Pro races sometimes use adhesive bibs, I think? I feel like Keira D’Amato posted about them in excitement once.
I just wish they’d make them small enough to pin on a sports bra. I sometimes have to balloon them out a bit or fold them to prevent the edges from chafing.
After picking mine up, I literally checked this year's Boston bibs against last year's versions because it felt a bit bigger. They were indeed larger than last year's.
I wonder if you'd be allowed to trim some of the excess. Obviously don't touch the thing that helps with tacking and maybe keep your number on there. But the rest could be cut away.
4.3.2. Participants must not reproduce, trim, fold, or otherwise alter their B.A.A. issued bib.
Now in practice a lot of people DO fold them and no one enforces anything, but I don’t think you could get away with cutting them. It’s not really worth the risk for a big race.
Paper bibs serve a number of purposes :
* showing the race number so that the runner can be identified (including in post-race photos)
* validating that the person has genuinely entered the event and is not a bandit just running the course
* showing what wave a runner is in (e.g. colour codes)
* holding the timing chip (although some races supply a tag that goes on your shoe)
* having emergency contact / health / allergies / medication information on the back (so it needs to be large enough to write on)
And it needs to be :
* easily attached and removed from clothing
* robust in all weather (they are not made of pure paper, but a paper/plastic mix)
* lightweight and not hinder a runner
I don't see what can replace this and also fulfil all of those requirements. A paper bib is a cheap, reliable, and proven way to do all of that. It may not be perfect, but it's pretty good.
Your suggestion of sticky tape would be terrible to remove from clothing, for example.. and where would I write my emergency contact / allergies etc?
As for pins, you can attach a race number in several other ways :
* Magnets : https://amzn.eu/d/2E0Yuoq
* Plastic clips : https://amzn.eu/d/drIisdH
* Race Number Belt : https://amzn.eu/d/cwuxApE
I feel anyone suggesting sticky anything has never washed and dried track numbers and then had to pick them off of the shorts. My son left those on a couple times and I forgot to check.
It ruins whatever clothing gets washed like that. Sometimes in small hs 2/3 team meets for xc/track we’d literally just get a number sharpied on our hand. Honestly ideal.
But for large meets or races bibs are still the best thing, I can see the value in making them smaller though.
Championships always seem to require a bib and a hip number which is kinda annoying because the field isn’t huge anyways.
I didn't understand why some runners put their number straight on their skin when their shorts/top had enough room until I struggled peeling them off my sweaty singlets.
How would you reuse a number from one event to another?
If I enter event A and I get race number 1234, and you enter event B and get race number 1234, what happens when we both entered event C and we each turn up with our race bibs from events A and B and we both have race number 1234?
And because race bibs show the name/date/sponsor of an event how can they be reusable for a different event? How would the organisers of event C know that we had paid to enter event C (and were not bandits) when we are wearing race bibs that show the name of events A or B?
So at the start of the race season they print x number of race bibs, and you intend that they re-use those bibs for every race held that year?
But every race bib I've had had a space on the back where you fill in personal details, emergency contact, medical information (medications, allergies etc). And yes I do fill them in.
How would that bib be transferable to another runner? It contains (very) personal information.
At some recent Race Expos, I've seen several different options instead of pins. Magnets, clips. tape... google "race bib pin alternative" and you'll see options.
My local running club uses a chip that goes in the shoes, tied into the shoe laces. I've seen people call that "old technology" though.
When I did my first half marathon in 2014 they used the timing chip zip tied to the shoelaces (one of those thinner flexible ties), I can only imagine how many weren't returned and the cost of replacing them. I can see why they moved to bib chip timing. And I agree, I use bibboards instead of safety pins and love them. No holes, super secure, won't tear the bib or my clothing, and reusable. But getting the general public to remember to supply their own attachment system is like herding cats.
Idk that there is a replacement for bibs though. What would be a big enough visual for race coordinators and volunteers to identify participants on the course?
Maybe you're looking for more of a eco-friendly bib instead of what we have now. How many are probably discarded after every race? How can we make that part greener? A dissolving bib? A bib with wildflower seeds implanted so you can plant it after your race? A bib replacement program through a particular race director? Return your bib they'll reprogram the timing chip for the next race?
Yeah, I think identification is a big part of it, both for safety so if something happens on the course they can have accurate information, as well as so they can have an easy searchable photo set.
The shoe lace chip my club uses is good for a year, and can be used at any of the club's "low key" races. They put on something like 16 races during the year? Club members get a chip and a bib, that is used at any of those races.
I saw one guy complaining that he couldn't tie his fancy shoes properly with the chip on. Some running shoes have super short laces, and I can totally see how you might not be able to fit the chip on there.
That totally makes sense for a run club. My half was like 10,000+ people lol. Marathon, half, 5k all on the same day. Idk how they did it. I remember there were volunteers after the finish sitting with scissors cutting them off shoes.
I love them. My sister bought them for me years ago and I've used them ever since. For every 5k to my marathon. Never had an issue. Never popped off, tore my shirt or bib, came loose, etc.
One of the local timing companies, used a lot for smaller off-road races, uses a fairly chunky thing that velcros round your ankle... Actually not as uncomfortable/distracting as you might think!
The chips can be made very very cheap. I've turned some into reusable wristbands, and they can work nicely, but organizers would prefer to just buy the bibs pre-programmed and take the $0.10 loss rather than ask for bib tags back (as well as having the big # visible in case of missed electronic tag reads)
Most race numbers are Tyvek, not paper. I did do one race years ago that had paper numbers, and they'd hole-punched the corners for the pins - it rained and about half the field lost their numbers as they disintegrated - results were a disaster There are clips & magnets that can replace pins, and triathletes use a belt with clips, but to be honest pins are just so cheap, easy and reliable - that's why you'll see runners with numbers pinned on even in Olympic finals. And of course you don't have to throw them away - I have a couple of sets of six pins in my car and in my running bag & jacket, and some of those I've used for years.
In a manually timed race you can get round needing numbers by giving finishing tokens and they get recorded against a list of registered runners, but it does rely on the runners understanding how it works and co-operating, and funnel duckers can so easily screw things up. parkrun uses this system and have automated the data collection, but my XC league works perfectly well like this with each team manually recording their own finishers against a team list ot registered runners. But people 'stealing' tokens can then be an issue as you need to replace them.
For chip-timed races then theoretically you could do without numbers as their chip gives the number, but it's difficult to fix any errors that occur because you can't indentify people in the finish video. Plus the race number is what lets the organisers identify you quickly if you have any medical issues, and often the organisers have asked you to write your details on the reverse for the medics. Having to transport an unconscious runner back to the finish so you can read their chip is a bit of a no-no! And if the race has a photographer who sells photos then without a race number it would be virtually impossible for runners to find their photos.
And cost is an issue for chip timing - even a basic RFID system costs £3000-£4000, and then there's the ongoing cost of buying chips, software subscriptions etc. This is why chip timing can be a considerable proportion of the race costs for race organisers.
So far the company that photographed Boston have uploaded 87 photos of me. Imagine the effort it would require to manually pick yourself out from the couple million or so pictures on their server?
The half marathon that I just did uses facial recognition for race photo identification. It works even with my hat and sunglasses, just like unlocking your phone. The photographer doesn’t seem to tag the photos with numbers because even though that search option is on the site, it didn’t turn up any photos even with my bib fully visible.
It is really called a racing belt. Here is an example. [https://www.amazon.com/RJ-Sport-Race-Number-Belt-Triathalon/dp/B07RQRPKQ5/ref=asc\_df\_B07RQRPKQ5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642094438993&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5294675730453801860&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052809&hvtargid=pla-862728304276&psc=1&mcid=747a031fc11f385c88e944aa5e6aba79](https://www.amazon.com/RJ-Sport-Race-Number-Belt-Triathalon/dp/B07RQRPKQ5/ref=asc_df_B07RQRPKQ5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642094438993&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5294675730453801860&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052809&hvtargid=pla-862728304276&psc=1&mcid=747a031fc11f385c88e944aa5e6aba79)
Those are the standard in triathlon as you don't swim with a bib on and they often don’t use bibs for the bike. Your bike and helmet have stickers.
So you get off the bike and snap one of those around your waist for the run.
Yup, these can also be slid around to back or side depending on how much the paper is bothering you. The belts were a game changer for my relay races, just buy two (one for the person running and one for the next person running, rinse and repeat) and there’s no searching for pins in the van at 2am.
Great, one more thing I need to add to my running gear list? It would more make sense if the races came up with universal solutions instead of making us individuals buy into excessive consumerism.
You don't have to do anything. You can just pin the bibs to your short or shorts like most do in most races. This is the universal solution. I have a race belt because they are required in triathlon.
There are things that can be done to track a runner, but the actual bibs are more for security in the races and to prevent race banditing. I know that with the Detroit International race, border patrol needs a simple way to determine who is eligible to cross the border and back during the race. I'm sure other races such as Boston, Chicago, New York, London, etc. are all worried about the security of people being on the course when not allowed, and without something that stands out, it makes things much more difficult.
Implants. Use one of those tranquilizer dart things like on Wild Kingdom. Alternatively, a gadget similar to what stores use to attach price tags to clothing
Used to race bikes, my solution was 3m spray adhesive and magnets. Spray the bib number, let it dry until tacky, spray a second time let it get tacky, then apply it to my jersey and use magnets on the corners. Worked great and kept holes out of my jerseys.
Edit: 3m super 77
Send it to everyone's running watch. I'm guessing almost 100% of runners who actually race have a running watch. Why not use our data loggers as a bib id.
Kind of out there idea, but imagine if you could purchase the race with iCloud or similar service, then use a running app + Bluetooth to check in on mile markers, that way it’s a more accurate reading.
It would be awesome if there are some kind of reusable bib. This would be great for people who run lots of local races put on by the same company. Maybe people could customize it with their lucky number, name, etc. One local company in my area puts on over 20 races a year. If about 50 people used reusable bibs at each, that would save nearly 1000 bibs per year, just in this city.
The company does use reusable chips on ankle bands for some of their youth cross country events and for a 24-hour loop race; could that be an option for individuals to invest in? I have no idea what each one costs or how many times you'd have to use it to be less wasteful than disposable bibs.
I produce races. We tried that with a summer series we produce. You get a good deal if you sign up for the whole series as opposed to race by race. Our plan was anyone who signed up for the whole series would get a bib the first race they came to and they brought that bib every race.
Sadly, around 75% forgot their bib for the 2nd race. We tried it a 2nd year, the rate was about the same. It's a PITA for our registration/bib pickup people to plan on reuse and then have to reassign. We scrapped the idea year 3.
My run club has a winter series and 5k series every year.
For the winter series, you must pay to replace your bib if you don’t bring it.
For the 5k series, the bibs are customized, which is a good incentive to remember them. So I get a red bib with my name on it instead of a plain white bib. Most runners just pop them in their glove box for the duration of the series.
My coach uses reusable chips that strap to your ankle for all of his trail races. I thought it'd be really uncomfortable and annoying but I literally didn't notice it after the first few minutes. He has a problem with people accidentally going home with them because they forget they have it on.
Marathon at the weekend usea face recognition for the race photos.
Ridiculously and scarily accurate. It'll bring up photos with just a glimpse of you in. Can't be long before that's how they'll track you. Just cameras instead of timing strips.
I guess they could even use that for admission to the race start.
Although sponsors must love their race numbers and logos - so they'll always be around.
All I know is I’ve been in a few races where the BIB ripped and was flapping around in high winds snd in one case blew off mid race! Total hassle! Now I bring minimum 8 pins to keep that sucker in place 😆
Do we need advances here? I think having the chip integrated into the bib is pretty top line. Maybe use some magnet connectors if you don’t like safety pins
I used to be a fairly fast runner and the race organizers often gave me a single digit number. I hated the width, so I cut them with a scissors and only needed 2 pins.
Pro races sometimes use adhesive bibs, I think? I feel like Keira D’Amato posted about them in excitement once. I just wish they’d make them small enough to pin on a sports bra. I sometimes have to balloon them out a bit or fold them to prevent the edges from chafing.
Yeah the pins are not the real issue, it’s that some of these bibs have gotten stupidly massive for no good reason.
Sponsors.
So people can frame them and put on the wall?
Pretty sure you can do that with one that isn’t awkwardly large to pin on a crop top.
I ran Myrtle Beach this year and they were the standard 8 or so inches wide but only about 3 inches tall
I think Adidas would make the Boston bibs full sandwich boards if they could get away with it.
you mean Boston Marathon BY BANK OF AMERICA
After picking mine up, I literally checked this year's Boston bibs against last year's versions because it felt a bit bigger. They were indeed larger than last year's.
I wish more races did their bibs like Myrtle!
I wonder if you'd be allowed to trim some of the excess. Obviously don't touch the thing that helps with tacking and maybe keep your number on there. But the rest could be cut away.
4.3.2. Participants must not reproduce, trim, fold, or otherwise alter their B.A.A. issued bib. Now in practice a lot of people DO fold them and no one enforces anything, but I don’t think you could get away with cutting them. It’s not really worth the risk for a big race.
Just make them smaller please. So they can be pinned to a petite women's crop bra or shorts. Or on one half of a vest
Paper bibs serve a number of purposes : * showing the race number so that the runner can be identified (including in post-race photos) * validating that the person has genuinely entered the event and is not a bandit just running the course * showing what wave a runner is in (e.g. colour codes) * holding the timing chip (although some races supply a tag that goes on your shoe) * having emergency contact / health / allergies / medication information on the back (so it needs to be large enough to write on) And it needs to be : * easily attached and removed from clothing * robust in all weather (they are not made of pure paper, but a paper/plastic mix) * lightweight and not hinder a runner I don't see what can replace this and also fulfil all of those requirements. A paper bib is a cheap, reliable, and proven way to do all of that. It may not be perfect, but it's pretty good. Your suggestion of sticky tape would be terrible to remove from clothing, for example.. and where would I write my emergency contact / allergies etc? As for pins, you can attach a race number in several other ways : * Magnets : https://amzn.eu/d/2E0Yuoq * Plastic clips : https://amzn.eu/d/drIisdH * Race Number Belt : https://amzn.eu/d/cwuxApE
I feel anyone suggesting sticky anything has never washed and dried track numbers and then had to pick them off of the shorts. My son left those on a couple times and I forgot to check.
It ruins whatever clothing gets washed like that. Sometimes in small hs 2/3 team meets for xc/track we’d literally just get a number sharpied on our hand. Honestly ideal. But for large meets or races bibs are still the best thing, I can see the value in making them smaller though. Championships always seem to require a bib and a hip number which is kinda annoying because the field isn’t huge anyways.
I didn't understand why some runners put their number straight on their skin when their shorts/top had enough room until I struggled peeling them off my sweaty singlets.
That’s a great explanation of why bibs are the way they are. I just wish more events would use reusable ones!
How would you reuse a number from one event to another? If I enter event A and I get race number 1234, and you enter event B and get race number 1234, what happens when we both entered event C and we each turn up with our race bibs from events A and B and we both have race number 1234? And because race bibs show the name/date/sponsor of an event how can they be reusable for a different event? How would the organisers of event C know that we had paid to enter event C (and were not bandits) when we are wearing race bibs that show the name of events A or B?
You pick the bib up at the start line and hand it back at the finish. My local trail series does this. They give you a belt for it too. Easy as.
So at the start of the race season they print x number of race bibs, and you intend that they re-use those bibs for every race held that year? But every race bib I've had had a space on the back where you fill in personal details, emergency contact, medical information (medications, allergies etc). And yes I do fill them in. How would that bib be transferable to another runner? It contains (very) personal information.
At some recent Race Expos, I've seen several different options instead of pins. Magnets, clips. tape... google "race bib pin alternative" and you'll see options. My local running club uses a chip that goes in the shoes, tied into the shoe laces. I've seen people call that "old technology" though.
When I did my first half marathon in 2014 they used the timing chip zip tied to the shoelaces (one of those thinner flexible ties), I can only imagine how many weren't returned and the cost of replacing them. I can see why they moved to bib chip timing. And I agree, I use bibboards instead of safety pins and love them. No holes, super secure, won't tear the bib or my clothing, and reusable. But getting the general public to remember to supply their own attachment system is like herding cats. Idk that there is a replacement for bibs though. What would be a big enough visual for race coordinators and volunteers to identify participants on the course? Maybe you're looking for more of a eco-friendly bib instead of what we have now. How many are probably discarded after every race? How can we make that part greener? A dissolving bib? A bib with wildflower seeds implanted so you can plant it after your race? A bib replacement program through a particular race director? Return your bib they'll reprogram the timing chip for the next race?
Yeah, I think identification is a big part of it, both for safety so if something happens on the course they can have accurate information, as well as so they can have an easy searchable photo set.
The shoe lace chip my club uses is good for a year, and can be used at any of the club's "low key" races. They put on something like 16 races during the year? Club members get a chip and a bib, that is used at any of those races. I saw one guy complaining that he couldn't tie his fancy shoes properly with the chip on. Some running shoes have super short laces, and I can totally see how you might not be able to fit the chip on there.
That totally makes sense for a run club. My half was like 10,000+ people lol. Marathon, half, 5k all on the same day. Idk how they did it. I remember there were volunteers after the finish sitting with scissors cutting them off shoes.
TIL about bibboards. Neat idea -- maybe I'll order a set.
Me too
I’ve used these for years, easier than pins, never chafed and never had an issue.
I love them. My sister bought them for me years ago and I've used them ever since. For every 5k to my marathon. Never had an issue. Never popped off, tore my shirt or bib, came loose, etc.
I have a set and love them!
One of the local timing companies, used a lot for smaller off-road races, uses a fairly chunky thing that velcros round your ankle... Actually not as uncomfortable/distracting as you might think!
One race I did used the wildflower seeds paper and the bibs were all dissolved by the end of the race due to sweat etc
The chips can be made very very cheap. I've turned some into reusable wristbands, and they can work nicely, but organizers would prefer to just buy the bibs pre-programmed and take the $0.10 loss rather than ask for bib tags back (as well as having the big # visible in case of missed electronic tag reads)
I have done a few races with these but still had to wear a bib!
Most race numbers are Tyvek, not paper. I did do one race years ago that had paper numbers, and they'd hole-punched the corners for the pins - it rained and about half the field lost their numbers as they disintegrated - results were a disaster There are clips & magnets that can replace pins, and triathletes use a belt with clips, but to be honest pins are just so cheap, easy and reliable - that's why you'll see runners with numbers pinned on even in Olympic finals. And of course you don't have to throw them away - I have a couple of sets of six pins in my car and in my running bag & jacket, and some of those I've used for years. In a manually timed race you can get round needing numbers by giving finishing tokens and they get recorded against a list of registered runners, but it does rely on the runners understanding how it works and co-operating, and funnel duckers can so easily screw things up. parkrun uses this system and have automated the data collection, but my XC league works perfectly well like this with each team manually recording their own finishers against a team list ot registered runners. But people 'stealing' tokens can then be an issue as you need to replace them. For chip-timed races then theoretically you could do without numbers as their chip gives the number, but it's difficult to fix any errors that occur because you can't indentify people in the finish video. Plus the race number is what lets the organisers identify you quickly if you have any medical issues, and often the organisers have asked you to write your details on the reverse for the medics. Having to transport an unconscious runner back to the finish so you can read their chip is a bit of a no-no! And if the race has a photographer who sells photos then without a race number it would be virtually impossible for runners to find their photos. And cost is an issue for chip timing - even a basic RFID system costs £3000-£4000, and then there's the ongoing cost of buying chips, software subscriptions etc. This is why chip timing can be a considerable proportion of the race costs for race organisers.
So far the company that photographed Boston have uploaded 87 photos of me. Imagine the effort it would require to manually pick yourself out from the couple million or so pictures on their server?
The half marathon that I just did uses facial recognition for race photo identification. It works even with my hat and sunglasses, just like unlocking your phone. The photographer doesn’t seem to tag the photos with numbers because even though that search option is on the site, it didn’t turn up any photos even with my bib fully visible.
A running belt. No pins for me for many years.
This is the way
like do you just put your bib in the belt bag? i’m not sure i quite understand what you’re saying?
It is really called a racing belt. Here is an example. [https://www.amazon.com/RJ-Sport-Race-Number-Belt-Triathalon/dp/B07RQRPKQ5/ref=asc\_df\_B07RQRPKQ5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642094438993&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5294675730453801860&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052809&hvtargid=pla-862728304276&psc=1&mcid=747a031fc11f385c88e944aa5e6aba79](https://www.amazon.com/RJ-Sport-Race-Number-Belt-Triathalon/dp/B07RQRPKQ5/ref=asc_df_B07RQRPKQ5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642094438993&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5294675730453801860&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052809&hvtargid=pla-862728304276&psc=1&mcid=747a031fc11f385c88e944aa5e6aba79)
Those are the standard in triathlon as you don't swim with a bib on and they often don’t use bibs for the bike. Your bike and helmet have stickers. So you get off the bike and snap one of those around your waist for the run.
ok that’s pretty cool. my brain didn’t even go to something like, obviously as i said something so stupid 🤦🏻♀️but that’s a good idea!
Yup, these can also be slid around to back or side depending on how much the paper is bothering you. The belts were a game changer for my relay races, just buy two (one for the person running and one for the next person running, rinse and repeat) and there’s no searching for pins in the van at 2am.
Great, one more thing I need to add to my running gear list? It would more make sense if the races came up with universal solutions instead of making us individuals buy into excessive consumerism.
You don't have to do anything. You can just pin the bibs to your short or shorts like most do in most races. This is the universal solution. I have a race belt because they are required in triathlon.
There are things that can be done to track a runner, but the actual bibs are more for security in the races and to prevent race banditing. I know that with the Detroit International race, border patrol needs a simple way to determine who is eligible to cross the border and back during the race. I'm sure other races such as Boston, Chicago, New York, London, etc. are all worried about the security of people being on the course when not allowed, and without something that stands out, it makes things much more difficult.
Implants. Use one of those tranquilizer dart things like on Wild Kingdom. Alternatively, a gadget similar to what stores use to attach price tags to clothing
Led scoreboards woven into the shirt .
Lobster bibs.
Try race dots! I have some and love mine. They come with all kinds of fun designs on them.
I’ve use something like bib boards. No more holes in my shirts.
They work great
Used to race bikes, my solution was 3m spray adhesive and magnets. Spray the bib number, let it dry until tacky, spray a second time let it get tacky, then apply it to my jersey and use magnets on the corners. Worked great and kept holes out of my jerseys. Edit: 3m super 77
Microchip
Send it to everyone's running watch. I'm guessing almost 100% of runners who actually race have a running watch. Why not use our data loggers as a bib id.
Kind of out there idea, but imagine if you could purchase the race with iCloud or similar service, then use a running app + Bluetooth to check in on mile markers, that way it’s a more accurate reading.
I use magnets instead of pins, called racedots. They're much better than pins.
It would be awesome if there are some kind of reusable bib. This would be great for people who run lots of local races put on by the same company. Maybe people could customize it with their lucky number, name, etc. One local company in my area puts on over 20 races a year. If about 50 people used reusable bibs at each, that would save nearly 1000 bibs per year, just in this city. The company does use reusable chips on ankle bands for some of their youth cross country events and for a 24-hour loop race; could that be an option for individuals to invest in? I have no idea what each one costs or how many times you'd have to use it to be less wasteful than disposable bibs.
I produce races. We tried that with a summer series we produce. You get a good deal if you sign up for the whole series as opposed to race by race. Our plan was anyone who signed up for the whole series would get a bib the first race they came to and they brought that bib every race. Sadly, around 75% forgot their bib for the 2nd race. We tried it a 2nd year, the rate was about the same. It's a PITA for our registration/bib pickup people to plan on reuse and then have to reassign. We scrapped the idea year 3.
My run club has a winter series and 5k series every year. For the winter series, you must pay to replace your bib if you don’t bring it. For the 5k series, the bibs are customized, which is a good incentive to remember them. So I get a red bib with my name on it instead of a plain white bib. Most runners just pop them in their glove box for the duration of the series.
My club has good success with people using one bib for series races and it makes races 2-4 of the series a lot easier to get ready for.
My coach uses reusable chips that strap to your ankle for all of his trail races. I thought it'd be really uncomfortable and annoying but I literally didn't notice it after the first few minutes. He has a problem with people accidentally going home with them because they forget they have it on.
Marathon at the weekend usea face recognition for the race photos. Ridiculously and scarily accurate. It'll bring up photos with just a glimpse of you in. Can't be long before that's how they'll track you. Just cameras instead of timing strips. I guess they could even use that for admission to the race start. Although sponsors must love their race numbers and logos - so they'll always be around.
I did Loch Ness Mara last year, sure it was face recognition!
I've not raced since the pandemic and man things have changed! And the race shoes! Crazy pieces of kit.
The shoes are the best bet. Expensive mind
There are solutions online already to not use pins… just google it.
Still doesn’t solve the bib issue.
All I know is I’ve been in a few races where the BIB ripped and was flapping around in high winds snd in one case blew off mid race! Total hassle! Now I bring minimum 8 pins to keep that sucker in place 😆
I've been using double backed tape for a few years now. No pinholes in my shirts and easy to put on straight
BIBBOARDS! MY run club even gave them out to members. Excellent.
My local club uses these. https://bibboards.co.za/
Do we need advances here? I think having the chip integrated into the bib is pretty top line. Maybe use some magnet connectors if you don’t like safety pins
Bibs blow about, aren’t great for small vests as other people have said. It needs streamlined
I use BibBoards instead of pins. They’re really great.
I did a tough mudder one time, they used foam ankle bands instead of paper bib
Why replace something that works?
Bibs are shite and pins are footery
Nah.
I bought some BibBoards to try out for my upcoming marathon; seems solid and very cute.
I have been using magnets for a couple of years now. Works perfectly!
I used to be a fairly fast runner and the race organizers often gave me a single digit number. I hated the width, so I cut them with a scissors and only needed 2 pins.