One of the best parts of fall racing season? All the festive 5Ks, fun runs, and holiday races that let you dress up while you toe the start line. From spooky Halloween themes to turkey trots, costume running adds a whole new layer of fun to the sport, but it also comes with a few challenges. Running while dressed as your favorite superhero, pumpkin, or even a slice of pizza sounds amazing… until your tutu gets tangled or your cape won’t stop smacking you in the face.
I’ve run quite a few races in costume, and trust me, a little planning goes a long way. If you’re ready to bring the fun this fall and winter, here are my best tips for running in costume.
Function Over Fashion!
The biggest rule of costume running? If it’s uncomfortable at home, it’s going to be one hundred times worse at mile two. Comfort first, always. Stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics and avoid anything too heavy, scratchy, or restrictive. Think “modified outfit” or “bounding” rather than “full-on Halloween store display.” Unless you’re really hardcore, and then have at it, but don’t forget the anti-chafe spray! I really love using Sparkle Athletic skirts to help make a look come together.
Tack Everything Down
Wings, tutus, capes can all be so fun, but they need to stay put. Safety pins, Velcro, or even a few stitches can make a huge difference. You don’t want to spend your entire 5K adjusting your outfit. I sometimes struggle with headpieces, so I always have to check on those. Somehow, I managd to run a 5K with this tall feather headdress in place.
Take Your Costume For A Test Run! Literally.
Yes, this means a little jog around the block in full gear. (Your neighbors will recover, I promise.) A quick test run helps you catch problems before race day. Chafing, overheating, or gear that bounces too much can be a few of the issues that you can rectify in advance. I made this tutu, tested this tutu, and approved this tutu for distances 10K or less.
Don’t Compromise On Shoes & Socks!
Shoes and socks are not the place to cut corners. Even if you’re running as a ballerina or superhero, keep your tried-and-true running shoes and technical and/or compression socks. They’ll keep you comfortable so you can focus on having fun.
Choose Your Accessories Wisely
Small details can really make the costume: headbands, face paint, themed shirts. You can go for wigs and hats, jewelry and themed sunglasses. But skip anything that could rub off, drip into your eyes, or fall apart mid-run. Less mess, more fun! This She-Ra costume was probably my most extravagant running outfit, and I only did it because we were running with A. The only wise choices I made here were committing to my favorite superhero and DIYing the look.
Embrace the Fun
Costume running isn’t necessarily about getting a PR or finishing on the podium. It’s about joy, fun, and community. Whether you’re dressed as a turkey, a taco, or candy corn, lean into the silliness. Smile for the race photographers. High-five the spectators on the sidelines. Take your race course selfies, and soak it in.
Holiday races are the perfect chance to mix running with creativity and celebration. As long as you’re safe and comfortable, your costume can add a whole new layer of joy to the sport. Just remember: a fun run in costume is still a run, so pace yourself, have fun, and maybe save the giant inflatable dinosaur for the post-race party.
Have you ever run a race in costume? Which one is your favorite?
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Such a fun post, Jenn! I love your She-Ra look — bold choice and perfectly executed! I’ve never run in costume, but after reading this I’m almost convinced to try.
At my last race, a guy ran with an oil barrel on his back — still no idea why! Your “function over fashion” rule definitely applies to running and life.
She was my favorite growing up and I was so happy to be able to bring that look to life!
An oil barrel! I wonder if it was an environmental statement. Plenty of people will run with full firefighter gear or similar… You just never know what causes people are representing out there!
I don’t think I’ve ever run in a costume! It looks like fun but I would be so nervous that it would be uncomfortable. These are great tips!
That’s why you have to test them out! Most of mine has been made up of running clothes, so not at all too bad. The tutus are definitely something to manage, though!
yes but not as elaborate as yours.
It’s hard to run a good race in one.
But it is fun.
I’ll do cuter looks for shorter events or charity races. Sometimes it’s fun to get into the spirit.
The only costume race I’ve done was not a Halloween race, it was actually during the summer. I dressed as the Roadrunner Sports Shoe Dog, which is basically a multi-colored Dalmatian. It was fun!
Oh, that sounds so cute! Since we are so close to Disney, I think the idea of dressing up sort of spills over to other races. I think it’s fun but I’d rather wear a themed top and sparkle skirt: it’s a lot more comfortable.