How to Dress for a Cold Marathon

Race day weather and the resulting agony over clothing choices can make any runner nervous—but for a marathoner—the stakes are even higher. When you have 26.2 miles ahead of you, you’re stuck with your clothing choices for hours instead of minutes. Read on for some tips on dressing for a cold-weather marathon.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Number One Rule: Don’t Overdress. You’ve got a long race ahead of you and will have plenty of time to warm up. More than likely, the weather will also warm up along with you.

2. Dress in layers. Your top layer should be disposable—an old or especially ugly race T-shirt, for example. Some runners prefer trash bags, but I find it a little demoralizing to wear those at the starting line, unless I’m standing in a downpour.

3. All your layers should be made of breathable, wicking fabric. A soggy cotton T-shirt will guarantee you stay uncomfortable during the entire race.

4. Find a shirt style that works for you. Some people like coverage, while others loathe sleeves in any weather. If a singlet is not practical on race day, add arm warmers that you can peel off and throw to a friend if necessary.

5. Of your three basic choices: running shorts, compression shorts or tights—your safest best is to stay with something shorter on your bottom half. Of course it all boils down to personal preference, but the important things to keep in mind are potential chafing and how the weather may change from start to finish.

6. Gloves are a runner’s best friend when it’s cold outside. Warm your hands, and the rest of your body suddenly feels toasty. If your hands get hot, tuck your gloves into the back of your shorts. You may find yourself pulling them on and off if the weather varies during the race.

7. Like gloves, a hat can warm up any outfit. Opt for a baseball cap, headband or stocking hat, depending on your hair and the weather conditions.

8. If it’s very windy, consider a lightweight vest with solid coverage in the front and vents in the back and side.

9. Even if it’s cold, it can still be sunny bright. Decide if you need sunglasses or a baseball cap to keep you from squinting all morning.

Tips & Warnings

• During your training, track the weather in your running log, along with notes about your clothing and comfort.
• The Runner's World website (see Resources below) has a tool that advises you on what to wear according to the weather conditions and preferences that you input.

Resources

• Runner's World

[greg1234]

on 9/18/2009 Thanks for the article. Great tips. I am getting ready to run my first one. 2700 ft. downhill. 36 average start temp, 62 average finish temp.

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[MyJB]

on 3/25/2009 Great article.

[wizardofodds]

on 3/14/2009 These are great tips on how to dress for cold weather during a marathon. I run and I am always looking for ways to make the experience better! 5*

[cookiesandcakes]

on 1/28/2009 Thanks...good tips! 5