Running in costume can be a lot of fun! Here are some tips for helping to make sure running in costume puts the functional in fun:
Choose materials wisely
There are a ton of cool things you can do with a cardboard box, but they don’t exactly work for running. Case in point: I was a sandwich board style snowflake
Here’s when I knew this wasn’t going to work: I took a step. The cardboard was so stiff, it knocked my knee down. Unfortunately, I didn’t test it prior to race day.
Start with Activewear
Use old items you already run in where possible. This stuff has already been tested, so you know it will work. Bonus points: you won’t need to spend any money.
Take my Katniss Everdeen “Girl on Fire” costume (and note this was prior to movies coming out, so the book text was what I had to go on)
Cape and headdress (felt + feathers from a craft store) aside, I’m rolling with my favorite Under Armour Cold Gear top + CWX compression leggings.
I ran a 10 mile club run in this one and was perfectly comfortable!
The year I was pregnant, I went with the same starting point. This kettlebell costume was simply a long sleeve seamless running top with a big hole for my belly.
That’s a seamless maternity tank peeking out and felt “handle” glued on the chest area of the shirt.
I did a 5K and a 4 miler in this costume, 39 weeks pregnant. Can you imagine if I had tried to use base materials that weren’t intended for running? Yikes!
Add to Store Bought
I get it- not everyone has the desire to DIY running in costume. It’s really easy to choose one of those short…ahem…risque type costumes and put shorts leggings underneath.
For 26.2 miles in this Dorothy costume, I wore shorts. Note the spray painted shoes- I guess there is some level of DIY, after all!
Add to Goodwill
We followed a similar formula here for Golden Girls- traditional running clothes under Goodwill finds.
If you run in a group costume, make sure you stay together. Otherwise, you’re an old lady and not Blanche with Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia!
Pro tip: don’t run in a wig!
I’m not sure if the Zombie thing is played out yet, but I love adding makeup to any costume like the bride below for a twist.
If you’re expecting, don’t miss the opportunity to gross everyone out by gluing baby doll limbs to a bloody shirt.
Share your photos
Are you running in costume this Halloween? What will you be?
Send pictures from your race to suzy@runliftmompod.com for a chance to be featured + a surprise gift from one of my podcast partners!
