During the month of October, most people are planning their kids’ costumes, their trick-or-treating route and possibly a Halloween party, however, most runners like me are consumed with training and what to wear for upcoming Halloween races.

For Halloween themed races, it’s all about the comfort as it is for any run of the mill run or race. While you will see runners at Halloween races in full head-to-toe disguises, I do not recommend wearing too much of anything that will overheat you or hinder your performance.

Tips for Halloween Running Costumes

Consider the distance for comfort

For a 5K, you can get away wearing cotton t-shirts, but for a half marathon you will want to wear wicking materials to keep you cool. Wicking materials allow sweat to evaporate quicker than cotton apparel and the polyester material in most costumes tend to trap heat instead of cooling. But in the end, it’s also about preference. So if you typically run in t-shirts or cotton tank tops, you may be fine in a cotton top on race day.

Avoid wear anything new.

Chafing, a rash or blisters may add to your Halloween look, however, it’s a frightening thought to any runner.  While you may be able to wear something new for a 5K, I do not recommend wearing anything new for a longer distance such as a half marathon. To avoid chafing or rubbing hot spots, it’s always best to test out your new threads during an everyday easy run.

Avoid face make-up.

While I do like to wear everyday makeup in races, I don’t like to wear Halloween face make-up. Nothing looks worse than a sweaty, dripping, runny face make-up zombie runner.

Keep it simple.

You don’t have to spend a ton of cash on a costume. Use what you already have. For a Halloween race, it’s just the general idea behind the costume. You don’t have to get too elaborate.

Start with the basics.

Solid color tops, running shorts and running skirts make a wonderful starting point. As you will notice in the costumes featured below, I’ve used the same blue top for multiple costumes.

Headgear finishes a look.

I know runners that can’t handle wearing anything on their heads just as some runners can’t handle holding anything in their hands while they run. Head gear like hats, headbands, tiaras or crowns won’t cause too much aggravation or irritation, but it’s best to test it out for comfort before you run.

Tutus complete any ensemble.

Homemade tutus are cheap and easy to make. See my post on how to make your own easy no sew tutu for your next race.

As for costumes for runners, here are some of my favorite ideas.

Flo from Progressive

Buy the Flo costume online from Etsy and wear it with a white running skirt and a white top, however, I highly recommend removing the apron before running.

Devil in the Blue Dress

Wear a blue top and blue running skirt and accessorize the “blue dress” with devil’s horns.

Cookie Monster

Purchase this Cookie Monster tank from Amazon and pair it with some blue shorts.

Glee Cheerleader

Buy the Glee Cheerleader costume online, but wear a lose fitting, comfortable running skirt with it.

Finn and Jake from Adventure Time

As you can see, this Finn costume utilizes that blue top again, along with a fun Finn tutu I found at Hot Topic, white compression socks and a Finn hat from Sears. To dress as Jake, my friend, Chrissy, wore a yellow top and skirt with a Jake Hat.

Princess Belle

Reuse that yellow top and yellow running skirt and top it off with a tiara for the perfect Princess Belle ensemble. I added some extra princess flair with a homemade yellow tutu.

TARDIS

For me, this beloved Doctor Who TARDIS dress from Hot Topic is not just a costume for races. It’s something I wear often. But when I do wear it for a Halloween or Doctor Who themed race, the blue compression socks and TARDIS light headband complete the look.

Minnie Mouse

Dressing as Minnie Mouse will make your Halloween race a magical one. All you need is a red and white polka dot skirt from Running Skirts, black top,  black compression and Minnie Mouse ears, of course. Buy your ears here or make your own.

Princess Leia

Every since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be Princess Leia. My princess dream came true at WDW Star Wars Half Marathon earlier this year. Dressing like Leia is super simple and the PERFECT runner costume! All you need is a white running skirt, a white running top and then twist you hair into two buns on either side of your head. To be honest, I actually repurposed my Flo from Progressive Costume. 😉

What are some of your favorite Halloween costumes for Halloween races?

For other great Halloween costume ideas for runners, follow my Pinterest boards: Halloween Costumes for runners and runDisney for fun costume ideas for Disney races.