Safety pins

Over the years I've had quite a few numbers rip repeatedly at the pin holes and end up in tattered shreds by the end of the race. If I have a flimsy type number, I fold it over top and bottom so I'm pinning through two layers of paper which keeps everything together a bit better. I've never had a problem with the pins themselves.

i dont mind the pins so much as the size of the number...being only 4'11 i have to fold both top & bottom edges just to fit it onto my shirt and still be able to move freely!

Surely the pins are cheap but your running shirts will be damaged by pinholes? And what about a running jacket with holes?

Who on earth races in a running jacket? And yes, it's a fact of life club vests get pinholes in them - but mine still wear out before they're affected by an excess of holes.

Hmmm races where you wear a jacket?

Maybe he means this race ; http://www.acr.gl/ 

Although a solution appears to be to pin it to your trousers instead.

I've just closely examined todays race vest and there is absolutely no sign of any damage what-so-ever, in fact there's no sign that it's ever had a pin stuck into it. Ever.

All runners should be issued with their own unique number that could be used for all future races, then they could just get their number tattooed onto their bodies. This would save valuable seconds before every race and with no need for paper race numbers would also help save the planet.

Instead of a number, you just run with your National Insurance card? It's smaller and uniquely identifies you...

only in this country though PBB......for the planet it would have to be a bit longer

For those who hate safety pins..why not just buy a cheap number belt...sorted.......

I dont mind safety pins but I've found that wearing a number belt has its own issues (number spinning around my waist). I'd prefer pins anyday

I can position the number belt so that the number hides some of my stomach

@Seren - how do you stop the number from moving when you wear the belt?

i think i just repostion in every now and again........I only wear it in certain races......i don't mind safety poins..............the number belt is handy for marathons as it has places for my gels...........and of course triathlons 

I'll run my first half marathon in two days, so I couldn't decide how to get the number attached. After reading all these comments about safety pins damaging tops, I decided to pin my number on to a running hi-vis vest which I will wear additionally with my top of course. Should be fine I reckon