WHAT IS A RACE BIB AND HOW TO WEAR IT FOR RUNNING

The number one thing to collect from the race organizers is the racing bib. It’s a kind of entry card for the race event. So, if you don’t have your racing bib, you are not allowed to step the race turf.

The racing bibs are the most prominent feature of any racing or running event. You will identify all the runners who participate in a race event by the race bibs that they are wearing down below their chests. So, what is a race bib? Let’s find out.

THE RACE BIB

A race bib is a two-dimensional, rectangular shaped card. This card is generally made of a thick good quality sized paper. The latest bibs are made out of synthetics as well. Have a look at one of the race bibs that I have worn.

As you can make out from the photo that a race bib is a kind of unique to each race event, I prefer to collect and keep it as a souvenir. I have my racing Bibs retained with me long after the races are over. So, let’s find out more about the bibs and what are they and what do they do than just looking great on our chests.

WHAT IS A RACE BIB USED FOR ?

A race bib is name and a number tag. A race bib helps to identify you as a unique runner in a racing event. They are unique to the event and to the runner. Therefore, no two runners are going to get the bibs identical in names and the serial numbers. Each runner gets to wear their own unique race bib number.

Race bibs, however, do a lot more than just to identify you as a unique runner. They are mounted with the tracking chip devices. The chips are planted on the back side. These electronic devices are inserted in the bibs to track your running course. These chips therefore help in security matters as well.

Whenever a runner crosses the Split points, there would be a beep sound to be heard at the split points. This beep signifies that the runner is crossing the split point and has covered the distance so far. A runner has to get this beep sound at each of the split points to qualify for a timings certificate.

Race bibs are branded to have the names of the sponsors and the name of the race. So, they are well designed piece of art. Collecting the race bib of each event that the runner has run is a runner’s delight.

Not to forget, on your Race Day, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER AND CARRY on race day. No bib, no run!

HOW TO WEAR A RACE BIB

Race Bibs are worn in many different ways by the runners. Some prefer to wear it on their chests. Some on their waists. Some even wear the racing bibs on the backside to avoid any fluttering sound.

But the best way that I have found of all the prevailing ones is wearing it just below the chest right in front.

STEPS TO WEAR A RACE BIB

Now let us understand the process of wearing a race bib appropriately.

1. Put on your T-Shirt

The very first thing to remember is to put on the t-shirt first. You need to put on your t-shirt without the race bib. Don’t make the mistake of putting it on t-shirt before wearing as it may damage your bib attached to electronic chip tracker.

You will be provided with safety pins at the bib collection point. You would need at least 4 pins to place the bib on your chest so that the bib is held comfortably and safely. So, my advice to you is to ensure that you get them at the bib collection point and you do count their number. Having few extras will always give you peace and may allow you to help someone in need.

2. SAFETY PINS

You need 4 Safety Pins to hold the Race Bib firmly on the front of your T-shirt and attach with it.

3. THE FIRST SAFETY PIN

After you put on the T-Shirt, hold the Racing Bib in one hand and pick the first safety pin from another. Now, choose one of the top two corners of the Race Bib to pin.

4. THE SECOND SAFETY PIN

The second safety pin will go to the diagonally opposite corner of the first safety pin that you attached to your Race Bib. Choosing a diagonally opposite corner helps to provide firmness to the Bib on your T-Shirt.

Please make sure that the second safety pin is attached after you have ensured that the racing Bib is looking straight and not tilted. You may ask your running buddy to tell you that!

5. PIN THE REMAINING TWO PINS

Once you have pinned the first two, the remaining two will be easier to pin them. If you are finding it difficult to do it all by yourself, you may seek the help of a running buddy or your cheering party who has come to cheer you at the event.

DO’S AND DONT’S FOR WEARING A RACE BIB

DO’S

1. Keep it firmly paced in front just below the chest.
2. Wear it on Race Day. If you forget to wear, you may be not allow to enter into the race.
3. Use all the 4 Safety Pins to pin all the corners of the Race Bib.

and Yes! Keep it as a Souvenir for yourself long after the race is over. It will make you smile!

DON’TS

1. Don’t fold the bib. Folding the bib may harm the electronic chip and disqualify you from the race.
2. Don’t Press it hard on your chest. Placing it hard may lead to wear and tear in the bib while you run. Keep it lightly planted for easy movement.
3. Don’t use the safety pins from inside your T-Shirt. This may cause trouble for you and distract you while you run.