Race Bib Number New York City Marathon 2025 – What You Need to Know?
Date of publication: October 16, 2025

Race Bib Number New York City Marathon 2025 – What You Need to Know?

The race bib number, popularly called a “bib,” is a central element of participation in the New York City Marathon. Proper use is crucial not only for obtaining an official result but also for runner safety. In this guide, I explain all the secrets of the NYC Marathon 2025 bib – from symbols through technical features to practical tips straight from the official race organizer’s guidelines.

Key Role of the Race Bib in NYC Marathon

Your race bib serves as an identifier, tracking device, and timing instrument. It contains an integrated chip (ChronoTrack B-tag), which measures your time and enables live tracking on course. Careless attachment or incorrect use creates timing errors and the risk of disqualification.

  • The bib must be fully visible on the front of your torso throughout the race.
  • Do not bend, cut, iron, or deform it (antennas on the back must remain uncovered to enable timing).
  • It must be fastened at all four corners to your running apparel, not to a backpack or belt.
  • It cannot be covered by layers such as jackets, especially those with zippers or metal parts that interfere with reading.

Bib Structure: Colors, Waves, and Corrals

The NYC Marathon 2025 bib acts as a map of your start. It consists of several key markings:

  • Background color (BLUE, ORANGE, PINK) indicates your start village and start line – your assigned gathering area in Fort Wadsworth.
  • Wave number (1-5) shows your wave group for race start times.
  • Corral letter (A-F) identifies your starting corral within the wave and color group. Letters earlier in the alphabet are closer to the start line.
  • The bottom strip contains runner info: name, age, gender, team, assigned bus/ferry transport, and baggage dematerialization option.

Bib Data and Important Notes

Printed in the bottom left corner are your name, age, gender, transport assignment, and team. An indication of the Baggage Pre-Check option also appears (this is a separate baggage drop procedure).

Very important: medical emergency information must be filled out on the back of the bib – this ensures medical personnel have quick access to vital health and contact info in case of an emergency.

Consequences of Improper Bib Use

  • Race bibs are NON-TRANSFERABLE; they are assigned to each runner personally. Transferring results in disqualification and suspension from NYRR events.
  • Failure to wear a bib properly (hidden, rotated, or missing) may lead to loss of timing or disqualification.
  • Failure to abide by bib placement rules also disables live tracking and compromises medical safety.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Must the bib be visible throughout the race?

Yes. The bib must be fastened on the front of your shirt and fully visible during the entire race to avoid timing issues or disqualification.

Can I bend or modify the bib?

No. The bib contains a chip (ChronoTrack B-tag) that must remain flat and intact for accurate timing. Do not cut, bend, wash, or iron it.

What do the colors and markings on the bib mean?

The background color denotes the start village (BLUE, ORANGE, PINK), the wave number (1-5) indicates your start group, and the corral letter (A-F) your specific corral.

What happens if I use a bib that’s not assigned to me?

Using someone else’s bib is prohibited and can result in disqualification and suspension from future NYRR races.

Do I need to fill out medical information on the back of the bib?

Yes. This is critical so medical staff can promptly access your emergency health information if needed.

Can the bib be covered by a jacket or other clothing?

No. The bib should not be covered by clothing, especially clothing with metal which may interfere with chip readings.


Check Also:

How the Wave Start System Works at the New York City Marathon 2025
– Explanation of waves, colors, assignment system, and practical tips!

New York City Marathon 2025 Finisher Medal
– See what the medal looks like and learn its symbolism and finish line emotions!


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Source: New York City Marathon

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