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Why is it named the FIXX ID?Updated 2 years ago

If you’re a long-time ROAD iD fan, you’re probably familiar with the FIXX ID Dog Tag. It’s our first-born. The only product we offered way back in 1999, and it’s been racking up groupies ever since. But for a minute there, we dropped it from our line-up in a fit of minimalist purging.

Luckily, y’all brought us back to our senses, and FIXX military dog tags are back and better than ever. Here’s the story behind the name, military history and upgraded design.

THE FIXX IS IN

Sure, FIXX is short and catchy, but this product has a powerful namesake: Jim Fixx. The, ahem, mature readers in the crowd may recognize that name. He’s a writer and fitness guru who helped make running a popular sport back in the late ’70s and early ’80s. His best-selling book, The Complete Book of Running, encouraged countless people to lace up and hit the road for regular runs.

Tragically, Fixx suffered a fatal heart attack while out for a solo run without identification. He was found by a passing motor cycle rider and later identified by a nearby business owner. We’re inspired by his spirit and legacy, and we think outfitting as many runners as we can with an emergency medical alert dog tag is the least we can do.

MILITARY ROOTS

W.W. II Dog Tag showing notches

🖐 Raise your hand if you already noticed the distinct notch on the end of the FIXX ID.

For any military buff, it’s a direct nod to the classic dog tag designed by the U.S. military from the ’40s through the beginning of the ’70s - overlapping with both World War II and Vietnam. Originally, these notches had a strictly utilitarian purpose: They held the tags in place while they were embossed with a soldier’s identifying information. We’ve included it in our design as a subtle tribute to all the veterans out there who served with those original tags.

DESIGNED FOR WHEN IT COUNTS

It’s tough out there when you’re training or racing, so our dog tag IDs are designed to stand up to extremes. We’ve upgraded to a matte finish to make it easier for first responders to read your information. Plus, the FIXX is lightweight, waterproof and just about as durable as we can make it.

“The stainless-steel plate and chain can take a beating, one of our staffers just put the FIXX through its paces on a Mud-Stash run!”

If you need to communicate about a health condition, an optional emergency medical alert symbol on the back helps bring attention to critical information you engrave on the front. Best of all, it’s guaranteed for life. (Yep, that’s totally true.)

We hope you take the FIXX ID Dog Tag on a lifetime of adventures - it’s back and here to stay!

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