Tips For Running In Costumes

Halloween is upon us and many races are popping up around this time that involve running in costumes, whether it be a zombie run, a Halloween race, or even people getting excited about turkey trots and Christmas races. If you have never ran in costume, it is both hilarious and a new challenge to running. It is also very much the grown-up equivalent to the Halloween parades in school where each class gets up and goes around to show off their costumes.

Here in Columbus, residents are getting ready for the annual Big Dog Howl, tonight in front of Big Dog Running Co. on Broadway. This is a local favorite race, complete with the typical assortment of awards for elite runners, masters, and age group winners, but there’s also a few surprises along the way. Following the race is the Columbus Roadrunner’s October social, which will include a full-out Halloween party for runners including snacks, drinks, and a lot of people gathering to admire each other’s costumes.

Here’s a few tips for racing in costume:

Wear something that’s comfortable that fits right. If your plan is to run in a gorilla suit or as Santa, more power to you! Just remember, you’ll get hot in there. Take precautions when wearing heavy weight materials and be sure to stay hydrated.

Avoid costume elements or accessories that may be dangerous to yourself or others. No one wants to trip on a costume’s tail, or get tangled up in hanging parts, beads, or get poked by a sword, pitchfork, or see you fall on your hilariously awesome oversized clown shoes… unless that’s what you’re going for…

Be family friendly. Most races include adults running, but there are often kids as spectators. While some people may find certain costumes hilarious, they may be inappropriate for kids to see.

By all means dress up as a group! If you have a really great idea for a group costume and want to run with your friends, do it! Most racers and spectators really appreciate a well-thought-out group costume.

Dress to impress and to have fun! Remember, you’re here to have fun! Embrace your inner fairy princess, vampire, or whatever behooves you! It doesn’t matter if you’re going for sweet, sassy, silly, or scary, come out and have fun!

Be sure to come out to the Big Dog Howl tonight to run in your best costume! Don’t forget about other race opportunities you may want to dress up at during the Winter Series, including the Harris County Turkey Trot in November and the Big Dog Jingle in December.

If you plan on coming:

Big Dog Howl 5K

Friday, Oct. 30, 2015