Costumes Anyone?

Part of the fun of any Disney race is wearing a costume.  Any facebook page devoted to any of the Disney races is full of people discussing the costumes they will wear.  Women offer opinions about racing in a tutu and running skirts and how to run with wings.  At my first half marathon and Disney race, it was great to see all the costumes.   The majority of the costumes were Tinkerbell inspired (after all, it was the TINKERBELL half marathon) but there were lots of princesses and other characters, too.  Hubby and I spent most of the race just behind a fellow runner dressed up as Mary Poppins.  Some costumes are inspired by the character while others want to replicate their Disney hero down to the most minute detail.

My first Tink inspired costume: a sparkle skirt and arm warmers from sparkleskirt, raw threads shirt which had silk screen wings on the back and light up pixie green shoe laces!

Many runners wear a decorated skirt and a tank top and use accessories as their costume.  Others go full out. in their costume design.  There's no right or wrong.  I saw many halloween costumes that had been "customized" so they will be runnable. 

If you are trying to come up with costume ideas, there are lots of resources.  One of my favorite bloggers is According to Kelly who is a Disney racing fanatic and has designed some great costumes and offers tips for others to recreate their favorite Disney characters and how to run with wings.  Trying to figure out how to do a top for Aurora...yup, Kelly has conquered that and included it in her blog.  Trying to figure out how to make Snow White's sleeves...yup, Kelly's got that covered too.  Wondering how to run with wings...you got it, Kelly's got that covered as well.  If you cannot tell, I am a huge fan of Kelly's and am hoping to meet her at a future Disney race. 

Another blogger, who I also idolize, is Karla at Run, Karla, Run! She and her husband have ran in the cutest costumes!  She also gives lots of tips about costumes and has had some brilliant ideas!

Team Sparkle and Sparkleskirts make running skirts that can be incorporated into your costume.  I looked at both options at the Tinkerbell expo and my personal preference was sparkleskirts.  The shorts do not ride up, I prefer the design,  and the skirt is hemmed..  Both companies have a strong following.  Both companies offer suggestions on how to incorporate their skirts into a costume. 

 Of course, also search pinterest boards (there are lots!) and etsy for a running costume or accessories.  Chic by Amber has some wonderful disney shirt designs.  Etsy has a number of women who make running costumes.  Just search your character's name plus "running costume" and you should get multiple vendors. 

If you want to make your own tutu, check idiotrunnergirl's blog post.  If you want to make your own wings, here's the post you want to check out.  This year at the Tinkerbell half marathon, a number of women had glowing wings and they looked spectacular!

Whatever you choose, remember to take it on a practice run to identify any issues you may have during your run.  In the middle of your race is not the place to find out that your costume chafes or needs to be altered for your comfort.  Have fun!