Boulder Bibs offer 3 papers to choose from for your race bibs, each with its own unique qualities. We created this guide with photograph comparisons to help you choose the best paper for your race needs!
Our standard paper is a fan favorite! This option has a soft feel with no texture, it is slightly more rigid & heavier than Tyvek®.
Tyvek® is made from high-density spunbound polyethylene fibers making it more textured than our standard material. It has a brushed, opal white appearance.
Our Upgrade bib material is the heaviest, most rigid option. It has a matte finish and more prominent texture.
For the best quality full-color print we recommend our Standard paper, followed by Tyvek®. Both of these options pick up all colors well and remain vibrant.
Our Upgrade paper tends to print less vibrant with more dulled down colors. The white paper fibers will show though darker printed colors like the black and brown in this image.
When comparing color printing across the three paper types, our Standard option provides the most vibrant color spectrum and true deep blacks.
Please note that the colors on the bibs in these photographs are not all the same and are meant to serve as a representation of the print quality.
To test durability, we intentionally attempted to tear our papers and these are the results!
Standard ripped approximately .25" and could not be torn further, Tyvek® showed some stress but would not tear, and Upgrade could be torn with a little extra effort. All three of our papers hold up well under standard racing conditions.
Standard | Tyvek | Upgrade | |
---|---|---|---|
Paper Texture |
Pure white color, soft to the touch Slightly more rigid & heavier than Tyvek |
An iridescent, opal white brushed appearance Non-reflective Lightest weight |
Pure white color, rougher texture Heaviest & most rigid Matte finish |
Color Print Quality |
High quality print across the color spectrum Most vibrant and true color representation |
High quality print across the color spectrum Slightly less vibrant due to paper texture |
Medium quality print across the color spectrum with lower quality dark colors Least vibrant |
Water Resistance |
Water beads and does not absorb Paper becomes more supple but drys back to original state |
Water beads and does not absorb Paper drys back to original state |
Water beads and does not absorb Paper drys back to original state faster than others |
Tear Resistance | 90% - can tear approximately 0.25 in | 100% - cannot tear when trying | 0% - when intentionally trying to rip, paper will tear |
Crumple Resistance |
Stays crumpled but flattens easily Creases appear white in places |
Stays crumpled but flattens easily Creases do not affect print |
Does not stay crumpled in a ball but does not flatten back as easily Creases do not affect print |
Standard is a fan favorite and was our main bib paper for years before we added Tyvek®; standard is used for The BOLDERBoulder. Tyvek® is popular for obstacle races and longer events like The Buck Fifty. Upgrade is the paper IRONMAN® uses and several other triathlons prefer this option.
Shop Bibs ]]>
It’s nearly April and endurance racing events are already happening around the country. The data shows a strong desire to return to racing, even with some concern around safety at events.
MultiSport Research’s January study had some encouraging metrics about the state of racing in 2021.
83% of respondents expect to race this year and 68% of those plan to race by spring/summer. As the weather warms and spring approaches, how can you build participant confidence for in-person events this season?
In this blog, we’re going to focus on 3 major pillars of opportunity to build participant confidence in the safety of your in-person event: communication, safety, and organization.
With rules and regulations surrounding individual safety in public places changing regularly, open and frequent communication is invaluable. Use your website, social media channels, and any other means of communication available to share how your event is planning to meet and exceed all the CDC recommendations and local regulations for COVID-19 safety. Also send regular updates about any changes that may occur to your event plans before race day.
Staying on top of communicating with your participants regularly will ensure racers feel confident their safety is a top priority and you’re also less likely to get questions which allows you more time to focus on event planning and promotion.
Safety is a huge priority and if an event cannot be done safely and economically, it is better to cancel, postpone, or pivot to a virtual experience if possible. All local COVID regulations should be understood and followed for any event. Last year we spoke to a local race director about how COVID-19 affected his events and he provided this great outline of what a safe event may look like:
With all the regulations that need to be followed, a well-organized event is going to be a huge advantage and help put your participants’ minds at ease. A well-equipped running number provider can help your event stay organized and function optimally so participants are confident that they’re staying safe on race day.
Here are a few of the ways Boulder Bibs can help:
Whether your event is hosting in-person, virtual, or hybrid races this spring, we're just happy to see the community out running again!
]]>Today we’re looking at one popular new event structure that could be right for you: the hybrid model. Like it sounds, the hybrid model offers the best of both worlds, it’s not all virtual or all in-person, but a little bit of both!
Providing two participation types can present additional logistic challenges, so before you dive in to offering a hybrid event, you’ll want to check a few boxes:
If you can check at least two of the above, chances are your race is set up for success with the hybrid event model.
Still need some convincing? Here’s a few of our clients that have seen success offering in-person and virtual options for participants both in the fall of 2020 and the current spring 2021 seasons:
We also put together a spring 2021 endurance event forecast with details on how different sized events are approaching the upcoming season so you can feel confident planning yours.
When it comes to the in-person part of your race, there’s all the usual items like permits and sponsors but you’ll likely want to implement some additional changes to support social distancing. In-person events are capping registration numbers, implementing smaller waved starts, requiring face coverings, and eliminating pre and post-race gatherings. We made this handy infographic with guidelines for safer in-person events back in the fall.
As with all of our recommendations, we’re looking at what’s happening in the industry right now and taking the typical restrictions into account, but always check your local mandates and attempt to forecast ahead for changes. Check out our interview with HAL co-owner, Lonnie Sommers, for a more in-depth look at how race directors are planning around COVID-19.
Now, what about the virtual part? If your race went virtual in 2020, you’ve got this(!) but if you haven’t offered a virtual option before, it may sound daunting. Don’t overthink it, registration works the same and with the power of the internet, your virtual participants can have an equally awesome time. For your virtual runners, keep as much of the in-person experience as possible by including race bibs and event swag (Boulder Bibs can help you with digital race bibs). Then, bring back the community feel with apps to enhance your virtual race event. Social media groups and hashtags are another great way to bring virtual participants together, no matter their location.
Regardless of how you approach the spring season, we’re excited for where endurance sports events are headed in 2021, the outlook sure is brighter than 2020!
]]>2020--the year we maybe wish we could forget--held so much promise for the endurance event industry. Registration numbers were up and things were looking good, all until March when COVID-19 shut down life as we knew it and forced events across the country to cancel at a moment’s notice.
After a few weeks, when it became clear that we wouldn’t be able to gather in groups for quite some time, virtual events starting popping up left and right. Existing events postponed, then went virtual, and brand new virtual events were created, many with a focus on fundraising for COVID-19 relief.
Come Fall, some smaller races were able to offer combination events with both in-person and virtual options for participants, but the large runs continued to cancel and postpone to a later, safer date.
In our research, we found that event size is the greatest predictor of spring event styles.
Large-scale races, with 10,000+ participants, are almost universally postponed or canceled:
Small to medium races with up to 2,000 participants are approaching spring in a variety of ways:
Whether your event is going 100% virtual or not, for 2021 we recommend including a virtual option for individuals who want to participate but aren’t comfortable with a group setting just yet.
Really take advantage of the opportunities that virtual races provide. You can reach a far larger audience with a virtual event because participation isn’t limited by time, date, or location!
Virtual events focused on fundraising were very successful in 2020 and we’re forecasting the same for 2021. After a hugely successful ‘Virtual America’s Turkey Trot,’ with over $130,000 delivered to participating organizations, Enmotive is launching another first-year virtual event, America’s Shamrock Run, continuing to focus on giving back during tough times.
Another fun idea for virtual events is to harness our need for community and connection. BOLDERBoulder for example is currently promoting an all-new ‘Heart of Bold’ virtual event in February to encourage 7 workouts and 7 acts of random kindness around Valentine’s Day.
Events with under 1,000-2,000 participants are more likely to swing in-person events early in 2021. Our interview with Lonnie Somers and this infographic with guidelines for safer in-person events are great resources to start with, and don’t forget to check all your local mandates and guidelines.
Without the crowds, cheering spectators, and after race celebrations, swag is proving to be just as important as ever. Participant medals, t-shirts, buffs, and even dog collars, we’ve seen a lot of really cool race swag popping up in 2020, and we don’t expect it to slow down any time soon! Race bibs, medals, and other event swag remain a key part of the experience whether you’re running virtually or in-person.
]]>Organizing a successful endurance event like a 5K or marathon takes a lot of planning. Mapping a route, acquiring city approval, signing sponsors, marketing to participants, sourcing swag, organizing timing, and don't forget the race bibs--it's a lot to juggle and can be overwhelming!
Finding the right partners to help along the way is half the battle; you need to be able to entrust that your race materials are high quality, arrive on time, and meet your event's logistical needs.
We'll admit we certainly don't know everything about planning a running event. But when it comes to bibs and swag--we have a good handle on those. Let's look at the qualities you as a race organizer should be looking for in a running bib provider and why Boulder Bibs is the best choice in the industry.
Any bib provider will be able to give your event the basics, numbers on a piece of paper, but a top of the line partner will offer so much more:
Boulder Bibs has been in the endurance event industry for over ten years, and we started big--our first client was the third largest running race in the United States, BOLDERBoulder. We haven't slowed down since; we're proud to have continued to partner with incredible events like IRONMAN, Tough Mudder, and Girls on the Run.
To handle events of this size and rapport, we invest in leading production technology that enables us to print and fulfill large orders quickly, even during peak seasons. We ship standard orders from our facility in size-efficient boxes with bibs shrink-wrapped in sets of 500 for easy handling. We also offer a variety of shipping alternatives; digital files perfect for virtual events and direct to participant mailers with householding so runners living at the same address will be combined into one mailing, saving on shipping costs!
This quantity of bib production requires a killer support team, which is why we employ a full-time fulfillment crew. They handle everything: packaging orders and performing other ad-hoc services such as timing tag application, t-shirt folding, and race packet kitting.
In addition to our printing and shipping capabilities, we partner with other leaders in the industry for a one-stop shopping experience, allowing you to source your bibs, medals, awards, and other race swag all in one place.
We've covered what makes a top-tier bib provider and some of the services Boulder Bibs offers that sets us apart; now, let's take a deeper dive into how we've helped one of our awesome clients!
Meet North 40 Supply Co, a local company that provides production and design services for events with a heavy emphasis on branding. North 40 Supply (North 40) works directly with events to curate cohesive merchandise collections. We began partnering with North 40 at the beginning of 2020 to service their race clientele. A typical event includes custom race bibs--our specialty--and themed garments and medals for all participants.
Before partnering with Boulder Bibs, North 40 was completing the brunt of their work internally, and it was proving to be a time suck. Their team needed a streamlined, efficient outsource solution for national series race promotion so they could shift focus back to event planning.
Our North 40 solution includes:
We've established that we regularly handle large-scale events, but what about the smaller ones? The best part about Boulder Bibs' services is they're tailored and priced to match your needs. We're not a one size fits all solution here, and we put the same degree of dedication into events with 250 participants as we do for those with 25,000!
Curious about how Boulder Bibs' services can support your next event? Email us or reach out on one of our social channels, and we'll be happy to help!
]]>COVID-19 disrupted mass endurance sporting events at an unprecedented level this year and the road to returning to normal is long and uncertain.
Lonnie Somers, co-owner of HAL Sports, dubbed 2020 the year of the asterisk and with over 15 years of experience in producing, consulting, and timing/scoring mass participatory endurance sports events, we’re going to take his word for it.
We caught up with Lonnie to talk about the effects of COVID-19 on his 2020 event plans, how he’s navigated the Spring event season, and how he’s planning for the future.
Q: What is Spring racing season usually like for you?
A: Generally, after a good handful of events in the 1st quarter of the year, spring ramps up for us quite heavily with around 35 to 40 runs, walks, and stair climbs. It was quite a whirlwind in March as things were starting to shut down.
About one week prior to the “stay at home” orders, we were just eking getting an event done in Oklahoma City and the next day in Portland. Then one of our fully operated events, Denver’s Runnin’ of the Green, was the first one affected just three days prior to it taking place.
Q: How much of your event schedule was disrupted by COVID-19?
A: In short, all of it! Once the “stay at home” orders took effect, we naively (as just about all other events and event producers) thought this would be a few week disruption and things would be back to normal around late April/early May. Obviously with the severity of the pandemic, that has changed all of 2020 and likely several months into 2021.
We generally work with around 120+ events per year. For 2020, it was almost five months prior to our first in-person event; we will experience about a 90% drop in events and revenues for 2020.
There are so many variables to consider if an event can take place, such as what restrictions exist at the state and local levels, how to handle the additional safety protocols, capped participant numbers, the upfront expenses (which are incurred several months prior to the event), participants comfort level, etc. all have to be taken into consideration. For many of our clients, and even our events we operate fully, we have had to cancel because the economic risk is too great.
Q: What changes, if any, have you made to prevent canceling events?
A: In truth, there isn’t much we or anyone has been able to do to prevent cancelling events. Safety is number one priority and if an event cannot be done safely and economically, it is better to forgo and cancel (or pivot to a virtual experience if possible) in this year of the asterisk.
Mostly for those that it made sense to do so, we have pivoted to virtual experience. It has been quite amazing how quickly our industry of mass endurance participatory sports has adapted to create some really great virtual (or I like to call them “from your home”) event experiences. I expect that when things are open as normal, events will look to broaden their reach outside of their venues with virtual components.
Q: If you’ve begun re-introducing in-person events, what does that look like for you?
A: Early on we have been involved, authored, and consulted on how events could be done in-person and what guidelines would be required. We have been fortunate to be part of a handful of tasks forces and consortiums working with various municipalities, permitting authorities, and even state governments in working to bring events back.
The goal is the upmost safety at an event. The challenge has been how to successfully keep everyone safe with limited touch points, how you manage a mass start, how porta-potties are arranged, how you keep people socially distanced, how you ensure and make clear anyone who is sick stays at home, and that goes on and on and on.
To give you an idea of what an event might look like being done safely (and how we are handling them):
While this is the current look of an event, we work hard to still make the experience fun for our participants.
Q: What new obstacles have you encountered for events in 2020?
A: Well besides getting to a point of having guidelines, the biggest obstacle initially was the unknown. With all the work put into plans for having events, would participants still find events fun with the requirements and would they comply? I have been extremely thrilled at the support and compliance by participants at in-person events.
Really our biggest obstacles are getting the permitting authorities to vet the guideline plans and get common acceptance. Just because our state and main city has approved, doesn’t mean that every municipality will allow events to take place or they are severely limiting them so economically it isn’t feasible to have the event.
Q: How have you overcome those obstacles?
A: Stay tuned! Getting all authorities to adopt the guidelines is going to take time. We have to also realize that at the county and even venue level, we may need to be more restrictive depending on how the pandemic is affecting them.
There is nothing we can do to force things to happen, but we need to keep the conversations going. I truly believe the work that the tasks forces have done actually create a safer event and less chance of any exposure than just being out at the park on your own or even going to the grocery store. Now we just have to get the permitting authorities to fully vet all the work that has been done and see the same.
Q: What do the next 6 months look like for you?
A: We are excited to be able to have most of our fully operated/owned events take place starting in November. While they will be capped and the experience will be different, we are excited to bring some fun experiences to the public.
We know that during this time period, many events still won’t be able to take place, but we are working on some great opportunities that we hope help us to keep the “doors” open, that will support all the wonderful charities that badly need the support, and really encouraging people to move and get healthy through in-person and virtual experiences.
If we can get healthier -- and we need it both mentally and physically -- as a society, we can be stronger and more able to handle this pandemic. Health, in my opinion, is the number one greatest thing we can do for ourselves!
Thanks to Lonnie for this great interview! Check out HAL Sports for more information about their event management services and for more insight from Lonnie read his article covering takeaways from in-person events during COVID-19
Interested in organizing your own virtual race event? Check out our interview with Maya Mor where she told us all about how she raised over $5,000 organizing her very first event 100% virtually!
]]>We used the Colorado state guidelines and this document prepared by Run Colfax to create a graphic representation of some of the key rules and regulations recommended for safe in-person races this Fall.
Be safe out there, runners, and don't forget your custom race numbers 😉
]]>
Ryan Van Duzer is an outdoor-loving adventure journalist and YouTube vlogger from Boulder, Colorado. He has traveled the world on foot and by bicycle with appearances on the Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, National Geographic TV, and Men's Journal. He is the host of the new adventure series Out There, now streaming on Amazon.
We spoke with him about how he's been staying happy and healthy during the pandemic.
Q: How has COVID-19 impacted your race event plans this year?
A: I luckily snuck in one race before everything shut down, the Caballo Blanco 50 in Mexico. Everything else is kaput though, I'm really bummed about the Bolder Boulder, I've been running that race since I was 6 years old.
Q: Many events that haven't postponed or been cancelled are going virtual this year. What virtual races do you plan to participate in?
A: I've participated in an unofficial virtual Boston Marathon with my friend Scott, we ran 26.2 miles on short one mile laps around his neighborhood. I also did the virtual Bolder Boulder.
Q: In what ways have you modified or changed up your typical training routine?
A: I'm still running and biking as much as usual, getting outdoors has been CRUCIAL to my well-being.
Q: What advice can you offer to those who are missing their favorite annual race events and the festivities and community engagement that make them so special?
A: Missing races and the community aspect of events is a bummer, but my advice is to be grateful that we're all happy and healthy, and whenever we do get to race again, it'll feel incredible!!
Q: How are you staying motivated and working towards fitness goals and what can others do who are finding that more difficult lately?
A: I'm motivated by simply getting outside. For me, running up a mountain is therapy! I have a few bikepacking adventures planned this summer, and I'm excited to have something to look forward to. That's my advice, plan something to look forward to, it can be big or small, just get out there!
Q: What single race are you most looking forward to when events can safely return?
A: I really hope that the Javelina Jundred happens in late October, that race is magical. I love the desert. If that doesn't happen, I plan on running the White Rim trail with a friend.
Watch Ryan in Out There and follow all his other adventures on YouTube and Instagram.
]]>
As COVID-19 continues to present challenges for event organizers and their participants, creativity and innovative thinking are important for creating unique and memorable race day experiences.
One idea towards addressing this is to consider incorporating the use of mobile phone apps into virtual events. Below are some apps that could be a great way for race participants to feel more connected with their event and others, for an event that truly stands out.
If you're looking for the applause, cheers, and words of encouragement missing in your virtual event look no further than this app. Race participants can invite friends and family to record messages for their upcoming events by sharing the event on social media or by email. Motigo will later play these personalized audio messages over the runner's headphones at pre-determined mile markers using GPS during their race. Get Motigo here.
This app is a popular platform for meetings and various other hangouts, including your virtual race events. Consider scheduling a meet-up at the virtual starting and finishing lines to encourage, motivate, and celebrate. This app is a great way for people to feel connected and involved even when they can't be in the same place at once. Get Zoom here.
This mobile app is specifically designed for race enthusiasts and organizers looking for a complete package with something for everybody. Included in the robust variety of options for your virtual event are features such as personalized audio and text messaging, live social media updates, race day results, photo sharing, real-time tracking, GPS-based progress alerts, and more. Get RaceJoy here.
Learn more about how virtual races work or read our interview with a successful first-time virtual race organizer
]]>
A Freshman student-athlete at Minnetonka High School, Maya drew on her passion for running and a desire to help out in this time of need to create the Stronger Together Virtual 5K with the goal of raising $5,000 for COVID-19 relief.
Boulder Bibs collaborated with Maya to design the race bibs and we had the opportunity to catch up with her after the event.
Here's what she had to say about putting on her very first virtual race including tips you can use to organize your own:
Q: What inspired you to organize the Stronger Together Virtual 5K?
A: I was actually out on a bike ride right after things had just gone downhill: schools had closed, cases were rising, stay at home orders were put in place, etc. Hearing about the sacrifices that the frontline workers were making to protect and help our community (along with other civilians who were doing the same while staying at home) made me want to do something to help as well.
Since running is my biggest passion in life, I thought that I would use it to bring positivity during trying times. I had heard of a virtual 5k once previously, Emma Coburn’s Elk Run, and that’s how I knew of the concept. With all the free time I had (school was canceled but e-learning hadn’t started) I was able to make a logo and website in the next few days and once I saw it start to come together, I knew that I wanted to follow through with the idea and got to work!
Q: How did your event turn out? Did you meet or exceed any goals you had for the event?
A: In the end, we raised $12,000 for the COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund at Greater Twin Cities United Way which most definitely surpassed our original goal of $5,000. We had almost 500 runners from around the state (and country!) and got support from professional runners including Reed Fischer, Emma Coburn, & Will Leer! We also gave away awesome prizes from local businesses so we could use the event as a way to support businesses in need during the pandemic. All in all the event was a huge success and definitely exceeded my expectations!
Q: What was the best part of the experience for you?
A: I think looking back on the event, the coolest part was definitely seeing everyone out running and posting photos on “race day.” It was so exciting (and also such a relief) to see the event finally come together. I was out driving and I saw multiple people wearing the incredible bibs you printed and it was so rewarding. It proved that we truly are stronger together and I loved that the event used running to raise money for a good cause, get people out of the house for some physical activity, and unite our community.
Q: What obstacles did you encounter during the organization/set-up of the event?
A: Things went pretty smoothly because I had a few weeks to organize it. The main issue was with result submission - the website went down right around the time everyone was wanting to submit their times which was a major inconvenience and pretty stressful. In the end, we figured it out though!
Q: Do you have any tips for others who may be organizing a similar event? What did you do well? Is there anything you would have done differently?
A: I think my biggest piece of advice is to put your all into the event. I spent so many hours reaching out to people and putting in the work to make sure the event went smoothly and the work was so worth it in the end. I personally spent so much time emailing coaches (over 150 of them…), media sources, teachers, students, and other community members, and sending emails over and over again seemed like a waste of time, especially if a majority of people wouldn’t participate. However, the little things build up and that’s how you spread the word about an event. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to certain people. I never thought professional runners I look up to would end up helping spread the word and participate in the run, but I decided to ask anyway and it paid off because they generously helped out!
If I organize an event like this again, I will definitely get some help from other people. I pretty much organized everything on my own which was a bit stressful at times. Also if things start slowly returning back to normal and I have school, whether it be online or in person, I won’t have so much time in the day to put into the event so I will definitely need some assistance.
Q: Do you think you'll run this event or organize others like it in the future?
A: I definitely want to organize an event like this again! I’m hoping to make the 5k an annual run because uniting the community isn’t something we only have to do during a pandemic. I’m hoping there can be an in-person event in addition to the virtual option at some point.
Check out participant pictures and more about Maya's event on the Stronger Together Virtual 5K Website or follow the race Instagram Page.
Interested in reading more about virtual races? Learn what a virtual race is and discover apps that can enhance your virtual race.
]]>Imagine not standing in line for a race bib and t-shirt, not waiting at the starting line, and not running through a crowd. It is just you and the open road, or trail, or treadmill. A virtual race allows runners to compete and contribute to any race event from the comfort of their own home or neighborhood.
Virtual races offer more flexibility than traditional races. Runners can register online and run the track of their choosing at a time that suits their schedule. Once a runner has completed the race, runners can upload their time and compare with other contestants.
This concept may seem odd to traditional runners or race directors, but there are many ways to create a marathon setting for participants in a virtual race. Many virtual events will supply runners a race bib and a finisher medal, both mailed directly to the participants. The running bib can be worn in spirit of the race or kept as a souvenir.
Virtual races originated from high school track and field training. Before the days of large championship meets, high school runners would mail in their times and a winner would be declared.
Eventually virtual races made their way out of the high school platform. Participants unable to compete in-person began to ask race directors if they could participate from afar. Thus, virtual races were born.
Virtual races aren’t a replacement for the traditional competition, but an alternative for those 'race day' feelings. Typically, the cost of a virtual race is less than a traditional race experience. Competitors can save a little extra money and still participate against one another.
In 2020 virtual races have sustained the racing world. Social distancing has become the new norm; however, that doesn't mean runners need to sacrifice race day.
Sign up, select your distance, your starting point, and get out there!
Race day is still here, but now it's on your own terms.
Interested in reading more about virtual races? Read our interview with the Stronger Together Virtual 5K organizer.
]]>
Every little detail matters and the quality of each component affects the entire event. A custom designed race bib gives your race a professional look that participants and sponsors will notice! Custom bibs are ideal for attracting sponsors and getting repeat racers at your events. Race bibs are the central component of your event; add cohesion to your overall race theme with bibs to match!
These days your race number is more than a way to distinguish individuals for timing; bibs now incorporate the entire look and feel of your race into one small wearable piece. This includes your sponsors, your cause, and the theme of the race, as well as logistics such as bag check tags, emergency contact information, and wave designation. After your event, bibs become a souvenir that racers hang on their wall with pride. Boulder Bibs' custom designed race bibs give you the creative opportunity to take your race to the next level!
The possibilities are endless, which allows you to wow your participants each and every time. By incorporating your logo, sponsors, and theme your event takes on a more professional look (even if you're a first-time planner of an inaugural event). Our custom, colorful bibs are sure to wow sponsors too! We work hard to ensure your sponsors are happy with their logo size, placement, and colors, increasing your potential for revenue.
(photo from The Great Candy Run)
]]>
Tyvek is a material most people associate with house wrap and document packaging. Developed by DuPoint, Tyvek has a wide variety of uses, but one use everyone forgets about is as racing bibs. While we might not think about those numbers every runner has on, they're just as vital as any filing system. And while there are a lot of options for keeping track of who is in the race, Tyvek bibs have certain advantages that cannot be ignored.
As Bong points out, Tyvek is extremely tough. That's why it's used to cover houses during construction. Tyvek resists wear, tear, and even fading, making it ideal for items that are meant to be used over and over. Races that take place at the same time every year will find that a valuable quality, since it means they won't have to replace the bibs every time race day comes around.
Tyvek comes in all shapes and sizes, but what's even better is that it can be colored and cut to your specifications. So whether you just want basic numbers in a simple font, or you want to have something a little more eye-catching for your runners to wear, a Tyvek bib can easily fulfill your needs.
Unlike other materials that can be used for race bibs, when Tyvek reaches the end of its life all you have to do is drop it in the recycle bin. No muss, no fuss, and no wasted space in the local landfill.
(image from IRONMAN®)
]]>
According to the 2017 Running USA State of the Sport Report, the number of road race finishers has dropped to under 17 million for the first time since 2012. While the number of road race finishers has declined in the U.S., the following three metrics are trending up: race or event quality, the number of women participating, and increased popularity of the 5K distance.
As with any marketing venture, the customer drives the process. Race industry directors and promoters are accommodating runners’ concerns and desires in more ways than ever. 5K finisher numbers have increased this year, while the number of 10K, half marathon and other distances decreased by four percent or more.
In seeking to attract more runners, the industry has also corrected for disorganization and dangerous or functionally unsound races. Running USA CEO Rich Harshbarger relates, “As race directors react to declining participation numbers, what we’re seeing is more of them increase value and create better experiences for their runners, partners, charities, and communities.”
In 2016, female finishers were counted at 9.7 million nationwide and represent 57% from event fields. (Males in 2016 numbered 7.3 finishers in U.S. races.) Women have outnumbered men every year since 2010.
In 2016 the 5K distance event accounted for a total of 56% of U.S. road races. At 17,000 events recorded, that’s a 3% increase from 2015. There was also a sharp decline in obstacle and other themed races.
5Ks are often advertised as a “walk/run” which attracts and allows more participants. Many are also tied to fundraising, attracting entrants, donors, and good will.
People will continue to run. It’s up to the running industry and road race promoters to find out why, what matters to them, and offer the events that appeal to that audience. A really cool race bib can't hurt either 😉.
Image credit: Colorado Marathon, 2016, race bibs by Boulder Bibs
]]>
Girls on the Run is an organization that is inspiring young ladies everywhere to adopt a can-do attitude, recognize their self-worth and develop life-long healthy-living skills all while training to complete a 5K. The challenge of running helps these girls to realize they are capable of achieving greatness even in the face of difficulty.
Partnering with schools in all 50 states, Girls on the Run focuses on the hearts and minds of girls in the third through eighth grade. The idea is to inspire young ladies to dream big and to realize they hold the keys to endless possibilities. By erasing their preconceived limits, Girls on the Run helps these young women to see all the ways they can be remarkable by encouraging them to dig deep and reach for what they want to accomplish.
By integrating running, and the accomplishment that comes along with completing a 5k, with curriculum designed to foster independence, confidence and self-esteem, Girls on the Run turns each running season into a powerful learning experience for the girls.
Each 12-week season helps the girls to train to complete a 5k. The ladies set short term running goals each week so they can see their progress and strength grow in small steps. Ultimately, they can run, walk, dance or even cartwheel to the finish line to accomplish their goals.
In addition to running, their coaches lead discussion about common things that young girls will face on their way to adulthood. Everything from bullying, to healthy eating, to career choices are brought up in an engaging and fun curriculum that allows each girl to participate in class. This gives the girls a chance to voice their opinion to their peers and discuss things that are important to them in a safe and encouraging environment.
At the end of the 12-week course, girls are ready to run their 5k. As they finally cross the 5K finish line after weeks of intensive training, they feel like they have accomplished a difficult task, and are thus more prepared to handle the next thing life brings to their plate. The 5k is generally a huge, city-wide celebration of their achievement complete with professional style running bibs and a route lined with encouraging, cheering fans. The girls feel empowered as they rise to the challenge of completing their race.
Strong, happy girls who know they can reach their dreams.
The Boulder Bibs Team
]]>
Race bibs might be simple, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring
People have been running races since before the days of ancient Greece, and it's always been a challenge to keep track of time. After all, every runner wants to know how fast they were, even if there's no prize for coming in first. When there's only a dozen runners, that's not a big deal. In marathons with thousands of competitors, though, it takes organization and commitment to keep track of who ran the race in what amount of time.
That's one reason race bibs have been a staple of events big and small for decades now. They clearly label runners, allowing officials to keep track of departures and arrivals, and they're lightweight enough that the runners will barely notice them after a while.
These simple pieces of Tyvek can do more than just keep track of who ran the race in what time, though. They can also act as great souvenirs to give runners something to remember the race by.
Race bibs might be simple, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring. You have a swatch of Tyvek that will cover part of a runner's chest, so why not make the most of it? Everything from a unique font and color scheme, to loudly proclaiming the event in question, can turn the bib from a simple piece of waterproof fabric into a unique keepsake. There's rarely a prize for running a race, aside from the bragging rights that you did it. So why not give your runners something small they can take home as a souvenir?
(image from Bass Pro Fitness Series)
]]>
Here in the lower forty-eight, we have some pretty cool athletic events. Ones that are colorful, ones that are muddy, ones that include swimming, and biking, and climbing, and jumping.
But that all kind of looks like child's play compared to the Kuskokwim 300, a 300 mile dog-sled race that takes place in Bethel, Alaska every year. This year, Boulder Bibs had the unique opportunity to produce bibs for the race, and we were very excited to learn more about this Alaskan tradition.
This frigid and difficult trek starts out on a cold January evening in Bethel and runs along the Kuskokwim River on the way to the small village of Aniak. There, mushers turn the team around and head back towards Bethel. The entire race can last up to 62 hours, though this year's champion, Peter Kaiser, took the title in just 40 hours and 8 minutes.
The race is famous for its drastically unpredictable weather, sometimes hitting teams with freezing blizzard conditions and at other times slowing them down with rain and river overflow. This year's racers experienced consistently below-zero temperatures, with windchill dropping them down to nearly -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily for the mushers, teams of volunteers were stationed throughout the race to provide them with some warm food and shelter from the cold for their very short resting period.
At the finish line, families waited in running cars to spot the incoming sled teams, ready to jump out into the cold with posters and plenty of hot chocolate. The top finishers all walked away with a portion of this year's race purse, which climbed to $150,000.
Yet, what fans of the Kuskokwim Swim can all agree on, is that the true value of this weekend is the chance to enjoy a friendly competition in the great little town of Bethel.
]]>
The state of Washington is lucky to have a great bicycling non-profit like Cascade Bicycle Club. Their mission is to enhance people's lives with bicycling. Cascade Bicycle Club lists the following as their five main goals:
This excellent club affects so many people with their wonderful endeavors. Here are a few of the ongoing opportunities the Cascade Bicycle Club organizes:
Started in 1970 by two brothers, Mike and Rick Quam, Cascade Bicycle Club has a long history of completed projects. The initial goals included organizing recreational group rides and promoting the development of bicycle trails in Washington. The first few large events included the Chilly Hilly ride on Bainbridge Island, the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic and the Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party. The first big trail they lobbied for was the Burke-Gilman Trail located along Lake Washington near Seattle, Wash.
The most recent ride the club has organized is called the Emerald City Bike Ride. This event is the largest, one-day ride in Washington hosting 7,000 bicyclists. Featuring 8-mile and 21-mile routes on roads in Seattle that will be closed to traffic, neighborhood-specific food stops, route support and supported rest stops, this event sold out fast in its introductory run. Not only is this event enjoyable to participate in, the Emerald City Bike Ride's registration fee is a fundraiser for providing bicycle education programs throughout the state.
If you're interested in becoming one of the 17,000 plus members or a volunteer of this fantastic organization, take a look at their website. The organization relies heavily on volunteers for their events, offering free ride participation after accruing volunteer hours. Donations are also greatly appreciated for continued support of their beneficial programs. Boulder Bibs is honored to work with Cascade Bicycle Club, providing quality bibs for a distinguished, respected organization.
The Boulder Bibs Team.
]]>
Organizing a race can be a challenge, but it's also a very rewarding experience. Below are three of the most common challenges faced by race directors when planning an event and tips on how to make yours a success.
Finding a great location is the most important aspect of planning a race. Try to choose an area that's relatively close to where most of your runners live. Once you've narrowed your choice down to a particular city, talk with the local government officials for advice on the best area to hold the race and advice on how to get permits. Contact nearby hotels to see if they will accommodate your runners or offer special discounts or incentives.
Publicity and advertisement is critical, since you need people to show up. Before you spend money advertising the race, think about your target market. What's the best way to reach them? What will get their attention? Do they spend most of their time online using social media platforms? Or do they spend most of their time watching TV? If your race is associated with a charity you can ask them to promote the event. You can also do cross-promotional events at other events who are targeting a similar audience.
Another challenge you will face is having enough merchandise to meet the demand. Set a cutoff date for early registration so you can get an idea of how many medals and awards certificates you should order beforehand. Always order extras for those who register the day of the event! Utilize Boulder Bibs' custom race bibs to help distribution go more smoothly. A simple t-shirt redemption tag customized with each participant's size choice will save your volunteers time and ensure a quick check-in process for all. Bib tags are also useful for food and drink distribution or sponsorship coupons.
]]>
What could be bolder than running America's all-time best 10K through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country? Whether you're a walker, jogger, runner, or a racer, the Bolder Boulder 10K race is the event that will give you the time of your life.
Since 1979, the Bolder Boulder 10K (BB10K) has been a premier event that other races aspire to. With split-second timing, a well-organized wave start, available childcare, desirable race packages, and an average prize purse of over $155,000, the BB10K is the perfect race for everyone from those just wanting to be active and have fun in an awesome environment to serious competitors.
The Bolder Boulder 10K is on Memorial Day every year, rain or shine. Race day for 2017 is May 29th. Registration is simple; you can register early online or even the day of the race for those looking for a last-minute Memorial Day activity. Pricing depends on when you register along with which race package you choose. Discounts are given to kids under 14, seniors that are 65+, and active duty military.
Don't let fear of missing the event prevent you from registering early. The Bolder Boulder 10K has the Bolder GuaRUNtee. If something unavoidable comes up and you are unable to participate in the race you have registered for, your registration will roll over to the following year. This unique guarantee will give you peace of mind so you can register without worry.
The Bolder Boulder 10K finish line is in the impressive Folsom Field Stadium of the University of Colorado with the iconic flatirons in the background. Beyond the natural beauty of the race and the unparalleled organization, the Bolder Boulder has something even more important going for it - Fun! The BB10K has live music, costumes, and even a slip-and-slide to keep the fun rolling for the entire event.
After just one Bolder Boulder you'll want to make it a Memorial Day tradition for years to come. Be bold; register for the Bolder Boulder 10K and see what all the hype is about.
(Photo taken from BolderBoulder)
]]>
When planning for race day, there are so many items to be completed on the checklist of a race director. After key components like location and time, one very important detail is race bibs. They may seem trivial but having a well-designed race bib can have a big impact on the success of the race and also impact future races.
Having custom designed race bibs help send the message to sponsors and participants alike that your race is the real deal. Bibs that are professional and trendy in both quality and appearance make it easy for companies to want to get involved. Custom race bibs could enhance your race in the following ways:
Two graphic designers work in-house to create custom bib designs for each race. In addition, we offer bike and helmet bibs, designs for other promotional materials such as brochures, postcards and fliers, and oval stickers. The coordination of matching promotional materials and race bibs creates a lasting impression on sponsors and participants. Boulder Bibs can be a one-stop shop for designing everything to meet your event's marketing needs.
If you are involved in coordinating an event, fill out our contact form and see what Boulder Bibs can do to help you plan a successful race.
]]>
The morning of a race, athletes’ emotions and adrenaline run high. They have each chosen their clothing for the day already: lucky shorts, a special headband, a sleek new pair of sunglasses.
But when they round the last bend, pushing towards the finish line, there is one thing standing out among the masses: their Boulder Bibs. We’ve done it for events like IRONMAN, Tough Mudder, and Girls on the Run. You’re next.
Our team at Boulder Bibs wants to help you create a lasting memory for your participants through the customized bibs that will see them through their race and that will BE seen by all involved. Think we’re kidding? People collect their bibs; check out our post “What To Do With Your Bib After Your Race.” Bibs are important!
Need your bibs fast? We can get the job done in ten business days (including ground shipping).
But Boulder Bibs goes beyond that. Let us help you save time and money by handling the race packet fulfillment on our end. We’re happy to produce your brochures, fliers, registration forms, and other promotional materials. We also offer customizable oval stickers to make your event stand out.
Boulder Bibs love to go on a run, but we’re into biking and swimming, too. Use our helmet and bike frame stickers and wristbands for your bike races and triathlons.
All these options, but worried about the budget? Don’t guess! Check it out: custom Boulder Bibs cost less than you might be thinking. Ordering is easy, too. Our redesigned website makes the online ordering process simple.
The Boulder Bibs Team
]]>
The IRONMAN® is a triathlon style race organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. The full event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run; all to be completed in a time limit of 17 hours with cut off times for each leg. Participants who finish within the time parameters achieve the prestigious title of 'Ironman.' In 2005, the World Triathlon Corporation added the Ironman 70.3—also known as a Half IRONMAN®—for those who can't or do not wish to compete in the full IRONMAN®. The 70.3 event consists of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
There are hundreds of IRONMAN® races around the globe—from the Americas, Europe and the Oceania region, thousands of people compete in an IRONMAN® event every year. Hawaii held the first ever IRONMAN® on February 18, 1978. Today the Hawaiian race is referred to as the "IRONMAN® World Championship," a prestigious event in which participants must qualify to enter.
Athletes qualify for the IRONMAN® World Championship in a variety of ways. Professional athletes acquire points based on their placement in a previous IRONMAN® race. The top 50 males and 35 females then qualify to compete in the IRONMAN® World Championship. Amateur athletes are also able to qualify based on their placement in the IRONMAN® or a few select IRONMAN® 70.3 races. Random lottery drawings and the Ironman Foundation's charitable eBay auction are other ways to secure a spot in the World Championship.
IRONMAN®'s trademark saying is "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life." The effort and dedication that each participant puts into this event is nearly unimaginable. Boulder Bibs is proud to support IRONMAN® events around the world with our quality bibs and fulfillment services.
The Boulder Bibs team.
]]>
According to Running USA's most recent report over 17 million individuals in the U.S. finished races in 2015. AJC Peachtree Road Race, TCS New York City Marathon and BolderBOULDER hosted the largest groups of the year coming in at 54,752 finishers, 49,365 finishers and 45,336 finishers, respectively. Wow, that's a lot of feet! When dealing with thousands of race participants in one location running numbers become very important. But what are running numbers and what makes them so central to the race experience?
Running numbers, or bib numbers, are a timer's and race director's most important tool. Each individual runner is assigned a bib number when they register for a race or pick up their event packet. This number is printed on a flexible yet durable paper specifically designed to hold up against any elements participants may endure during their races such as rain, mud, or wind. Once pinned onto a shirt these numbers go wherever their runners do. The benefit? When every runner has his or her own identifying number keeping track of racers is much simpler.
In addition to basic participant tracking, the running number can serve several other purposes. Synchronizing a timing chip system with your event's number sequence runners will aid in eliminating reporting errors in finishing times. Photo tagging technology can allow for automatic photo sharing on social media. Running numbers can also be placed online so a participant's friends and family can track their race progress—step by step and mile by mile—via a computer or mobile device.
Ready to organize your next race? Boulder Bibs is your partner in providing premium running numbers that not only solve your logistical issues, but make your runners look good every step of the way.
photo from The Colorado Marathon
]]>
After finishing a race, you're faced with a choice: what to do with the bib? Toss it in the nearest trash can? Stuff it in a shoebox and hide it in the back of a closet? Or show it off to the world? More than ever, runners are finding creative ways to use their bibs once the race is over. Consider these ideas:
One of the most common ways for runners to memorialize a race is to tape the bib into a scrapbook alongside race photos, wristbands, and other mementos. You might also want to record your time and place and write a short description of how the race went.
Although not appropriate for all rooms, bibs can brighten the walls of a dorm, recreation room, or garage. You might even pin all of your bibs together into a chain and string it up for a party on National Running Day. Check out Pynk Fitness for step by step instructions to re-create the awesome R. U. N. letters above.
No matter which social media platform you prefer, posting a post-race bib photo is a great way to let all of your friends and family know about your accomplishment.
Crafty runners have found ways to weave race bibs into quilts and tote bags. There are also several companies that provide this service.
Some local stores accept used race bibs from their patrons to adorn their walls. If that’s the case at your hometown store, contributing a bib is a great way to show that you are a part of the running community.
No matter what you decide to do with your old race bibs, they can make for great conversation-starters. You could keep your scrapbook on the coffee table in your living room, and when your running friends flip through it over a post-long run brunch, you'll never run out of things to talk about. You're also bound to get lots of comments on your social media posts from impressed friends and family members.
Choose a Bib that Stands Out
For race directors looking to advertise annual races, it’s important to provide a bib that is worth showing off. Often, the bibs that get the most questions (or Facebook “likes”) are the bright, colorful bibs, not the bland, boring kind that consist of only a black number on a white background. Plus, adding the name of the race to the bib automatically gets the word out about your event when someone sees it on their Instagram feed or the wall of a store. Boulder Bibs offers customized racing bibs that can stand out among all the rest, no matter how your runners choose to display them.
photo on main blog page from Pynk Fitness
]]>
Running USA is a non-profit advocacy group for all the different businesses and associations that support running in America. The group specifically focuses on running as a competitive sport, doing things like creating athlete development programs, helping to create training centers and hosting an annual industry conference.
Running USA was founded in 1999. Faced with declining interest and training opportunities for distance running in America, the organization's first major effort was to create the Team USA Distance Running program in partnership with USA Track & Field in 2000. This led in turn to the creation of five new training centers for Olympic runners throughout the country over the course of the next four years. The annual Running USA Industry Conference was also established in 2004 and has grown to become a premier industry event.
Running USA offers an annual membership and has three different tiers of benefits. All tiers enjoy discounted member pricing for the annual Running USA Industry Conference and a number of other industry conferences, access to their members-only online library of multimedia content, and the ability to post jobs on the Running USA website. All members also get a membership pin.
The "contributing member" tier adds the ability to share up to six social media posts each year through the organization's official channels, a feature article in one weekly newsletter each year, priority publishing of press releases and news items, and the ability to add your own content to the Running USA online library.
The highest tier, "foundation member", adds the ability to share 12 social media posts each year, one item of co-branded content, a feature story on the Running USA website and expedited registration credentials for the annual conference.
The Boulder Bibs Team
]]>
When your event staff distributes bibs to runners at the start of a race they aren't just handing out an identification number; they are, in fact, handing over a souvenir of the day to a person who may cherish it forever. Why not make sure that race bib truly is a keepsake and something to treasure?
Participating in a race can mean different things to different people. Some runners are old pros and have covered many, many miles in their sneakers. They may have a box stuffed full of old bibs that they browse through on occasion. For others, this may be their very first race, a day they've agonized over and dreamed about for a long time. After months of preparation leading up to this exciting day, whether they walk, crawl or run across the finish line their race bib is proof that they accomplished something great.
Most race bibs contain similar basic information such as the runner's number, group, name and event details. Ordering custom bibs with a design that is unique to your race is what creates a true keepsake. This piece of paper will continue to bring back great memories every time the runner looks at it. The best part about choosing custom bibs is you can design a race number that serves its main function of runner identification as well as acting as a memento.
Custom bibs also allow you to honor your sponsors by integrating their names and logos into the design. Better looking bibs provide a higher return on investment for your sponsors since more participants are likely to keep the bib and display it proudly. This provides additional advertising value for them as well as a great selling opportunity for your event. Unique bib designs ensure happy sponsors who will continue to support your event year after year.
If you aren't fully confident in your design ability, there is no need to worry! Boulder Bibs offers free bib design so that together, you can create those custom bibs that will become a keepsake for your participants.
]]>
Marathons and races are famous for the grueling level of skill and energy they require. These events take place in many types of weather conditions, both sunny and stormy. Although athletes may withstand these miserable conditions and achieve great success, their running equipment isn't always so lucky. Clothes and shoes must be carefully selected beforehand to ensure that they last the race's duration.
Similarly, when it comes to keeping a race safe and organized, officials must ensure that each athlete's racing bib is also built to last. If this vital piece of equipment is lost, damaged, or even unreadable chaos and potential safety hazards can occur. In order for a race to proceed smoothly, choose durable, long-lasting racing bibs such as those designed from Tyvek.
This tough, plastic-like product works great with any type of graphic-related project, especially running bibs. In addition to being completely water, mold, and chemical-proof, it is also extremely light, allowing runners to move freely. It comes in many forms including bibs, bracelets, tags, and bike helmet stickers. Each product can be synchronized with a timing chip system to ensure accurate racing times for every participant. This product is also highly customizable; a wide variety of patterns, number, words, and designs can be featured, making this the optimal choice for any racing event.
There is nothing worse than hosting a race or marathon and realizing too late that your racing bibs won't make it to the end. Cheaper, less durable models will fail the runners. Disappointment and emotion will run high if inaccurate times are gathered or chaos prevails. Take time today and invest in the best tool to keep your event organized. Tyvek racing products never disappoint. They are the first and best tool to choose when planning your next event.
The Boulder Bibs Team
]]>
Here are just a few of the reasons why we stand above the rest:
We work with events across country and internationally, including:
We work with events of all sizes. Whether you've got 50,000 runners or 50, we've got the experience to make your 2017 events successful.
We know you've got deadlines and a budget to meet, and we're here to help.
We know you've got your hands full, and we're here to help! As you plan for 2017, check out the extra services we offer to make your event a success:
As you look ahead to planning your next even, we hope you'll look to us to make your events a success. We look forward to partnering with you!
The Boulder Bibs Team
]]>