark every obstacle entrance, exit, and no-entry area before the first group starts.
Count communication equipment by team rather than by person. Give walkie-talkies to the start lead, finish lead, course marshal, obstacle teams, and safety coordinator; keep a megaphone at the start.
Allow extra setup time for bulky obstacles such as fences, climbing nets, foam mats, water barrels, and buckets. Test each section with the exact route space available before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a zombie run?: You need participant numbers and wristbands, route markers, obstacle equipment, water supplies, first aid kits, safety vests, crowd barriers, and communication equipment. You will also need registration furniture, waste bins, sound equipment, and medals or prizes if these are part of the plan.
How many bib numbers and wristbands should I buy for a zombie run?: Buy one bib number and one wristband per registered runner, then add at least 5% spare stock. For 200 runners, that means preparing at least 210 numbers and 210 wristbands.
How many first aid kits are needed for a zombie run?: Use at least two first aid kits for a course with multiple zones: one at the start or finish and one close to the busiest obstacle area. For a long or divided route, add a kit for each separate safety post.
When should I order zombie run supplies?: Order numbered items, wristbands, medals, barriers, and specialist obstacle equipment at least 3 to 4 weeks before the event. Check all deliveries and test the equipment during route setup, not on race morning.

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