Race directors are familiar with the logistical challenges of organizing a running event, which often includes securing toilet rentals for hundreds or thousands of race participants and spectators. While having sufficient portable toilets is necessary for keeping the event site sanitary, you’ll still need to determine the actual number of units you’ll need and the best places to set them up. Below are a few practical tips on positioning port-a-potties from start to finish.

What to Consider Before Renting Portable Toilets for a Race

1. Know the Right Ratio

For typical events, the recommended ratio for portable toilet rentals is often one for every 100 people. This ratio, however, doesn’t apply to races, as runners will use the unit at rates higher than normal, especially before the countdown begins. Ideally, you’ll need one portable toilet for every 75 or even every 50 runners. However, if you assign someone to keep the lines moving, you could reduce rental cost by providing one unit for every 20 runners.

2. Turn Port-a-Potties Into Pit Stops

For races shorter than or equal to a half marathon, it’s possible you’ll only need facilities at the start and finish. For longer races, plan to have additional facilities spaced out every few miles along the course. Doing so can be a lifesaver for long-distance runners who may have over-hydrated prior to the race.

3. Gather Them Around

Ideally, portable toilets should be arranged in a U-shape formation, which allows runners to pick out the empty ones faster. If there are space constraints, consider lining up toilet rental units in a straight line instead. For every 10 toilets, leave at least a 20-foot gap to minimize congestion in the lines.  

4. Have Trash Bins at Hand

It’s not uncommon for the toilets to fill up with garbage at the race event, which may turn off some people. Place garbage cans outside or near the toilets where visible so runners and event-goers can dispose of their trash properly and quickly without cluttering the port-a-potties.

5. Put Signage Up

Your participants need to know where to find the units when they need them. Put up clearly marked signage directing them to the toilets. Include arrows, banners, and signposts that lead to the area, and put them on course maps for reference.

When you need toilet rentals for an event, look no further than Apollo Portable Toilets & Pumping Service. Serving Mexico, MO, and nearby areas since 1965, they have a variety of clean portable toilets and hand wash stations to serve your event with efficiency and cleanliness. They also handle septic tank pumping services and grease trap pumping. Call (573) 581-6306 or visit their website for more information, or like their Facebook page to stay up to date with the company.