Most races are not cancelled due to rain, and many runners worry about what to do if it rains on race day. So you’re not freaking out about rain on race day. Here are some strategies for staying as comfortable as possible when running races in the rain.

  1. Wear a garbage bag – Yes, that’s right – you can make a long shirt out of a big trash bag by cutting armholes and a neck hole. You’ll be amazed at how much a basic trash bag will keep you dry and protected from wind (which is often a concern during rainy weather). Use it to stay dry and warm while you’re waiting in the starting area. Once you get moving and start to warm up, it’s easy to rip it off and throw it into a trash container.
  2. Don’t overdress – Overdressing is one of the biggest mistakes runners make when preparing for a race in the rain. Some runners assume that lots of clothes will keep them dry and warm. In reality, if you’re wearing lots of layers, you won’t stay dry — you’ll just be wearing wet, heavy clothes. Dress for the temperature, just as if it wasn’t raining.
  3. Wear a hat with a brim – A hat with a brim is you best friend during a rainy race. It will keep the rain off your face, which makes a huge difference to your comfort level and your ability to see what’s coming on the course.
  4. Run with Caution – It’s best to run with some caution as you start out because roadways can be slippery during the rain and double tie your shoes before the start of the race.
  5. Don’t forget the Body Glide or Vaseline – Chafing is more likely to happen when you’re wet, so to prevent it, spread Body Glide or Vaseline on parts of your body where you would normally chafe or get blisters — such as your feet, inner thighs, underarms, sports bra lines (women), and nipples (men). You may also want to carry a small tube of it in your pocket or running belt.
  6. Change your wet clothes and then attend the post-race party – Bring an extra set of clothes to put in your bag or in your car so you can change out of your wet race outfit into dry clothes soon after you cross the finish line. Then come enjoy the fun, food, and awards at the post-race party. You earned that post-race party!