Quick question about race numbers

Depends on the race director.  At NAS IM events you are required to wear them on both.

A race belt is a simple adjustable elastic band that has some sort of way to attach the race number to it (either clips, cords, or something else) that has a clip to put around your waist like a belt.  Very easy to put on and keeps the number out of your way.

1. Depends on the race, but it's the rare one that would require it on bike and run. A lot of races have separate numbers for the bike and your helmet.
2. The bib number snaps onto the belt. Then you can grab the belt/bib in T2 and put it on as you leave for the run. No pins necessary.

Not always. Probably less than half of my tris give you a separate number for your bike, fewer still give you one for the helmet.

It depends on the race.  Check with the race director to make sure.  I've done a couple of races where you were supposed to wear your race number for both the bike and run, but most only require it on the run and have another number to mount on your bike.

A race belt makes it quick and easy to put on your number in transition and eliminates the need to pin it on your shirt.  Worth the $5 they cost IMHO.

With most races using chip timing these days the main purpose of bib numbers seems to be for identifying participants in the race photos.

Mark

Official USAT rules say that you need to wear your number while running and that you must have your number on your bike so that it can be seen, unaltered, on your left side. 

Each race director may specify that you wear your number on the bike as well, if they want to.  Not weraing your number on the run will get you a penalty.

Race belts are easy snap stretchy nylon material that has a couple of snaps on it to hold your number (vs. using safety pins on your shirt or something like that).  They are nice because you put your number on your belt when you set up in transition and you come in, switch shoes, grab the belt and your hat/visor(if you wear one) and you can put the belt and the visor on as you are leaving transition.  Clipping the belt while moving is very simple.  They are worth the very small investment, IMO. 

Of course, just after you buy one, you will enter a race that gives one away in a goody bag.  This give away will not happen until after you buy one, however, so don't wait for it to happen to save yourself $7. 

Or perhaps the fact that hospitals don't usually have chip readers so that they can identify the patient.  I would agree with this stateement for helmet numbers, but not bib numbers.

This never happens to me.  Most of the spectators are at the award ceremony by the time I cross the finish line.

You're right - hadn't thought about that.  I wear a MedicAlert bracelet so I guess I haven't had to worry about being identified if I had a problem.

Mark

Not saying you're wrong, but I can't find USAT rules specific to the bike, to running, or to paper bibs. All I find is the reference under "Race Conduct"...  

f. Race Numbers. Participants shall plainly display their race numbers at all times, and shall maintain the race number in an unaltered, unobstructed and readable state at the start and finish gates, in the transition areas, and on the course. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.
 

...and this could easily be met by body markings.

Ha! Thanks for the laugh, I needed that this morning.  :D 

^ Very good point. I never even thought about something bad happening and someone having to identify me. I would hate to be that John Doe at the hospital god forbid something bad happen. I have actually started carrying my drivers license with me in that nifty little pocket in the back of my running shorts.

 Thanks all for the advice!