The online forum for my running group has a lot of posts for people selling, or looking to buy, bibs. I don’t like it, maybe mostly because I am a rule follower, but also for the potential to screw up the age group standings. The thing is a lot of these runners are slower runners, and the races are big races. Probably they don’t really make a difference, so I feel petty making an issue of it. And maybe people take the chip off when they run, I don’t know. I’m not sure they would think to do that.
Anyway, so I was wondering, since it is so common in my running group, how common is it in other running groups? From what I have read people seem to have mixed feelings about whether it is an ok thing to do or not, and I’m not sure I want to open a debate on that. Just more curious about whether my group is unusual or whether this is a very common thing to do.
It’s probably more common than most RD’s would like. If I were the RD of a big event I’d rather give you back your money (albeit delayed) and sell your “slot” to someone else, that way I know you’re not churning your bib at a profit.
In the multisport world it is highly against the rules to sell or transfer your number to another athlete…more for the reason of an athlete needing an annual membership / signed waiver to register, etc. Of course, most races ask for your USAT card and have you sign the waiver so they have another copy on file, just in case something goes wrong on race day.
You might not have too many comments right now because of the big thread having to do with ‘he-who-shall-not-be-named-in-other-posts.’
I expressed some interest in joining a local running group, so I joined their facebook page. Leading up to larger races, the vast majority of posts involve the sale of bibs. People were even posting how they saw bibs on ebay and craigs list. I assume the majority of them do not know it is against the rules. I do not take part in any of the groups runs or outings so I have never said anything.
I remember seeing bibs being sold or transfered right on the Marine Core Marathon facebook page. I do believe it was the official facebook page too. However, I am not 100% sure that it is against the rules in this particular race, but I thought it was very strange to see it right on the FB page. I know it sells out insanely fast, way ahead of the race date every year and people do get injured, etc. and cannot compete for whatever reason when the date finally does come around. Since it is so greatly popular, they know they can sell their bib…
When I first read the title of your thread I automatically assumed you were going to talk about used bib shorts, and was immediately grossed out at the thought of my junk coming into contact with fabric where another man’s junk has previously been. I really need to get a new perspective on things.
I was three sentences in until I realized he wasn’t talking about bib shorts. Definitely confused, but still.
When a person registers for a race they are entering into a legal contract. By selling the bib they are in violation of the terms of the contract. Selling a bib is wrong. What part of wrong do the sellers not understand? Tim
2 athletes got caught at Ironman Augusta 70.3 this year and both received ban including 1 of them not able to race
at a Ironman this year.
Don’t do it, plain and simple. USAT ban is 1 year minimum for anyone caught racing under someone else bib.
I was three sentences in until I realized he wasn’t talking about bib shorts. Definitely confused, but still.
I read to the end, figured it was spam, read the first reply and then realized I must have misread and read the OP again, realizing bib SHORTS were never mentioned. Ah, youth and a functioning brain… Enjoy both of them while you have them boys.
When a person registers for a race they are entering into a legal contract. By selling the bib they are in violation of the terms of the contract. Selling a bib is wrong. What part of wrong do the sellers not understand? Tim
Oh no…could I go to prison for selling a bib???
MCM actually has a bib transfer policy up to a certain date. They don’t care how much you paid the original owner but charge a $25 fee to put it in your name. In 2010 my buddy broke his foot in early July and sold me his bib for $80. We both contacted MCM and I was able to race and have my name show up in the official results.
Given the high cost of entry into events and that its gotten to the point that you have to enter so many events a year ahead of time, I would like to see official transfers of bibs done through race central as a standard procedure for most events.
P.S. I am doing MCM this year on the actual day of my 60th birthday. Tim
I agree. I hope I’m still running when I’m 60!
Many races allow for a transfer of numbers; others don’t. Check the fine print or contact the RD. Personally, I think it’s reasonable especially given that a lot of races sell out and one has to buy them so far in advance. Not allowing transfers feels like a money grab to me. I’ve worked package pick up for a number of local races and none of them ever concerned themselves with ID. Triathlon seems to be much different than running events.