25 Best Running Costumes, Creative Ideas + Tips
Photos by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz, CPT
The best running costumes offer lots of creativity while being functional and comfortable enough to run in. Whether you have a Halloween race coming up or another themed run, these running costume ideas will inspire you to put together an unforgettable ensemble. Costume runs are some of my favorites, and sometimes I've learned the hard way what works and what doesn't for costume runs. I've compiled my best running costume tips to help you stay comfortable and stylish while running in your ensemble.
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Creative Running Costumes to Try
If you need a running costume, check out these creative ideas for inspiration. Whether you want to buy an outfit or make your own, these running costumes will give you plenty of options to consider:
Character Costumes
If you’re an avid TV or movie buff, choose your favorite character for your running costume. You can make your own costume with creative accessories and running clothes or opt for a ready-made, all-in-one outfit.
Barbie Costume
Barbie is one of the hottest character costumes right now. Try this Western Barbie costume for an outfit you can run in or don ’80s workout gear to rep Barbie’s workout wardrobe. For men, this ’80s Ken Workout costume is the perfect accessory for Barbie World.
Waldo Costume
Try this Waldo costume with a striped shirt, hat, and fake glasses for an easy and affordable running costume. All you need are your running pants and running shoes, and you’re ready to go.
Pennywise
If horror movies are more your speed, this Pennywise suit or women’s Pennywise costume is sure to scare your competition on race day. Remember not to wear a mask for running, but opt for some waterproof white clown face paint instead to complete your terrorizing look.
Animal-Themed Running Costumes
One of my personal favorites is animal costumes. If you’re an animal lover, there are endless ways to add a furry, feathery, or scaly spin to your outfit. In fact, you can dress as almost any animal and go beyond the usual cat ears getup. Many animal costumes have onesies that are stretchy and easy to run in. Just make sure you keep your face clear of masks so you can see and breathe well on your run.
Rabbit
Runners are fast, and what better inspiration than a rabbit? All you need are some rabbit accessories, including a rabbit headband, a tail, and gloves/paws. Pair your bunny ears with matching colored running pants and top, and a few strokes of makeup to put some whiskers on your face. Pin a cotton tail on your running pants to complete your look.
Or, go all out and wear a rabbit onesie. Just make sure it’s not too hot outside if you go the onesie route!
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My grey wolf costume onesie is warm and comfortable to run in.
Cats
Tigers, lions, and panthers offer great running costume options. With their distinctive markings and manes, big cats provide endless possibilities for costumes. You can don lion accessories with a mane headpiece, tail, and paws and wear tan-colored running clothes to complete the look. Tiger accessories will make your running costume easily recognizable with signature ears, stripes, a tail, and an optional orange and black tutu.
For a stunning and straightforward black cat or panther costume, wear all-black running clothes with black cat ears and a tail. Add whiskers to your face with waterproof black eyeliner or costume makeup to finish your ensemble.
Wolf
My personal favorite animal - the wolf - is less popular than cat costumes. Still, a wolf is an excellent choice if you want a more unusual running costume. It’s usually easy to find gray-colored running clothes. Then you need to add a wolf tail, furry cuffs, and ears.
Or you can go all out and wear a wolf onesie like I did for our Haunted Brooklyn run. This costume is comfortable enough to run in and warm for chilly weather.
Giraffe
If you want to stray off the usual path of big predator costumes, you can make your own creative giraffe running costume. Wear some giraffe print leggings and a beige black running top. Add some giraffe ears to complete your look.
Bird
For colorful running costumes, take the feathered route with birds. If you want to make a stunning style statement, try a peacock costume. For a bold look, try this women’s peacock bodysuit. Add to the exotic ensemble with unique accessories like a peacock wig with blue and green hues and a faux feather skirt that can go over your running leggings.
Food-Themed Running Costumes
Runners love food, and what better way to celebrate this than with food-inspired running costumes? Here are some tasty options to choose from:
Avocado Costume
Avocados - and guac - are my weakness, and this costume is perfect for my fellow avocado lovers. The slim-fit avocado onesie is not as bulky as some onesies, making it easier to run in. Use bobby pins to pin the hood to your hair so you don’t lose your top on the run.
Condiment Costume
If you’re not feeling the prospect of running in a onesie, these condiment t-shirts are perfect for easy running costumes. Choose running leggings matching your shirt color, and your outfit is ready to go.
Banana Costume
If you’re a big fan of bananas (and what runner isn’t), this banana costume can be the perfect way to spread your banana love with the world.
Hot Dog Costume
Another food-themed running costume is the classic hot dog. A hot dog costume is a fun way to bring smiles to your next Halloween race or theme run.
Pizza Costume
I wouldn’t be a New Yorker - or a carb-loving runner - if I didn’t include a pizza costume. This pizza jumpsuit allows you plenty of room to move around and run comfortably.
Superhero Costumes
Superhero costumes are a Halloween favorite. These superhero suits can work well for running. Just remember not to wear a mask during your run, as it will be harder to breathe and trap sweat.
Wonder Woman
What better way to celebrate Halloween than with a strong woman costume? Try the Wonder Woman with pants costume for a runner-friendly version of the iconic superhero costume. If you don’t mind running in a skirt, there’s also a caped Wonder Woman costume with a crown and accessories.
Black Panther
The Marvel superhero Black Panther is a popular Halloween costume, and you can invoke the character’s power with a running costume. This men’s quick-drying Black Panther shirt is perfect for running and sweat-wicking. For women, there’s a women’s Black Panther costume suit for a form-fitting, non-masked option.
Spider-Man
Another Marvel superhero, Spider-Man, is naturally great for a running costume. Spider-Man’s stretchy, form-fitting suit gives you movement flexibility for running. This Spider-Man spandex jumpsuit has a detachable hood so you can run without the mask for easy navigation.
Batman and Catwoman
If you’re more of a DC Comic fan, Batman and Catwoman are great options for running costumes. This men’s Batman t-shirt with a cape can easily be paired with your running pants or shorts for a comfortable and dashing costume.
Catwoman is a powerful and versatile character option. Try this Catwoman jumpsuit for an all-in-one running costume. Or you can also create your own custom Catwoman with this popular women’s black bodysuit and cat accessories.
Superman
Another DC icon is Superman, who inspires many superhero costumes. Go all-out with a Premium Superman costume with a bodysuit and cape, or opt for a simpler version with a Superman t-shirt.
Power Rangers
The Power Rangers offer different superhero character costumes you can run in. Choose from the men’s Red Ranger full-body suit costume, the women’s Yellow Ranger costume, the Green Ranger costume, or the Pink Ranger. Just remember to take your headpiece off before running so you can see where you’re going!
Disney Running Costume Ideas
For Disney fans, there are endless possibilities for Disney running costumes. Pick your favorite character and put your costume together, or go for a ready-made option if you’re short on time.
Toy Story Sheriff Woody
Reach for the sky and invoke your favorite sheriff with this Toy Story adult shirt that’s easy to pair with your favorite running pants. This women’s Disney Pixar Toy Story and Beyond Jessie costume is a top-rated Toy Story ensemble with a jumpsuit and hat. All you need is to lace up your running shoes and go!
Partner Costumes
Partner costumes are fun for theme races with your running buddy, friends, family, or partner. Check out these running partner costume ideas to get ready for your next theme run:
Skeletons
Skeletons are classic Halloween costumes with flexible suits that are ideal for runners. This women’s skeleton costume and men’s skeleton costume include a comfortable onesie.
Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head
This Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head costume is a fun and easy running costume you can wear with your partner. Pair your shirts with running pants and shoes, and you’re ready to roll.
Human and Dog Costumes
Dogs are some of the best running partners, and what better way to have fun together than a pet and owner ensemble? Here are some creative ways to dress up with your pup for Halloween or other costume runs:
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Cat in the Hat Thing 1 and Thing 2
Calling all Dr. Seuss fans - this is the perfect costume for you and your dog. The Thing 2 dog costume is a breathable shirt for your dog that shouldn’t hamper their running. The Thing 1 adult costume is a jumpsuit suited for cool weather runs like Halloween 5Ks. Add the Cat in the Hat Thing 1 blue fuzzy wig to finish your look.
Coffee and Barista
For java junkies, try this Puppy Latte costume and adult Barista costume with a hat and name tag for the perfect pairing. Wear a white running shirt under your apron and black leggings, and you can hit the ground running.
Tips for Running in Costume
Running in costume can be a hilarious and fun experience, but certain costumes are much better for running than others. Sometimes, I’ve learned the hard way from torn tights, melting makeup, and falling parts that costumes need to meet specific criteria for running. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect ensemble to make a statement while still being able to run comfortably:
Ditch the mask. While masks are fun for regular costumes, when you’re running, you need to be able to see well and breathe well, and a mask will hinder your performance. Stay safe and opt for other accessories to complete your look without a mask.
If you wear makeup, make it waterproof. Elaborate makeup is not practical for running, but some waterproof costume makeup should be able to hold up. I’ve been running in makeup since I was a teenager, and the most important requirements are for mascara to be waterproof and to try any makeup out ahead of time. If you plan to do special face painting, practice it before your costume run so you know how to do it and get it off.
Practice running in your costume. People often forget to see if they can run in their costumes and find themselves stumbling or losing parts on race day. Do light running in your costume to ensure you can wear it with running shoes and move around well enough.
Avoid restrictive skirts, dresses, or clothing that hinders your legs from moving well. You need to be able to run with full range of motion, so stretchable fabrics, pants, and jumpsuits generally work well.
Prepare for the weather. I’ve run in costumes in the rain and also sweated through heavy costumes on warm days, and it’s not fun. Check the forecast and modify your outfit as needed to stay comfortable and dry on the run. Avoid wearing onesies in hot, humid weather, and remember that your body heats up when running, so what may feel okay in a dressing room can get hot quickly if you’re running.
Have fun! Running costumes make racing more fun, so enjoy! Don’t try to break any records for your race, but relax and bask in the spirit of the day.
Do you have a creative running costume? Tag us on the @Runstreet Instagram for a chance to get featured. Happy running to you, and stay safe!
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Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, dog lover, Akita mom, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY.
