What To Wear for Your Mud Run

summertime_girl
summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
edited December 2024 in Social Groups
By Jaylin Allen •

Photo By Warrior Dash
So you're ready to tackle a mud run. You've got your training plan under control, but now it's time to decide what you should wear for your race.

Choosing what to wear is more important that just picking a team color. You're going to get wet and muddy. What you wear will have a major effect on your performance.

More: Bring Fun Into Your Run—Wear a Costume


Have you ever been pushed into a pool with your street clothes on? Or, have been caught in a massive downpour without an umbrella? Do you remember what if feels like to have your clothes drenched? This is the same feeling you'll experience in a mud run if you don't wear the right gear. Here are four tips on what to wear for your next mud run.

More: Race-Day Essentials: What to Pack for Your Obstacle Race

Practical

You want to avoid cotton and anything heavy. Don't wear big, cotton t-shirts or sweatpants. Cotton will absorb water, add weight, and slow you down. Not to mention cause major chaffing. Spandex is a good choice for mud runs. It's lightweight and won't hold much water. Expect your spandex to get damaged during the mud run, so don't wear anything you care about.

Protection

There are a lot of obstacles in a mud run that can cause cuts and bruises. Nylon running tights can protect your legs. Under Armour makes great, breathable sportswear that will provide full coverage, and keep you cool as well.

More: Obstacle Runs: Which One do I Choose?

Durable

Mud runs are demanding. Choose durable gear that won't fall apart during the race. Military surplus shops are a good source for mud run gear.

Prepared

For windy days, wear a light pullover windbreaker. Don't wear a jacket with a zipper as zippers get clogged with mud. Go for a nylon fabric so mud slides off.

Foot Wear

Start with a good sock. Keep your socks low. Anything higher than the ankle will just be added weight. Consider splurging on a running sock; they will help prevent blisters. Definitely, don't wear cotton socks. And make sure you tuck your socks into your running tights.

More: Different Shoes for Different Feet

Wear a running shoe or boot and make sure you double knot the laces. It's easy for running shoes to slip off in the mud, so tie them tight.

Now that you're all geared up, get out and train in your gear. Test it out in wet conditions so you know how it will feel. Change out any gear that causes chaffing when you train! Wearing the right gear will make a major difference to your mud run performance.

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/What-To-Wear-for-Your-Mud-Run.htm?cmp=17-1-2782

Replies

  • dunc289
    dunc289 Posts: 54 Member
    Thanks for this.

    I was going to wear my surfing rash vest, and a pair of windsurfing gloves too, for the monkey bars.

    No-one wants to see me in spandex, so there'll be lightweight shorts on top.

    Woollen running socks, and probably most importantly, a hat.
  • jppd47
    jppd47 Posts: 737 Member
    you forgot face paint :)
    <

    also your spandex fill with mud.... it awesome
  • dunc289
    dunc289 Posts: 54 Member
    you forgot face paint :)
    <

    also your spandex fill with mud.... it awesome

    Is that why you commando's go, you know, commando?
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    For my first one, I made the mistake of wearing cotton yoga pants. There are photos of me crossing the finish line holding up my ridiculously heavy mud soaked pants!
  • JoyousRen
    JoyousRen Posts: 3,823 Member
    For my first one, I made the mistake of wearing cotton yoga pants. There are photos of me crossing the finish line holding up my ridiculously heavy mud soaked pants!
    I wore loose capri running pants. It was so gross. Now I am all about the supertight shorts
  • BrettPGH
    BrettPGH Posts: 4,716 Member
    I wear super hero t-shirts. Captain America for my first run. Now I have to pick out which one to wear for RFYL in September.

    Think I found a Thor one I'm going to go with.

    Basically my aim in life is to be Dr. Sheldon Cooper but with muscles.
  • Bronx_Montgomery
    Bronx_Montgomery Posts: 2,284 Member
    Anything Tribal, your opponents blood and a shrunken head so to intimidate the other runners.
  • KaciWood19
    KaciWood19 Posts: 396 Member
    <<<... I wore a tutu for my Warrior Dash. It was great, until the mud pit. Luckily, it was the last obstacle so the tutu made it til 10 ft from the finish! Also happy it did not catch on fire. So maybe not the best idea. ha!
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    Basically my aim in life is to be Dr. Sheldon Cooper but with muscles.

    Hopefully with slightly better social skills ;p
  • BrettPGH
    BrettPGH Posts: 4,716 Member
    Basically my aim in life is to be Dr. Sheldon Cooper but with muscles.

    Hopefully with slightly better social skills ;p

    Not really. You don't need social skills when you're always right.

    :ohwell: :tongue:
  • jppd47
    jppd47 Posts: 737 Member
    [
    Not really. You don't need social skills when you're always right.

    :ohwell: :tongue:

    QFT
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    LOL!
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