Download ArticleDownload ArticleX
This article was co-authored by Clare Flanagan. Clare Flanagan is a former competitive NCAA Division I cross-country runner for Stanford University. She has been running for over a decade, previously having won six Class A State Championships in Minnesota, set a Class A State record in the 1600m, and qualifying for the Nike Cross Country Nationals.
This article has been viewed 125,360 times.
Race bibs are the number tags that identify you during a race. They’re typically meant to go over your abdomen and are secured with four or more safety pins. Clips, running tape, and toggles may also be used to hold the bib in place without puncturing your shirt. By properly securing the bib, it will stay with you during the race without serving as a distraction.
Steps
Pin the bib after putting on your shirt. For the optimal fit, wait until you put on the shirt to pin the bib. The fabric rests differently on your body than it does against a flat surface. When you’re wearing the shirt, you’ll be able to make sure the bib feels comfortable against you.[1]- Make sure you're careful when using safety pins. Always pull the shirt away from your body before piercing the fabric with a safety pin!
Crumple the bib if it doesn't have a chip and race rules allow it. A crumpled bib will conform to your body better than a flat one, thus decreasing air resistance. However, if there's a chip on the bib or it's against race rules, avoid crumpling it. Crumpling a bib can damage the chip and interfere with the recording of your time.[2]Advertisement
Center the bib on the front of your shirt. Generally, the bib should go right below your chest. Set it in the middle of your body and straighten it out as you pin it in place. Do your best to flatten it against you. This ensures the bib is visible to onlookers and doesn’t get in the way of your arms and legs.
Move the bib when race organizers direct you to do so. Some race organizers have different requirements for bib placement. For instance, some cyclists have one or more bibs attached to the back of their jerseys.- You can ask the race organizers for advice on bib placement.
Center the bib on your body. Again, unless otherwise directed by race officials, put the bib square in the middle of your body. Do your best to even it out. This ensures the bib is visible to onlookers while also keeping it out of your way. It’s more secure and less distracting when it’s away from your arms and legs.[3]- Even if the bib is on your thigh, it should be centered on the front of your pants and visible.
Secure one corner of the bib with a safety pin. Start at one corner of the bib. Open up the safety pin and push the point through the bib fabric. Next, pass the point through your shirt and back out again. Finish by pushing the point back through the bib and securing it to the safety head.[4]- Some bibs have holes in the corners. Push the pin through these if they are available.
Pin down the remaining corners. You’ll need at least four pins total in order to secure the pin, otherwise it’ll flap as you run. Repeat the pinning process for each corner. Your bib should feel flat and secure against your body. When you move, it should stay still. Add more pins or redo your pinning as needed.
Advertisement
Get race clips to replace safety pins. Safety pins put holes in your clothing. To avoid this, some racers began using clips. Some clips have plastic backs that secure the bib corner and your shirt together. Others have magnets that hold the bibs in place. They’re more expensive than safety pins, but they may be more comfortable for you.[5]- Look online to order these or check a running shop near you.
Use running tape to avoid poking holes in your shirt. Another safety pin replacement is double-sided tape. It can be ordered online and is easy to apply. Place a strip of tape on the top and bottom of your bib. Pull off the tape backing and stick the tape to your clothing. You’ll be able to wear a shirt you like without poking holes in it.[6]- Ordinary tape won’t secure your bib enough. However, you can place electrical tape over pins for extra security.
Fasten bibs to a race belt with toggles. Race toggles can also be ordered online. You’ll need to wear a race belt on your waist and hang the bib from it. Attach the toggle to your pack, then slip the toggle cord into the bib hole. Wrap cord back up to the pack to fasten it inside the toggle. Repeat this by securing the other side with a toggle.- The bib hangs from toggles in the top two holes. It’ll be secure, but the bottom part staying loose can be a distraction. Electrical tape or pins can be used to hold it down.
- Using toggles may require you to attach the bib to your thigh or a location other than your abdomen. Consult the rules or race officials to make sure this is legal!
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
- QuestionWhere do you put your race bib?
Clare FlanaganClare Flanagan is a former competitive NCAA Division I cross-country runner for Stanford University. She has been running for over a decade, previously having won six Class A State Championships in Minnesota, set a Class A State record in the 1600m, and qualifying for the Nike Cross Country Nationals.
Former Competitive RunnerUsually, the bib goes on the front of your shirt for the sake of clarity and preventing damage to the timing chip many bibs now contain. However, if you're unsure you should ask a race official. - QuestionHow do you improve your endurance?
Kai NgKai Ng is a USATF and RRCA Certified Running Coach at Run Coach Kai. Kai has competed in over 55 races and over 15 marathons, and has trained with 16x USA and World record holder Patti Catalano Dillonso. He specializes in coaching runners of all levels and showing people that everyone can be a runner. Kai is committed to helping his clients reach their goals by showing them how to run with proper form and holding them accountable to train consistently.
Certified Running CoachTo improve endurance, run in an aerobic state and work at 150 heartbeats per minute and run in an aerobic state. Do not run very fast and work at 170 heartbeats per minute. If you do that, you work your anaerobic systems - QuestionHow do you choose a good treadmill?Kai NgKai Ng is a USATF and RRCA Certified Running Coach at Run Coach Kai. Kai has competed in over 55 races and over 15 marathons, and has trained with 16x USA and World record holder Patti Catalano Dillonso. He specializes in coaching runners of all levels and showing people that everyone can be a runner. Kai is committed to helping his clients reach their goals by showing them how to run with proper form and holding them accountable to train consistently.
Certified Running CoachChoose a treadmill that has good reviews and is safe to use. See if it is suitable for fulfilling your goals. Its speed should cover your speed. It should include some light workouts and also keep track of them.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
SubmitAdvertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
- Some people crumple their bibs to smooth them out. Make sure the race rules allow this before you risk it.Thanks
- Many bibs also contain tracking chips. Crumpling the bib or wearing it on your thigh can damage the chip, which means your race time won’t be recorded.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ Clare Flanagan. Former Competitive Runner. Expert Interview. 14 January 2019.
- ↑ Clare Flanagan. Former Competitive Runner. Expert Interview. 14 January 2019.
- ↑ http://savagerace.com/race-day-information-chicago-2017/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_KjssV_DyQ&feature=youtu.be&t=80
- ↑ http://www.runtri.com/2007/05/everything-you-need-to-know-to-finish_25.html
- ↑ http://www.runtri.com/2007/05/everything-you-need-to-know-to-finish_25.html
About This Article
Former Competitive Runner
This article was co-authored by Clare Flanagan. Clare Flanagan is a former competitive NCAA Division I cross-country runner for Stanford University. She has been running for over a decade, previously having won six Class A State Championships in Minnesota, set a Class A State record in the 1600m, and qualifying for the Nike Cross Country Nationals. This article has been viewed 125,360 times.
Co-authors: 8
Updated: September 15, 2023
Views: 125,360
Categories: Running Races
Article SummaryX
A race bib is the numbered tag that identifies you during a race, and it’s meant to be pinned over your abdomen. To put on your race bib, use safety pins to secure it. First, put on the shirt you plan to wear during the race. Then, center the bib on the front of your shirt. Secure 1 corner of the bib with a safety pin by pushing the point through the bib fabric then through your shirt, and then securing it to the safety head. Secure the remaining corners of the bib using additional safety pins. For tips about how to crumple the bib so it conforms to your body, keep reading!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 125,360 times.
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
Advertisement
