Race numbers?

personally I use a race belt with the number attached to it so I can spin it around back on the bike and to the front on the run. Timing is normally done with a chip on an ankle strap. You will also likely have a number for your bike and possibly your helmet. All the numbers will come in your race packet and normally instructions on where everything goes. At the very worst just watch what others do or even ask a question or 2.

Edited by DaveL 2015-06-04 9:17 PM

US races generally only require you wear the number on the run. Spend a couple bucks on a race belt it'll make your life a lot easier.

Usually you get a timing chip that goes on your ankle to take care of all the timing. You might want to put a safety pin though the timing chip strap to help keep it from falling off.... sometimes the velcro sucks.

You will probably get a number for your bike and possibly for your helmet as well. Occasionally you will get two numbers for your bike. Sometimes the numbers are stickers, sometimes they are crappy pieces of annoying cardboard. If possible put it on your seat post. I bring a mini stapler with me in case the race has the annoying cardboard numbers that come with bread twist ties used to attach said number to your bike.

That said some races provide very specific directions on how they want the numbers done. If thats the case do what you are told.

Also, there will probably be a body marking station. I have found some variation in races as to where they mark your body (thigh, back of the calf, arm) and whether they use sharpies or temporary tattoos. Just stand there and let the nice people write all over you. After the race, baby wipes are good for getting it all off without removing your skin.

Depending on the race, it can be very important that your bike and helmet have your number. To make sure that no one is stealing expensive gear, some races have a volunteer stationed at the transition exits after a race. You have to show that your race number matches the number on the bike and on the helmet to get them out of transition.

But like someone else mentioned, if you are confused, just ask someone who looks like they know what they are doing. The logistics of the first race can be intimidating, but once you do it, it will seem straightforward.

I will simply agree with the above posters:
1. Get a race number belt - it's a lot easier to wear your number that way
2. You will get body-marked at some point before the race

Before I had a race number belt, I just pinned the number to the shirt I was wearing for the bike and run. I don't have a tri suit, and I've only done pool swims, so I put on a shirt over my swim suit in transition.

For the triathlons here we do have to wear the number during the bike.

It is easier with a race belt, especially if you wear a tri suit.

Also... I hope you're not ticklish... I'm generally not, but it's hard to stand still when they mark my calves...

Thank you sooooo much for the input. I appreciate all the comments and look forward to bumbling my way through my first tri...

BeachAV8R

Wearing a number with pins in the water is dangerous and could damage a suit or wetsuit. Like others suggested a belt is best. If its a wetsuit swim I roll the number up and wear it under my suit. Some races don't bother with bibs and just do chip and body marking. (ITU Edmonton AG race for example). Some will have bike numbers as well. Usually the bike numbers are for marshalls but some have a 2nd rfid chip as well.

The ITU Elites usually wear a chip on each ankle to properly break ties on close finishes.