GET READY FOR HALLOWEEN RUNNING & WALKING EVENTS with costumes!

CONSIDER PARTICIPATING IN A FUN EVENT  Halloween may not be the most popular of holidays for which running/walking events are organized, according to a 2017 RunningUSA.com survey, but perhaps it should be.

The weeks and months leading up to October 31 are relatively comfortable for training, with the hottest days of summer in the Northern Hemisphere crossed off the calendar. Some race-hopefuls will be preparing for a half marathon in mid-November or a Turkey Trot near month’s end, and could use one of the late-October weekends for practice.  
 
This traditional scary-fun day provides an opportunity for last minute join-ups.  On a whim, the party animal in any given circle of friends can issue a challenge for group participation in a costume-themed event.  If doing so appeals to your sense of impromptu adventure, better not be caught without something to wear for the occasion.  Consider gathering the components of a costume to be ready!
 
Jacob Meschke provides a number of ideas for Halloween costumes that might be worn in competition in an article for RunnersWorld.com, "Best Halloween Costumes for 2018- and How to Run in Them." Meschke references two runners who established Guinness World Records in Halloween garb.  Camille Herron (wor Spiderman costume in the 2012 Route 66 Marathon) and Michael Wardian (ran as Elvis in the Rock n' Roll Las Vegas 2016 Marathon) offer advice on each  outfit. Despite the fact that the article is for runners, not all those featured are recommended by Herron and Wardian for wearing with the expectation of earning a PR.
 
The costumes are not homemade, but “store-bought” from Spirit Halloween (a “BUY NOW” link is included with each costume).  The article was released mid-September 2018; a quick check showed that some costumes have sold out.  There are lots of others still available, however.
 
Mr. Incredible (sold out)
Princess Shuri (~$70)
Archie Andrews (~$50 for varsity jacket; ~$35 for jersey)
Tina Belcher (sold out)
Dark Voyager (~$50)
NASA spacesuit (sold out)
Average Joe’s Dodgeball Team (~$40)
Boxer (~$50)
Riverdale cheerleader practice uniform (~$40)
Sparkling unicorn (~$50)
 
Don’t want to take a chance ordering online and trialing a costume for its suitability for competing? Need a last-minute costume to join in the fun but still be competitive? 
 
One approach is to take a “top-down” approach; wear headgear that establishes what you hope to be identified as, then add a few pieces that don’t interfere with movement.  Nondescript but regular running apparel can be worn to help maintain speed in the competition.  For safety, flashers or reflective strips should be worn at nighttime events.
 
1. Accident victim
Not to make light of a serious medical situation, but wrapping cotton bandage material (or a strips of a cut-up old white t-shirt) around your head, and using dark lipstick for blood marks on it, is the foundation of this look. Smudging ‘dirt’ on cheeks with brown eye shadow, or black and blue for bruises can further the impression.  After that, a ripped shirt to wear over running apparel can finish the look of having survived a traumatic event.
 
2. Biker or pirate
The base-layer is a classic head bandana!  Add a black faux- leather jacket to become a biker and maybe a faux tattoo. One earring could add pizzazz. To be a great pirate, one need only to look to Captain Jack Sparrow of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise for inspiration.
 
3. Surgeon
Start with disposable surgical cap and mask.  Tie the lower portion of a mask around your neck, without tying the upper set, if you don’t want to move fast with it over your nose and mouth. It will look as if you just left the operating room! Add a scrub top or lab coat to wear over running clothes if it’s going to be cold weather, or without an under-layer if warm weather.
 
4. Zombie–up any costume with makeup and a vacant look. Who said zombies can’t be fast?
 
By the way, for those of you who don’t recognize the names, Wardian and Herron are serious competitors. Both are famous marathoners, and have excelled in ultra-marathon distance races. Wardian recently recorded an FKT (Fastest Known Time) running the C&O Towpath (184 miles). They share the honor of record-breaking runs in costumes!
 
To run/walk competitively in costumed splendor, think about prepping now for Halloween events.  Remember you can create a custom Halloween event with Earned Runs bibs if too late to find an organized event.
 
RUN & MOVE HAPPY!
 
https://www.runnersworld.com/races-places/a23105735/the-best-halloween-costumes-for-2018and-how-to-run-in-them/
 
http://cdn.trustedpartner.com/docs/library/RunningUSA2012/RunningUSA_NRS_2017.pdf
 
http://www.thezombiedash.com/
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camille_Herron
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Wardian
 
https://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/sports/article/21020605/local-ultrarunner-michael-wardian-runs-fastest-known-time-on-co-canal-towpath