How to Put on a Race Bib

Co-authored by Clare Flanagan

Last Updated: March 11, 2023 References

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Pinning the Bib

1
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]
X
Expert Source

Clare Flanagan
Former Competitive Runner
Expert Interview. 14 January 2019.}
- 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!
2
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]
X
Expert Source

Clare Flanagan
Former Competitive Runner
Expert Interview. 14 January 2019.}

Advertisement
3
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.
4
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.
5
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]
X
Research source}
- Even if the bib is on your thigh, it should be centered on the front of your pants and visible.
6
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]
X
Research source}
- Some bibs have holes in the corners. Push the pin through these if they are available.
7
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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Alternative Securing Gear

1
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]
X
Research source}
- Look online to order these or check a running shop near you.
2
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]
X
Research source}
- Ordinary tape won’t secure your bib enough. However, you can place electrical tape over pins for extra security.
3
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.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- 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!

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

Where do you put your race bib?

Clare Flanagan
Former Competitive Runner
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.

Clare Flanagan

Former Competitive Runner

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Usually, 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.
Question

How do you improve your endurance?

Kai Ng
Certified Running Coach
Kai 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.

Kai Ng

Certified Running Coach

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

To 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
Question

How do you choose a good treadmill?

Kai Ng
Certified Running Coach
Kai 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.

Kai Ng

Certified Running Coach

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Choose 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.

Warnings

Some people crumple their bibs to smooth them out. Make sure the race rules allow this before you risk it.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0