4 Rules for Running in Costume
runDisney races are known for being fun events. And what makes it fun for many runners? Dressing up and running in costume. But before you pick out a costume, check out these 4 rules for running in costume.
4 Rules To Running In Costume
1. If it’s a Disney race, PLEASE consider running in costume.
I get that you may not want to race Boston dressed up as Nemo. That makes sense.
But if you are chasing bling at the happiest place on earth, why not #JustGetHappier and take it a step further?
Spectators as well as your fellow racers will appreciate the efforts.
You may even find it helps YOU out in the long, final miles of a race when someone gives you a “Sharkbait OOH HA HA!” shoutout.
2. Say no to cotton.
Just like any other race, don’t let a great costume idea sway you into making a poor choice!
Start with a base layer of tech or wicking material.
Your non-chaffing body will thank you.
3. Don’t get crazy.
It’s pretty easy to get swept up in a grand idea and find yourself constructing something along these lines.
Wow.
If this is your vision- more power to you!
But consider using something like this for a shorter distance. 5K or 10K max. And be sure to check out the runDisney costume rules as things like this may not be allowed any longer (this was from a 2015 race in Disneyland I believe).
Kronk grooved his way through the Disneyland 10K this weekend.
He was FABULOUS but admitted that anything longer or going faster would not have worked in this costume.
4. Test run before you race.
Runner commandment #1 is don’t try something new on race day.
Take your new creation on a test run. For realz.
Yes, your neighbors might think you finally lost it but you will be happy to learn in a 2-miler that something isn’t going to work versus discovering it during your half marathon!
Those are the 4 rules to running in costume that you should keep in mind when you plan your next outfit.
When I runDisney, I run in costume.
When I race locally, I tend to run as a plain ol’ runner.
It’s ok to pick and choose based on the theme or vibe of the race. There’s nothing wrong with that!
What about you? Do you have plans to run in costume anytime soon? If so, why and what costume?
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Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.
I’m running Wine and Dine and plan to dress up as Eeyore. Do you think wearing a drifit shirt under a cotton Eeyore shirt would work? Or will I be too hot?
It tends to be pretty hot for Wine & Dine. I’d consider dressing up a tech shirt rather than layer if you can! Sounds like a fun costume though- Eeyore is adorable!
SO many awesome costumes! I love the Kronk guy and the Fantasia Mickey and broom costumes!
At a Disney race, I will always dress up!! That’s my personal rule :0)
Mine too- but I’ll confess I might break it for marathon. Something tells me I will be less humiliated being swept in normal runners clothes than if I’m swept as a character. lol
Love the broom!!!!
My jaw dropped when I saw Kronk on rD’s video recap. It’s epic but he’s right, no way could that have been a long distance costume. I’m definitely not that creative but it’s so fun to costume watch.
I didn’t run in costume this weekend at VA beach cus I wanted to wear as little as possible! I love to put some kind of fun. outfit together for Disney races and other themed races. I’m debating what I want to do for RnR Las Vegas. Should I dress up?
Dressing up is the ONLY reason I would consider a runDisney race. Wait. I mean ANY race. Patty, I think you do Disney races just because you have so many cute costume ideas and you need a place to wear them.
I’ll be dressing up for Wine & Dine in November, but my question is…to wig? Or not to wig? I can’t really pull of the costume I want without one, but I’m a little skeered.
Running in costumes for Disney/themed races is almost a must. My sisters are whizzes with the almighty sewing machine, and always come up with great group costumes, because our whole family runs the races together. We have anywhere from 6-11 people running a Disney race at a time, and this past weekend we did the 10k as Mouseketeers and we were the Team Herbie group during the half. It’s best doing group themes or the same costume, because people recognize you as a group even when everyone is paced differently. Plus the announcers always give you a shout out!!!
Yeah I think you know where I land on this debate. A big old yes! But I agree, while I love looking at elaborate costumes I refuse to run in them. Even a 5k is way too long to be dealing with chafing, overheating or binding.