The four of us Joyful Milers love to run in costumes … even Rob! They are a great way to add excitement and fun to a race, whether it’s a local 5k, a major race, or runDisney event! Jackey gave some advice back in September and I’ve shared my Five Favorite Running Costumes, but with Disney’s Princess Half Marathon around the corner, you can’t have too many tips! So here’s yet another article on how to put together a running costume that will add some pep to your step … and avoid a total costume fail.

1.) Comfort is key!

After all, you do have to run. So make sure you stick with breathable, comfortable fabrics that won’t chafe. Your race distance will make a difference, however. For a 5k, you can get away with a more elaborate costume, but for longer distances such as a full marathon, I stick with the basics. We never would have survived 26.2 miles wearing purple fuzzy leg warmers like we wore for the Wine & Dine 10k!

Oh, and if you’re thinking about wearing a wig, make sure it’s not too tight or that your skull cap is too tight. Trust me. I’ve learned my lesson the hard way as proved by this video.

2.) Don’t think too literally.

This is my biggest flaw when planning a costume … I think too literally, trying to match whichever character I’m dressing as to perfection. Simply wearing the same colors with a few accessories can do the trick, however, like what I used for my Strip “The King” Weathers costume for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon!

For this, I used a teal shirt, turquoise Sparkle Athletic skirt and visor, fun checkered flag socks and emblems cut from felt. The ads are ones I printed on mailing labels!

3.) Be aware of the rules.

Some races may not allow costumes, so check their website or contact the race director to find out first. Others might allow costumes but with restrictions. For example, runDisney’s guidelines in the 2017 Princess Half Marathon Event Guide states that:

1. Costumes must be family friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
2. Guests who dress like characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests.
3. Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
4. Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another guest.

4.) Think COLOR!

Colorful costumes not only stand out more, but they also look awesome in photos. One of the best we’ve worn was Jessie from Toy Story for the 2016 Disneyland Country Bears 5k!

5.) Get ideas from Google searches or Etsy.

A quick ‘running costumes’ search brings up enough examples of other runner’s costumes to keep you busy for an hour. Add in ‘group’ to see good ideas from groups of runners! Etsy offers a ton of running costumes for sale and there are countless Running Costume boards on Pinterest. We have one, for sure!

6.) Buy (gently) used to save money.

There are several places where you can find used costumes that cost much less than the original. On Facebook, check out the runDisneyRun Marketplace group by requesting to join. You can also look for pre-owned running costumes on eBay.

7.) Join Team Sparkle!

Nearly all of my past running costumes have included a sparkle skirt and/or visor from Sparkle Athletic. I have … oh, how many? Five visors and twelve skirts. Yeah. I love my sparkle skirts.

You can also coordinate them with pieces from your existing wardrobe to make a quick costume. Add a red polka dot skirt, visor, sleeves and legs to black shorts and a tank top and voila. Instant Minnie Mouse! Oh, and Amazon Prime members – you can order the basic skirt and visors through Prime with quick two-day shipping!

8.) Try Making a Tutu!

Word is, it’s very easy making your own tutu. At least that’s what the gals in the video tutorials say. I’ve never made nor worn one and I don’t have any plans to because they seem too itchy. But they do look adorable on and maybe you’re a little braver than me! If so, they go to the experts – the Runs in Tutus gals for DIY tips:

9.) Be aware of where the bib will go!

While planning out your outfit, think about where you’re going to be pinning your bib. For runDisney, the average size is approximately 8 x 8 and in order to get the best Photopass pictures, you’ll want it pinned to the front of your shirt or skirt. So don’t make the same mistake I made when I sewed my 43’s too close to the front!

10.) Plan for different weather conditions.

Especially if you’ll be doing a runDisney race in Florida since weather forecasts can never be trusted! Have backups for all kind of conditions, whether it’s rain, wind, or chilly temps or long sleeves and thermal bottoms that can be worn underneath your costume.

And finally, the most important tip…

11.) DO A TEST RUN!

And I’m not just talking about a light trot on the treadmill. I mean an actual run to make sure your costume is both comfortable and function able. I wish I would have done a better job with this for my 2014 Tower or Terror Gaston costume. I thought it’d be smart to wear a regular belt with a Fitletic camera case Velcro’d on the back to hold my goodies. Not smart. It bounced the entire way and drove me crazy!

I also wish I would have tested out the Mickey ears I wore for the 2015 WDW Half Marathon … the very windy half marathon. Thank goodness I had some extra hair clips to hold it down!

12.) Bring along a sewing kit.

Scissors, needle, thread … hot glue gun, whatever it takes for a quick repair, be sure to toss that in your checked luggage! You’ll thank me later in case of a costume emergency.

So there you have it, my tips for putting together a run and comfortable running costume! What about you?

QOTD: Do you have another tip to add to the list? Awesome, please leave it in the comments below! And be sure to subscribe for more Princess Half Marathon posts.

Happy running!