The Importance of a Great Costume at runDisney Races
Why do I runDisney?? Many, many reasons.? But probably the number one reason is because I’m a little kid at heart!? These races are some of the few where costumes are the rule rather than the exception.? And I love a good costume.
My philosophy is simple:? since I’m probably not going to win, I might as well look cute and have fun.? Simple, right?? Over the years my costumes have evolved and I’ve learned some simple rules to racing in costume.? Here’s my thoughts as you plan out your Princess Half Marathon wardrobe.
1.? Make sure you LOVE it.? Cause if you don’t, you won’t be happy for 13.1 miles.? And at least for me, that means being unhappy for a reallllllyyy long time.? Ahem.? You don’t want to hate your race picture either, especially at Princess Half Marathon where there are LOADS of opportunities to stop and take a picture.
2.? Make sure it is comfortable.? I’ve seen some really great costumes pieced together from traditional Halloween costumes.? They look FABULOUS but as DisBroad Amy learned at the Wine and Dine, they aren’t all that awesome to run in.? My suggestion is to make whatever you usually run in the base for a costume.? Layer, sew, iron-on, glue, etc whatever you wish to add to become someone else, but start with “normal” running gear.? Especially in Florida.
I also had to make a huge costume change at Wine and Dine.? But I knew this going in- it was about pre-race pictures when I planned this one out more than what I thought I’d run in.? Progression of the costume to follow.
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Full jacket, hat for Jose.? Then ditched the jacket- way too hot.? By end of the race, it was all gone but shirt and skirt! |
3.? Make sure you stand out!? I try to go against the “theme” of the race.? If it’s the Princess, I run as a villain.? If it’s Tinker Bell, I run as anything that DOESN’T require wings.? Face it, after a few miles aren’t you tired of allllll the tu-tus and wings?
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The Force was strong at the Tinker Bell Half.? Not a wing to be seen. |
4.? If possible, give yourself options.? On the course options.? You can peel off layers and toss them if you wish and the Disney folks will pick up the items and donate to charity.? You will NOT see them again.? Or you can do what I do.
True story: I had a costume change last year at PHM.? I wore Drizella until we left the Magic Kingdom.? I determined it was too dang hot for all that satin and whipped out my secret weapon:? a backpack and extra shirt stashed in the handy pockets of my skirt. Once we safely entered Epcot, I changed back because I knew I wanted to cross the finish line with my sister, DisBroad Anastasia Julie.
Backpack safely held Drizella until she was ready to emerge again at mile 12 |
5.? Dress with friends!? I cannot tell you how much fun this is!? Check out the picture the DisBroads got as our countries of Epcot theme for the Wine and Dine half.? We had a blast planning and executing these costumes- and the pictures show how happy we clearly are together!
I asked a few blogger friends to share their costume tips as well.? Be sure to check these links if you are looking for ideas and suggestions.? I LOVED the post by Erin.? She reminds us that the backs of our costumes are possibly even more important than the fronts!? More people will see you going as you pass them by then they will see you coming, right?? Be sure to check her post out for the details.
Erin- runDisney Costumes From Behind
Mindy- Minnie Mouse Running Costume
Jodi- Saying Yes to the Dress
April- Tinker Bell 10K and Half Costume Planning
Jennifer- Tinker Bell Half Marathon Costume Lightening McQueen
Jenny- Mad for Plaid
Jenny gets a special shout out.? She stole my idea.? No, just kidding, she just beat me to the punch!? I tossed this one out to the DisBroads and they were less than enthused.? Since we all want to dress in theme together, it’s been shelved.? I’m thinking my next Disneyland race might include a version of what Jenny pulled off.? She completely rocked this one!
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For the record, my favorite by far has been the Club 33 China plates.? SO FUN! |
Do you love to run in costume?? What’s your plan for the Princess Half Marathon?
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.
If I make it to the Princess weekend, I’m probably going to be Minnie Mouse for the 10K (take lots of pictures and wear ears) and then go as Wonder Woman for the half. I was hoping to put my Arribas Brothers tiaras to good use, but I haven’t ran with them, and can’t imagine having bobby pins in my hair for 13.1 miles. I’ve been convincing some friends to love running like I love running and it’s working! So hopefully NEXT year, we can plan out a fantastic group costume.
Love the idea of Wonder Woman! It’s a great costume and so much fun to see on the course!
I agree with standing out- and to add to it: Be original! Those are my favorite.
Although, I’m going to be Minnie for the Princess Half, so I don’t always take my own advice 🙂
hahahaha- yeah, my R2D2 one wasn’t as elaborate as I planned. I wanted to add something to the Visor but it just never made it on there. Oh well.
I love the idea of going against the grain. This year, my husband and I are going as the Disney Robin Hood and Maid Marian – complete with fox tails and ears. What will you be wearing? I will keep an eye out for you!
I adore this idea! How cute!!!
I love love love running in costume – it makes it even more fun than running at Disney already is! These are great tips too. I don’t always go against the ‘theme,’ but for Tink last weekend I did. I went as Merida and my husband went as Mor’du from Brave! I wore a wig the whole time, which didn’t bother me too much but it was warmer around my face than usual. Will I run in a wig ever again though? Prrooooobably not lol
Oh man, I LOVE this idea! How fun is that?! But wigs and me are not friends either- yikes! I bow to you for making it the whole race in full wig!
Thank you SO much for doing this post about costumes. I am running my first 10k in August at Disneyland and I need some ideas. You rock!
I saw that Dawn! I squealed for you!!! WOOT!!!!
Despite me completely going against it at PHM, I do like the idea of going against the theme!
You stand out in a sea of green fairies when you run as a Fireside girl! 😉
I LOVE your costumes, especially the one as the Epcot countries — that is AWESOME. As someone who runs in costume for practically every race (not just Disney, haha), I completely agree with your tips! I went in a Minnie Mouse Halloween costume for Wine & Dine last year, and even though I had running clothes underneath, I crossed the finish line and was greeted with not only a medal but some severe and disgusting chafing burns on my upper arms from the costume’s sleeves. Lesson learned! Love that you take potential costume changes with you on the course — genius! 😀
Ouch! Lesson learned the hard way for sure!
For Tink, I was Captain Hook as he was being attacked by Tick Tock. Tick Tock even rode on my behind for the entire half, chasing me so I kept moving! When we stopped for a picture with Captain Hook, the one character I was willing to wait in line for, he ran away from em when he saw my “friend” tagging along!
I saw your pics- LOVE!!!
You know you got me hooked. Now I can never go back to “normal.” 😉
Girl, you never were. 😛
Patty, I have seen your Drizilla costume many times but I’m seriously blown away that you did a wardrobe change in the middle of the half marathon! LOL! Perfect! I’m really loving my Cindy costume that I’m working on. Sparkle skirt naturally but all the little bits that I’m adding to it are really coming together! I’m excited!
Oh girl, it was just so hot! I stuck it out through MK but knew we had a bit of down time on miles 6-12. Characters, yes, but not ones that HAD to be taken in that costume. My fellow DisBroads thought I was nuts, but it just had to be done. Julie, however, toughed it out even though she had a back up skirt. She’s hardcore like that.
I like this post! Running in costume is what keeps me returning to Disney races. Thanks for including my link. You also gave me some new blogs to follow!
Oops..hit the button before I finished. I think my favorite costume of yours was the Mickey Mouse Club outfits you put everyone in.
Thanks jennifer!
Our W&D outfits were EPIC. I can’t wait to see pics from Princess Half weekend!
You know it!
Oooh, I love how the Club 33 ones came out! I haven’t run in a costume yet! I have my first tutu run coming up and it’s going to be exciting!
Congrats and welcome to the world of costume racing!
I love all your costumes, but am still partial to the Drizella and Anastasia ones 🙂 So bummed I missed the group pic for the Epcot countries 🙁 I’ll get over it eventually….lol.
LOL Thanks Joy- we missed you too!
Love all those costumes and tips! I knew as soon as I saw the prior Tink race photos that I didn’t want to wear green! As Fawn, I got a lot of “fall fairy”, “orange fairy” and “fawn!” comments along the route. I’m doing Cindy in rags for the GSC 10k and think I’m breaking the rule by going as Cindy in blue for the Half, but I’m still undecided on that one! You guys rocked the Drizella and Anastasia costumes!
Thanks April! I love Cindy in Rags and then Cindy in blue! Super cute!
The idea to dress up as Dori for this year’s Wine and Dine hit me while I was watching Nemo for 247th time. Guess sometimes just watching THE movies can smack you right in the forehead with a great idea!
Oh- I LOVE that idea! A whole Nemo group at Wine and Dine right before #FindingDori comes out would be FABULOUS!
I’m getting a little bit inspired! I can’t seem to muster up the courage to wear a costume. I’ve done four runDisney halves. Will Princess be the one????
Any suggestions as to the best place to get a single custom designed tech shirt?
I’ve ordered vinyl iron ins before! Then put them on my own shirt. designsbymkc@gmail.com