Why Wear A Costume To A Race?

To the uninitiated, wearing a costume to run a race seems like an odd thing to do. If the purpose of a race is to cross the finish line with your best time, isn’t it better to wear performance gear? Doesn’t a costume slow you down? Isn’t it awkward or uncomfortable to run in a costume? Actually, the answer to all three questions is “no” if you choose the right costume, even for the most serious, seasoned runner. And with theme races rising in popularity, you’ll want to wear a running outfit that fits the theme.

5 Reasons To Wear A Costume To Run A Race:

1. It’s different. If you have run a lot of races and they start feeling run-of-the-mill, wearing a costume will be a new experience (and it doesn’t mean that you forego your credibility as a serious runner!).
2. Easier to be seen. Family and friends watching from the sidelines will be able to spot you easily when you are in the middle of a group or from a distance. The latter is particularly useful so that your cheering section can get ready to snap away as you are running past – wouldn’t want to miss a great photo op!
3. Creates camaraderie. Whether running with your best running buddy or your running group, wearing similar costumes reinforces the shared experience. Go team!
4. Meet people. Other runners and spectators will want to talk to you about your costume and even take photos with you. And, those watching from the sidelines tend to cheer more enthusiastically for anyone running by in a costume which will spur you on to a new PR!
5. It’s just plain fun! Wearing a costume is fun both for the runners and the spectators. Why deprive yourself or your public?

Finding Your Costume

Just like dressing up for Halloween, there are two approaches to a costume: create your own or choose one that is ready-made. For the DIY runner, you can create your own by starting with a tee or tank with a fun design or theme, then a headband, a tutu, socks or any other accessories in a coordinating color or similar theme to the design on the top. But for some real fun, and especially for a themed race, you will probably want to buy a running costume. It will have all of the components, and they will be designed to be worn while running, not just for a holiday party.

At Gone For A Run, we love creating running costumes, both for specific theme races and races without a theme. All of them feature a Performance Tank Top with an original design, and depending on the costume have a tutu, running shorts, socks, and headbands. If you are planning on participating in any of these popular theme races, we have a costume for you!

Thanksgiving – As traditional on the fourth Thursday in November as a big feast, the local Turkey Trot is a must for most runners. Be sure to dress for it in our Goofy Turkey Running Outfit. The Goofy Turkey outfit includes our adorable Goofy Turkey design topped off with our super popular Turkey Knit Hat (tip: be sure to order early as it sells out every year!). Either one will make for a memorable start to your Thanksgiving Day.

St. Patrick’s Day – Before celebrating with an appropriate beverage in your engraved Beer Pint Glass earn it by running your local St. Patrick’s Day race in one of our running outfits. The Shamrock Runner option includes a super cute tutu with green satin fabric clovers sewn into the tulle and a Shamrock patterned tank top and visor, perfect for March’s blustery weather.

Magical - Running a race at a Disney theme park? You can go one of two ways: princess or character. Princesses can be Cinderella for a few hours in a Run Like It’s Midnight outfit, or choose the Glass Slipper option with a corset design on a tank top. 

Virtual Races – Love Gone For A Run’s Virtual Races but like the festiveness of a live race? Have the same fun by starting with the theme of your race packet and creating your own costume. It’s easy by adding a Tutu or Glitter Sequined Skirt to coordinate with the tee or tank included in your race packet. Everyone needs a headband of some sort, and both the Juliband No-Slip Headbands and the Multifunctional RokBANDS are available in colors, prints and sayings to work with any of our virtual race themes and designs. Then there are also Running Shorts. And those are just a few of the runner-tested and approved options. So get creative and add some extra fun to your next virtual race. And be sure to send us a photo!

Add some variety to your running life by dressing the part for a theme race. Whether you opt for one of Gone For A Run’s curated Running Outfits or design your own, you are guaranteed to have more fun when you run.