Running in Costume

Once upon a time, I used to run races in Nike shorts, Cotten shirts and athletic capris. I would occasionally see people donning fun costumes and I would think "how do they run in that!?". When I started running long distances a few years ago, my motivation and goal was the Disney Princess Half-Marathon back in 2012. Disney races opened my eyes to the world of running in costume. This is around the time that races starting becoming very popular, not just people who had ran for years but people who never thought they would ever run 13.1 miles (me included). The more races I ran the more comfortable I got with wearing something fun. You may feel a little silly at first but let me tell you runners in costume ALWAYS get special attention. Costumed runners always get the most high-fives, cheers, name being yelled out and pictures. Here are a few of my favorite looks and how-to's!

Candy Corn Witch (costume found at most Halloween stores including Party City)

One of my first costume adventures was a Halloween half-marathon in Atlanta, GA. If you are hesitant about running in costume, do a Halloween themed race. Lots of costumes so you won't feel awkward or out of place. This costume was just a regular costume I had worn the year before at a sorority social so I just re-used it then added running shorts underneath the dress. I won best costume in my division but the outfit while cute, was hot! I knew there had to be a better way to create running costumes. 

Vintage Look at the Retro Race in Summer 2013

I love the 80's styles of the past so I knew I wanted to channel that into The Retro Run 5k, a super fun race that takes place in my city. Everyone always gets into it and there are tons of really awesome costumes. All I did was take a vintage t-shirt (find some great options here on Etsy or at you local thrift store. Or even look around your own closet!) with 80's icon E.T., a lululemon pacer skirt, my bright running shoes and a sparkly  headband to complete the look and add that pop of sparkle and color. 

Speaking of sparkle, around the time I started running, I came across a new company with the brightest, most sparkly and eye-catching skirts I'd ever seen. The brand was Sparkle Athletic or "Team Sparkle" as it is more commonly called. I can't get over how great this brand and company is. From the inspiring ladies who run the team, the best customer service (fast delivery!), comfortable and the brightest skirts ever. I wear at least one item of Sparkle Athletic each race and I always use their skirts as a base for all costumes. Here are some of my favorite looks!

 

"Fireside Girl" from Phineas and Ferb at 2013 Disneyland Half

 

"Rapunzel" at 2013 Disneyland 10k

 

Christmas Minnie at 2013 Jingle Jungle 5k

Dapper Dan at 2014 WDW Half-Marathon

Old Hollywood Glam at 2014 Tower of Terror 10 Miler

Donald Duck at 2013 Wine and Dine Half

Patriotic at 2014 ATL Peachtree Road Race

Russell from "Up" and Main Street Emporium Cast Member at 2014 Disneyland Half

Minion at 2014 Bham Trick or Trot 5k

Perry the Platypus at 2014 Jingle Jungle 5k

Goofy at the 2015 WDW Marathon

Blue Fairy from Pinocchio at the 2015 WDW Half  

Princess Leah at  2015 Star Wars 10k

Super Bowl 2015 5k

Minnie Mouse at 2015 Disney Princess Half
 

As you can see I LOVE running in costume! ALL these outfits started out with a regular tank/tee and a sparkle athletic skirt. Let me know if you have any questions about the above outfits posted! Get out your glue gun and get started on your own costume today! Follow my Instagram for all this weekend's Tinkerbell Half updates plus my 10k and Half Marathon costume reveal.

Have you ever run in costume? What character should I do next? Favorite costume that you have ever run in? Let me know in the comments section!