How to pin a race bib so it stays put the whole race
A badly pinned bib flaps, tears, or folds over the number so photographers can't read it. Four pins and the right technique fix all of that. This guide shows how to pin a bib so it stays put the whole race, and what not to do with a chip-timed bib.
Pin your bib securely in five steps
Wear it on the front, number clearly visible
Officials and photographers need to read your number from the front, unless the race tells you otherwise, as some triathlons do.
Pin all four corners
With only the top two corners pinned, the bib flaps with every stride until it tears at the pin holes or folds over the number.
Pin slightly in from the edge
Push the pin through a little in from the edge. Too close and the paper tears out easily. If the bib has punched holes in the corners, use those.
Put the shirt on first
Pinned flat on a table, the shirt stretches when you put it on and pulls the bib tight. Pin it while wearing the shirt, or ask someone to help.
Don't fold it or pin through the timing chip
Timed races often put the chip on the back of the bib. Don't fold the bib or push a pin through the chip strip, or your time may not register.
If you'd rather not make holes in your shirt
Use a race belt with bib toggles. The bib sits at your waist and can swing to the front or back. Check the race rules first, because some events require the bib on your shirt.
After the race
Take the pins out before washing the shirt, because a pin left in can snag other clothes in the machine. Keep the pins somewhere dry and reuse them at your next race.
For race organizers
Send runners a link to this guide in their confirmation email, or print it as a QR code in the race kit to cut down questions on the day. For how many pins to order, see the race-kit and bib-pickup checklist and the race-pin calculator.
Common questions
How many safety pins for a race bib?
Four, one in each corner, so the bib doesn't flap or tear while you run.
Front or back?
On the front, so officials and photographers can read it, unless the race says otherwise.
My bib has holes in the corners. Where do I pin?
Pin through those holes. They're there so the paper doesn't tear at the pins.
Can I reuse the pins?
Yes. Take them out before washing and store them somewhere dry for the next race.
Read next
Organizing a race? Order pins by the box
Tell us the runner count and pickup date, and our Sampheng team will work out the boxes and quote.