Runners can find their marathon photos with a selfie instead of a bib number. They scan the race's QR code, take one selfie, and face recognition shows every photo they appear in: the start line, the course, the finish and the medal photo. It finds the frames that a bib search misses, which at most races is a lot of them.
Why bib numbers miss photos
Bib-number search depends on the number being readable in the photo. In practice it often isn't:
- the bib is folded, creased or pinned low on the shorts,
- a jacket, a hydration belt or another runner covers it,
- the runner is photographed from the side or from behind,
- the photo is at the finish, where arms are up and bibs are crushed.
A face is visible in far more of the frames that matter, especially the finish and the medal photo. Face search and bib search can work together, but face search alone gives each runner a much more complete set.
How it works on race day
- Each course photographer shoots as usual. Photographers with a laptop at a fixed spot, such as the start, the finish or a water station, can run the Camera Agent, which uploads photos as they are taken over a phone hotspot. Photographers who move along the course can upload from a browser after the race.
- All photos go into one race gallery, whichever photographer took them, as long as they all upload to the same studio account. Several laptops can be paired to one account at once.
- Runners scan the QR code at the finish area, on the medal collection desk or in the race-day message from the organiser, and take a selfie. No name, phone number or bib number is asked for.
- Each runner sees only their photos, and can download them if the photographer allows it.
Finish-line photos can reach runners while they are still in the recovery area. Photos from the course arrive as each photographer uploads them, and appear in the runner's gallery without another selfie.
Tips for race photographers
- Shoot runners coming towards you. A face turned towards the camera is matched far more reliably than a profile.
- Mind caps and sunglasses. Face matching copes with sunglasses and caps in many photos, but a face that is mostly covered can be missed. A few frames per runner from different angles help.
- Cover the finish from the front. It is the photo every runner wants.
- Watch the photo count. A big race produces tens of thousands of photos. Choose the plan for the expected total, and top up if the count runs past it.
Which plan fits
Snaptrace charges per event, by the number of photos. Runners never pay to find their photos.
| Race | Plan (per event) |
|---|---|
| A local fun run or a club run | Essential, 2,000 photos, ₹449, or Classic, 5,000 photos, ₹999 |
| A 10K or half marathon with a few thousand runners | Premium, 10,000 photos, ₹1,699, or Signature, 20,000 photos, ₹2,999 |
| A large city marathon | Legacy, 35,000 photos, ₹4,799, with top-ups if needed |
A top-up adds photos to the same event, from ₹180 for 1,000, as many times as needed. The gallery stays open for the race day plus 5 to 14 days, depending on the plan, and then the photos and face data are deleted automatically. Tell runners to download theirs before then. See pricing.
For setups at other kinds of events, read the event photo sharing guide.
Questions people ask
How do I find my marathon photos without my bib number?
If the race photographer uses Snaptrace, scan the race QR code and take a selfie. Face recognition shows every photo you appear in, whether or not your bib number is visible.
Is face search better than bib search for race photos?
It finds photos that bib search misses, such as frames where the bib is folded, covered or turned away. Faces that are mostly hidden by caps and sunglasses can still be missed, so photographers should shoot runners from the front.
Can several course photographers use one gallery?
Yes, when they upload under the same studio account. Every photographer's photos go into the same race gallery, whether they upload from a laptop on the course or from a browser after the race.
Do runners have to register or pay to see their photos?
No. Runners don't create an account or give a name, phone number or bib number, and Snaptrace does not charge runners.
How long are race photos available?
For the race day plus 5 to 14 days, depending on the plan. Then the photos and face data are deleted automatically.
More from Snaptrace
Snaptrace is AI face recognition photo sharing for weddings and events in India: guests scan a QR code, take a selfie and get only the photos they are in. See how it works, read all guides and posts, or see pricing. Your first event is free.
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