RACEPLANBETA

Printing guide

How to print your
pace wristband

Everything you need to go from downloaded PNG to a weatherproof wristband on your wrist on race morning.

Generate my wristband →

Step-by-step instructions

01

Generate and download your wristband

Build your plan on RacePlan, then scroll to the Physical Wristband section and click "Download & Print". This gives you a high-resolution PNG at 300dpi.

02

Open in your photo viewer or browser

Open the downloaded PNG. Do NOT open it in Word or a PDF editor — this can rescale it. Use your OS photo viewer (Preview on Mac, Photos on Windows) or print directly from your browser.

03

Set print size to actual/100%

In the print dialog, set scale to "Actual Size" or 100%. Do NOT select "Fit to page" or "Scale to fit" — this will make the wristband the wrong size.

04

Load your Tyvek or waterproof paper

Feed a single sheet into your printer. Most home inkjet printers handle Tyvek without any special settings. If ink doesn't adhere, try a laser printer or add a light clear-coat spray after printing.

05

Cut along the band outline

The wristband is 250mm × 30mm. Use scissors or a paper trimmer to cut it out. Cut as cleanly as possible — rough edges can irritate your wrist.

06

Wrap and secure to your wrist

Wrap the band around your wrist with the text facing outward. Overlap the ends by ~2cm and secure with: a strip of clear packing tape (fastest), a small piece of medical tape (more comfortable), or a snap fastener punched through each end.

What to print on

Ranked by durability and weather resistance — most important for a race wristband.

Tyvek sheets (best)

★★★★★

Tear-resistant, fully waterproof, and lightweight. Exactly what race organizers use for bib numbers. Survives rain, sweat, and hours on your wrist.

💡 Search "printable Tyvek sheets A4" or "Tyvek inkjet paper" on Amazon. A pack of 25–50 sheets costs ~$15–25.

Waterproof photo paper

★★★★☆

Glossy, water-resistant, and prints beautifully. Not as tough as Tyvek but works well in dry or mild conditions.

💡 Look for "waterproof inkjet paper" — many office supply brands carry it.

Regular printer paper + clear tape

★★★☆☆

Works fine in dry weather. Print, laminate with a strip of clear packing tape over the top, then cut out.

💡 A DIY lamination trick that costs nothing extra.

Quick tips

  • ✓Print the night before your race — don't rush it on race morning.
  • ✓Cut it slightly wider than the text if you want a more comfortable edge.
  • ✓Medical tape (the kind used for bandages) is the most comfortable wrap method.
  • ✓Put the wristband on your non-watch wrist so you can see both independently.
  • ✓If you have a training race, do a test print on regular paper first to check sizing.

Want a custom designed wristband?

Whether you're a runner chasing a bucket-list race or an event organizer wanting branded bands for your whole field — we can create custom wristband designs with your colours, logo, or artwork.

Email info@raceplan.net →

Ready to build your plan?

Generate your personalized km-by-km pacing plan and download your print-ready wristband in 30 seconds.

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