Run in Costume

I like to spice things up, make a statement or make a memorable experience not only for me, but for the participants
 and spectators around me. Not to be a run snob, but after running so many marathons, it is rare that I will participate in a 5K anymore UNLESS, it is a costume run! That is a different kind of party with a different kind of goal. Social? Yes. Memorable? Yes. Fun? Without a Doubt.

Now there are some rules to running in costume that you may want to know about.
Rule #1 – Themed costumes are the best. Whatever the given holiday that a particular race coinsides with tends to be the biggest hit. Winter time 5K’s love to see Santa Clause, Elves, Presents and or Christmas trees. October fest winners include St. Pauli’s Girls or anyone in Lederhosen. St. Patty’s Day run….. you guessed it, kilts and green hats.

Rule #2 – The more the merrier. The more friends you can get to join you in your themed run, the better. A nun and priest running together, 5 Elvis’s, or Eight reindeer with Santa is where we’ve made our mark each year at Nashville’s Thanksgiving Boulevard Bolt.

Rule #3 – Be sure you can run in your outfit. Too many times I’ve seen parts of costumes strewn across the course that have fallen apart after 20 minutes of running or aren’t properly pinned down. The key here is to be creative with your costume, but not so elaborate that it impedes your run cadence and stride. Don’t be afraid to practice in it before you use it.
Finally
Rule #4 – Have fun! Face it; if you are painted blue, wearing wings and/or a toga, you probably aren’t going to get your best time ever. So slow down, have fun, pass out some candy to spectators and enjoy the laughs and looks you’re going to get from your personal costume expression.
Here’s to running your Personal Best.