Let’s be honest: sometimes, a race is just an excuse to wear a costume! Some races, like Bay to Breakers, fully embrace this and have spawned costumed traditions like the upstream-swimming salmon who run the race backward each year.
Other athletes stay in character no matter the race: Doctor Dribble holds the world record for the fastest marathon while dribbling two basketballs, and the Coatman has donned a coat, tie, and a tray with a bottle and a glass, for more than 128 marathons.
But no matter how extreme you go, wearing your funkiest race gear is much more fun when you have friends to do it with you. Take inspiration from these ten ideas and share your costumes with us on social media by tagging @Athlinks!
Then, join Athlinks to claim your results and plan your next group race!
Video Games
Video games offer a plethora of classic characters to choose from for your group costume. Race as the cast of Mario Kart (bonus if you build a car!) or recreate Pac-man and stay one step ahead of your ghostly friends.
The Rat Race
Don your most breathable suit or comfortable heels (if such a thing exists) and dress your crew as corporate America. If that sounds like you’re adding a case of the Mondays to race day, make it a little more fun by carrying fuel, water, and confetti in your briefcase for a party on the go.
Running for Office
Dress as your favorite (or not so favorite) politician and “run” for office in a friendly competition with your friends. Whoever makes it to the finish line first wins the election – and gets to elect your post-race celebration spot.
“Fast” Food
Would you like a side of fries with race day? Turn your group into the snack pack with foam or cardboard costumes of fast food favorites like cheeseburgers, milkshakes, French fries and chicken nuggets.
On the Run
Have half of your group don orange jumpsuits or black-and-white bank robber outfits and have the other half dress as guards. Then, give the delinquents a head start while the guards try to catch up to the criminals.
Runaway Bride
The runaway bridal party is the perfect costume for a girls’ weekend – you just have to decide who will be the bride and who will be the bridesmaids! Get some bonus points with the occasional bouquet toss to unsuspecting spectators.
Good vs. Evil
Whether it’s the Avengers, the Justice League, Star Wars or Game of Thrones, now is the time to embody your favorite heroes and villains for an epic battle to the finish line. Just make sure you don’t get your cape caught in the port-a-potty!
Rock ‘n Run
Whether it’s the Beatles or the Backstreet Boys, rock around the block as your favorite band or group of superstars. Just make sure you buy sweat-proof makeup if your group goes as KISS!
Is Your Refrigerator Running?
If you want to get real punny, dress your group as various appliances from refrigerators to faucets – anything that “runs”. You’re guaranteed to be the cheesiest group out there… unless, of course, there’s a group dressed as gouda and cheddar.
Where’s Waldo
If your group gets separated, asking “Where’s Waldo?” will be the easiest way to get them back together. Plus, it’s one of the easiest group costumes to create: all you need is a red and white striped sweater, glasses and a hat.
Runner-Ups
You can never go wrong with an iconic group like the Flintstones, Ghostbusters, or the Scooby Doo gang! You can even take it up a notch by running as a group inside one of their famous cars.
What is the best group costume you’ve ever seen or worn? Let us know in the comments below and join Athlinks to connect with your racing buddies and claim your results!
