Running USA Conference Attendees Highlight Need for Less Reliance on Safety Pins
According to major bib suppliers at Running USA’s Running Industry Conference presented by haku, approximately 50 million race bibs are produced annually. Since each bib requires four safety pins, that results in 200 million safety pins used every year—nearly 200 tons of metal waste. If strung together, these safety pins would stretch over 6,000 miles—enough to span the United States and back. Most of them end up in landfills, on trails, or in the environment, contributing to waste and posing hazards to wildlife.
That’s why BibBoards introduced bibSNAPS—a groundbreaking innovation designed to eliminate the need for safety pins altogether. By partnering with races, BibBoards is helping reduce waste and create a stress-free, eco-friendly race day experience for participants.
Why Safety Pins Are Bad for the Environment
While safety pins might seem small, their environmental impact is huge. Here are the top five reasons why they are problematic:
1. Left on Trails & Race Courses – Many safety pins get dropped along race routes and left behind. They pose a serious risk to wildlife and trail maintenance crews, who often find them embedded in dirt or grass.
2. Non-Biodegradable Metal Waste – Safety pins do not break down naturally, meaning they linger in landfills and the environment for decades, contributing to unnecessary metal pollution.
3. Harmful to Animals – Loose pins can be ingested by birds or small animals, leading to serious internal injuries. They can also puncture paws or hooves of animals that step on them.
4. Rust & Chemical Contaminants – Over time, discarded pins rust and leach chemicals into soil and water sources, further harming the environment.
5. Excess Production & Waste – The manufacturing of 200 million safety pins annually requires significant amounts of raw materials and energy, contributing to resource depletion and carbon emissions.
Here’s Why More Race Directors Are Switching to bibSNAPS
Eco-Friendly Solution – bibSNAPS are 100% recyclable, helping reduce the environmental impact associated with single-use safety pins. By making the switch, races can take an active role in promoting sustainability and responsible waste management.
Safety First – From youth running events to the Special Olympics, universities, and Ironman races, bibSNAPS provide a secure and injury-free way to attach race bibs. No more pricked fingers, damaged gear, or lost pins mid-race.
Efficiency Matters – Designed for athletes of all levels, bibSNAPS are quick and easy to use, eliminating the frustration of handling tiny pins. This allows participants to focus entirely on their performance without worrying about bib security.
Better Branding & Customization – Unlike safety pins, bibSNAPS can be branded with custom logos, race designs, and sponsorships, turning them into a revenue-generating opportunity for race organizers. They provide added value while enhancing brand visibility beyond race day.
Reusable & Durable – Unlike disposable pins, bibSNAPS can be used race after race, further reducing waste and making them a cost-effective investment for runners and event organizers alike.
“It’s time to ditch the pins and switch to a better, safer, and greener solution,” said Brian Goodell, founder of BibBoards. “bibSNAPS represent a significant step toward improving safety and sustainability in the racing community.”
With more races moving toward sustainable solutions, BibBoards continues to lead the way, helping event directors make smarter, more environmentally friendly choices—one bib at a time.
#DitchThePins #RunSustainably
