When did this become a thing? I was helping with the timing at trail race this weekend and like half the people had their bib on their shorts. Makes it really difficult for finish line spotters. And folded numbers, WTF? Why do people do this kind stuff? I want my bib front and center so the announcer can get the call right when I am cruising in for the win.
It's basically like some knuckleheads starting doing this and then all the hobbie jogger fatties started following suiti.
First, runners put their bib number on their shorts so they can take their shirt off if it is hot.
Second, there is absolutely NO REASON a bib number needs to be more than 3" x 4".
Third, everybody is going to find out my name at the awards ceremony or by looking at the results. No need for them to announce it as I am crossing the finish line especially considering all the other runners are still on the course.
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Most races and certainly all championships do not allow for floding of the numbers. Wearing a number on the shorts may be permissible if there is nowhere to pin it on the chest. However, having said that there is a disturbing trend to pn the numbers on teh thigh about half way down to the knee. Not only does it look stupid, but I can't for the life of me figure out the reason.
Do you see this occur more in the summer months or the winter months?
Some people like running shirtless to stay cooler, not because they're trying to make your job difficult. Also, you could have a pre-race announcement that participants need to have a clear unobstructed view of their bib numbers. This would likely cause people to put the bib more clearly on their shorts or not put it on their shorts at all. Then maybe some participants just don't care where they finish or place.
I know I'm late to the party on this post, but I found it while doing some Google searching for an upcoming race. I primarily run ultramarathons where pinning the bib to shorts is probably the most common place. Especially for longer distances, clothing changes are common and the bottoms are the least likely to get changed/changed less often, so wearing it on the shorts is just a practicality of not having to repin it every time you change clothes. Because of this, I am most comfortable with the bib on my shorts for all races, including the few road races I do. I couldn't care less about whether the announcer gets my name correct at the finish line or whether they announce me at all. My time will be recorded correctly via chips and anybody who might be there to watch me at the finish line is very aware of what I look like and will likely spot me before the announcers do.
tylerowens22 wrote:
anybody who might be there to watch me at the finish line is very aware of what I look like and will likely spot me before the announcers do.
Yeah, but do these people have access to a PA system where they can announce your name. Greatness should be distributed upon the wavelengths of frequencies to all those in the immediate vicinity. Let all those finishing just behind you hear whom their superior is, so they can go home DEVASTATED, and whom was responsible for that feeling when they wake up in a cold sweat 6 years later.