Costume races are nothing new. Folks have been dressing their best for races like Bay to Breakers for years, but the frequency of wearing a costume while racing has certainly skyrocketed in recent years. Being a lover of both racing and costuming I LOVE IT, but with the wrong costume, your race could go wrong. Here are 5 tips to ensure you can win best dressed even if you can't win the race.
1. Don't cover your breathing hole.
Sure, masks complete the look, but masks are also incredibly hot, and if they cover your nose and mouth, it will soon become apparent why this is such a bad idea...Masks make breathing very difficult, a very bad idea anytime, but especially while racing.
2. Avoid cumbersome costumes.
If you show up at the starting line in a huge dinosaur costume you will get all sorts of positive attention, and you will love it until it is time to actually run.
Giant dinosaur costume = Awesome Running in Giant Dinosaur Costume = Not Awesome
3. Keep it cool.
Your body heats up while you run. If you are covered head to toe in a full body gorilla suit, the heat has know where to go. If you don't allow a way for your body to cool, you will end up a hot sweaty mess stewing in your own juices. Ewww.
4. Think Tights or short shorts.
What do superheroes, Christmas elves, and runners all have in common? They all look fantastic in tights! Tights are fantastic for running, so if you are able to choose an outfit that incorporates tights you may not only win best dressed, but you may get a PR also.
5. Try awesome costumes made for running.
Athletic brands like Run Graphics sell tech shirts as well as racing singlets with attitude. I love this brand for everyday training, but it is a must for race day. I love wearing my Run Graphics Pizza singlet to easily answer that question of "what do you think about while running?"
6. Synthetic Material is Best.
This is true for running apparel in general, but on race day we want to not only look our best, but also perform our best. Cotton outfits have a tendency to retain sweat and become soggy and heavy. Online retailers such as EDM Clothing Company can outfit you with mind blowing sublimation printed synthetic shirts that make easy, put it on and get out the door costumes that add color to your run while letting your primary focus stay on racing.
Do you have to follow all these tips to have a good time? No of course not. Wear something awesome, just make sure you make it to the finish line also.