Dress Code for Runners in Races?

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4431 Views 22 Replies Latest reply: Oct 24, 2012 12:39 PM by Jasko123

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Jasko123

461 posts since
Apr 18, 2011

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Jun 30, 2012 12:11 PM

Dress Code for Runners in Races?

I know the heat wave is soaring way above normal, but it seems that some have responded with more extreme attire. What are your thoughts? Is it okay for men to run shirtless in speedos without jock straps? Likewise, is it acceptable for ladies to compete wearing only sports bras and bikini shorts?

Personally, I do not think so because there are too many available options for dri-fit clothing and new wickening fabrics that actually assist with body temp...plus exposing the skin to direct sunlight is far more damaging to the skin than just getting a white shirt. Of course, it is also just gross and distracting to others. The complaints are starting to be voiced, and I understand the concerns.

I sense that this will be yet another issue for race directors, sponsors and organizers to address. This is not a positive development, since there are already so many other issues, and most participants are contributing to a good cause. It is sad that attire rules probably need to be added to the other regulations....never thought I would see the day when that was necessary.

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JosephTree
376 posts since
Oct 22, 2010

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1. Jul 2, 2012 3:14 PM (in response to Jasko123)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

I'm of the "who cares?" persuasion. There are all sorts of failures of taste or good sense being committed. My thought is that there's just no fair or justifiable way to police the issue without looking like a granny or a Nazi. Bad taste is it's own reward.

Barefoot / Minimalist Runner

07/29/2012 Marsh Creek Raptor Run 10 Mile Trail Race

07/15/2012 Quadzilla 15K Trail Run, Trexlertown, PA 1:37 (2011, 1:49)

04/29/2012 Lehigh Valley / St. Luke's HM, 1:43:15 (2011, 1:54:20 )

03/19/2012 Kutztown Fool's Run 10 Miler, 1:18:15 (2011, 1:30:20)

02/26/2012 Ugly Mudder 7.2 Mile Trail Run, Reading, PA 1:20

11/27/2011 Dirty Bird 15K Trail Run, Birdsboro, PA 1:40

10/08/2011 Lehigh Gap Nature Center 10K Trail Run (6.38 miles), 59:20 (10/07/2012)

Started running (again) May 5, 2010

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linuscatch
143 posts since
Sep 18, 2011

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2. Jul 2, 2012 7:55 PM (in response to JosephTree)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

I think there must be some minimum, non-offensive standard in running, similar to othe sports like golf that doesn't require everyone to dress the same but keeps the dignity of the sport. Shorts, shirts and shoes or no service?

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crl8686
1,275 posts since
Nov 11, 2007

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3. Jul 2, 2012 8:20 PM (in response to Jasko123)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

Here in Los Angeles, the general dress code for races is: if it isn't obscene, and if it isn't endangering public safety, then it's good to go. Fine with me.

"...I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do....I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't..." --- author unknown

2013 highlights...

@ 5K: Ontario Mills 5K, Ontario, CA, 24:42

Heart of the City Run, Los Angeles, CA, 24:13

Bruin 5K Run at UCLA, Westwood, CA, 24:54

@ 10K: LA Chinatown Firecracker 10K, Los Angeles, CA, 51:42

The Great Race - Old Agoura 10K, Agoura Hills, CA, 51:12

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Jasko123
461 posts since
Apr 18, 2011

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4. Jul 4, 2012 11:11 AM (in response to linuscatch)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

I agree and it is difficult to define those standards and guidelines, but many gyms (especially the YMCA, for example) have been able to articulate appropriate examples. I also understand that there are different perceptions about what may be obscene, so then the issue is further complicated. Still, overall suggestions might be beneficial, as recommended attire, so eventually that would make a difference.

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skypilot77
1,051 posts since
Dec 16, 2009

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5. Jul 4, 2012 1:38 PM (in response to Jasko123)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

I would suspect that 95% of races are sponored and organized by private companies/organizations. Thus, they are free to place any restrictions or standards upon their race.

But they won't. Political correctness has made it virtually impossible for standards to be set for anything before someone starts complaining or claiming victim status.

Thus, the race sponsor or organizer will feel they are defeating the very purpose they organized the race in the first place.

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JosephTree
376 posts since
Oct 22, 2010

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6. Jul 4, 2012 5:18 PM (in response to linuscatch)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

Linus, there you go inflicting your prejudices already. I'm a "shoes optional" guy! ...and with the weather like it is I'm not too sure about the shirt, either.

Barefoot / Minimalist Runner

07/29/2012 Marsh Creek Raptor Run 10 Mile Trail Race

07/15/2012 Quadzilla 15K Trail Run, Trexlertown, PA 1:37 (2011, 1:49)

04/29/2012 Lehigh Valley / St. Luke's HM, 1:43:15 (2011, 1:54:20 )

03/19/2012 Kutztown Fool's Run 10 Miler, 1:18:15 (2011, 1:30:20)

02/26/2012 Ugly Mudder 7.2 Mile Trail Run, Reading, PA 1:20

11/27/2011 Dirty Bird 15K Trail Run, Birdsboro, PA 1:40

10/08/2011 Lehigh Gap Nature Center 10K Trail Run (6.38 miles), 59:20 (10/07/2012)

Started running (again) May 5, 2010

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cyndi t
1,061 posts since
Aug 11, 2008

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7. Jul 4, 2012 5:40 PM (in response to Jasko123)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

Interesting question. I'm all for individuality but I ran a race in the heat a couple of years ago and was waiting at the finish for a friend to cross and was treated to an eyefull of male anatomy from a dude wearing very tiny shorts and no jock strap...really? If I saw it so did the old women, children and other mixed company there. Its hot, we're all hot.

Put some dang clothes on, I'm personally not interested in seeing the junk. Just saying

LOL

TRUST THE TRAINING!

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linuscatch
143 posts since
Sep 18, 2011

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8. Jul 4, 2012 6:49 PM (in response to cyndi t)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

Agree that when others participating or cheering the runners on are offended, then maybe we have gone too far.
IN the meantime, this is an interesting debate, and I will continue to dress modestly for racing and while training.
Not a prejudice, jsut an opinion and a preference on my part.

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Jasko123
461 posts since
Apr 18, 2011

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9. Jul 5, 2012 3:49 PM (in response to cyndi t)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

I agree Cyndi...take a look at the Mankini (popular in Europe and probably on the way here). Sorry, but if it gets that bad, my stomach would not handle it, so I guess I would look around for smaller events where obscene exposure might be less likely. (Good point about what the children are seeing also and that is even more alarming because I really believe that most runners want to set a good example for youth and encourage them at events).

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Jasko123
461 posts since
Apr 18, 2011

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10. Jul 5, 2012 4:12 PM (in response to skypilot77)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

I think that is exactly correct skypilot. Most race organizers are concerned with recruiting participants and raising funds for a particular event, so they are not likely to risk offending anyone or isolating potential contributors/sponsors and so on, as you suggest. It is an excellent point and probably the sad reality, so attire guidelines may not be coming anytime soon. It seems like common sense issues to be addressed, but things do get complicated.

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Lochbain
36 posts since
Apr 23, 2011

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11. Aug 11, 2012 9:30 PM (in response to Jasko123)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

Good question. Simple, but the answer not so much. The problem is that it all comes back to the moral decay of our culture. What most of us consider "normal" race attire would have been considered risque 30 years ago. That and popular culture says to show off your body and let everyone see it. The sad thing is that if a race sponsor would just make a statement as simple as "please refrain from wearing immodest attire" then 95% of the problem would disappear. The problem is that they are afraid of offending the 5% that don't care what everyone else thinks. If we want to see the attire change back to the more modest styles then it's going to have to start with us runners setting the example and speaking out against those you must think that their body's are God's gift to the world.

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Robert Leston
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Sep 10, 2009

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12. Aug 12, 2012 7:54 AM (in response to Jasko123)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

I guess I haven't paid a whole lot of attention to what people were wearing that was memorable. Not to say that I haven't looked around at who I'm running with. Most people seem to covered adequately and it runs the gammut from pants to shorts, tanks and t's to sports bra's. I say that it's the proffesional community that set's the standard and the girl's are running in sport panties and bra's. Hardly offensive since they are about 1% body fat. The guys wear matching clothes any way since they are sponsored , (not always an amature standard) ! We have UNDIE runs here where just about anything goes as long as it's socially and legally acceptable, so mixed message? I guess I would say keep your stuff covered out of modesty if anything. No One thinks ,love handles, rolls ,muffin tops , sagging breasts and the family jewels are in need of public display. And if you have cellulite , please avoid the spandex! LOL

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Jasko123
461 posts since
Apr 18, 2011

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13. Aug 12, 2012 11:18 AM (in response to Lochbain)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

Great points Lochbain and maybe "immodest attire" would also have to be further defined because, as you suggest, individual and cultural standards have changed. I wonder if it might be necessary to specifically state things like "shirts, shorts or running pants are required and all participants must wear proprer undergarmets." Sadly, this would also have to be enforced, but, as you also stated, the new rules would probably make a quick influence for the better.

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Jasko123
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Apr 18, 2011

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14. Aug 12, 2012 11:42 AM (in response to Robert Leston)
Dress Code for Runners in Races?

I have one better than the undie run Robert. There is a group off the coast of NC that hosts a naked 5k race, but of course, they are a nudist camp so that kinda of explains the situation. Guess it does depend on the standard, but it seems that running in underwear alone should be outside regular race participation.

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