Race Number Belts

A race number belt, also called race belt, is an elastic band that you wear around your waist to attach your competition number to. No more safety pins pricking holes in your trisuit or running shirt, and no fiddling with pins on race morning. You clip the belt around your waist, attach your number to the cords and are ready to start.

For triathletes the race number belt has an extra practical advantage: you can turn it from your back to your front in one movement between the cycling and running section, so that your number hangs on the correct side for each discipline. Many models also have elastic loops to carry energy gels or bars during the race. The race number belt is available for men and women and fits virtually all sizes thanks to the adjustable elastic.

Which race number belt suits you?

The choice is simple, but there are a few practical considerations. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You are doing a triathlon and want to turn your number quickly between disciplines: A race number belt is practically indispensable for triathletes. During cycling your number hangs at the back; in T2 you turn the belt in one movement so that your number hangs at the front for running. That takes seconds instead of repositioning pins. Choose a model with a firm closure and a smoothly rotating belt.

You run a running race and do not want pins in your shirt: For running too a race number belt is the more pleasant choice. You clip it around your waist, attach the number and do not have to pin anything. After the finish you pull the belt off without damage to your shirt. Choose a light and narrow model that does not show under your shirt if you want.

You participate in a longer race and want to carry energy gels or bars along the way: Choose a model with elastic gel loops. Many race number belts have multiple loops where you can hang gels, bars or other small items, directly accessible without breaking your pace. Ideal for half and full triathlons or longer running races where you want to refuel along the way.

You want a lightweight model that you barely feel during the race: Choose a narrow belt of light elastic material without extra pockets or protrusions. Some models are so compact that you barely feel them around your waist, which is pleasant at warm races where you want to wear as little extra clothing as possible.

What to look for when purchasing?

Closure and stability

The closure of a race number belt must click firmly and not come undone during running. A belt that comes loose or swings around during the race is annoying and can make your number invisible. Check whether the closure is also easy to open with wet or sweaty hands, because speed is important in the transition zone.

Attachment of the number

Most race number belts have cords with small clips with which you attach your race number. Choose a model where the number sits firmly enough not to flap during running but can be detached quickly after the finish. Some models have extra cords for extra attachment points, which is handy with wider numbers.

Gel loops

If you want to carry gels or bars, pay attention to the number and size of the elastic loops. Two or three loops are sufficient for a sprint or olympic distance. For a half or full triathlon you want more carrying capacity. Make sure the loops are tight enough to hold gels but loose enough to pull them out quickly during the race.

Size and fit

Most race number belts are one-size-fits-most with an adjustable elastic. Check the maximum circumference in the product description if you are unsure whether the belt fits around your waist. The belt must sit snugly but comfortably: not so tight that it constricts during running, not so loose that it rotates.

Our advice: Wear your race number belt at least once during a training before using it in a competition. That way you know how it feels during running, whether the gels sit well and whether the belt stays in the right position. On race day you want no surprises.

Race number belt or safety pins?

Safety pins are free, always available and still used by many runners. The disadvantage is well known: they prick holes in your clothing, take time to put in and are difficult to fasten on race morning with tense fingers. With a trisuit costing a hundred euros or more, a hole from a pin is not a pleasant thought.

A race number belt solves all those problems. It clips around your waist in seconds, does not damage clothing and turns around easily at the transitions. The investment is small and the belt lasts for years. For everyone who regularly participates in competitions, a race number belt is smarter than pins.

Who are race number belts suitable for?

• Triathletes who want to switch quickly at every competition between cycling with number on the back and running with number on the front.
• Runners who do not want holes pricked in their shirt or running clothing and want to attach their number quickly and easily.
• Endurance athletes who want to carry energy gels and bars in a handy spot at longer races without having to dig in a pocket.
• Beginners who are participating in a triathlon or running race for the first time and want to keep their transition zone as fast and stress-free as possible.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a race number belt but are not sure which model suits your wishes and needs best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about race number belts

What is a race number belt and what is it used for?

A race number belt is an elastic band that you wear around your waist to attach your competition number to. You clip the belt around your waist and attach the number to the supplied cords with clips. This avoids safety pins that prick holes in your clothing. For triathletes the belt has an extra advantage: you can quickly turn it from front to back between the disciplines, so that your number always hangs on the correct side.

On which side does my number hang at a triathlon?

During cycling your race number must hang at the back so that officials can see it. During running the number must be visible at the front. In T2 you turn the race number belt in one movement from your back to your front. That is faster and less error-prone than repositioning pins, which makes a difference in competitive sport or under time pressure.

Can I also use a race number belt at a running race?

Yes, a race number belt is also popular outside triathlon with runners. You attach the number quickly and without damage to your shirt, and after the finish you pull the belt off in one movement. Especially if you regularly participate in running races a race number belt is considerably handier than working with safety pins each time.

How many gels fit in the loops of a race number belt?

That differs per model. Most race number belts have two to four elastic loops, each suitable for one energy gel or bar. For a sprint or olympic triathlon that is more than sufficient. For a half or full triathlon you want more carrying capacity; then choose a model with more or wider loops, or also consider using back pockets in your trisuit for extra nutrition.

Does a race number belt fit all body sizes?

Most race number belts are one-size-fits-most with an adjustable elastic that covers a wide range of sizes. Check the maximum circumference in the product description if you are on the larger side. The belt must fit comfortably around your waist without constricting or rotating during running.