Running Halloween Ideas

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While they may not all be spooky, these running costumes are great for a themed group run or even going door or door. So tie up the running shoes and get in the spirit of the holiday.

Kathrine Switzer

Why it’s a good running costume

In 1967, she became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entrant. During her run, race official Jock Semple attempted to stop Switzer and grab her official bib; however, he was shoved to the ground by Switzer’s boyfriend, Thomas Miller, who was running with her, and she completed the race. It was not until 1972 that women were allowed to run the Boston Marathon officially

What to Wear

A set of grey sweats and plain white number 261. Bonus, make it a group costume and get someone to dress up as race director Jock Semple and Thomas Miller.

Steve Prefontaine

Why it’s a good running costume

Prefontaine’s was a long distance runner who competed in the 1972 Olympics. His career, alongside those of Jim Ryun, Frank Shorter, and Bill Rodgers, generated considerable media coverage, which helped inspire the 1970s “running boom.” He was known for his mustache and his long locks of hair that parted as he ran.

What to Wear

Large fake mustache, sideburns, a white USA tank, and short short track shorts.

Tortoise and the Hare

Why it’s a good running costume

It’s a classic racing story that everyone knows. Plus it’s a fun couples costume. The question is, who gets to be the Tortoise and win?

What to Wear

Hare- a tan or brown tracksuit or shirt and leggings, Rabbit ears, and get ready to sprint everywhere you go.

Tortoise- Green shirt and leggings. Cover a stuffed backpack in a darker green cloth for your shell. Walk everywhere really slowly.

 

DIY Appliance Costume Ideas - Same Day Appliance Repair

Refrigerator

Why it’s a good running costume

Is your refrigerator running? Better go catch it! Turn this old prank call into a fun costume. Plus you can see if anyone gets the joke.

What to Wear

White cardboard box with arm and head holes. Draw handles and doors on the front. Add fun items like magnet letters and family photos. Pair with running shorts and shoes.

 

Port – 0 – Potty

Porta-Potty | Best Race CostumesWhy it’s a good running costume

A staple part of every long-distance runner’s life. They can be your lifesaver or your worst nightmare.

What to Wear

Cardboard box with an extra piece to make the roof. Paint the box blue to look like a port-o-potty. Carry around extra toilet paper.

Make it a couples or group costume by adding runners standing in line.

More honorable mentions and ideas for running costumes:

Adult Pair of Sneaker's Costume

  • Marathon Pacer
  • Superwoman or Superman
  • A Running Shoe
  • Forest Gump
  • Turkey Trot
  • Bib Number
  • Race Car
  • Runny Nose
  • Photogenic Race Photo
  • What I actually Look Like Running Meme
  • Gingerbread Man
  • Running Playlist
  • And last but not least… everyone’s favorite terrible pun – the Halloweiner! Simply put on a hot dog costume and voila!

Now go forth and be festive and maybe even win the best costume at your next Halloween party!

No matter what you decide to go as this Halloween, just remember to have fun with it! And if you’re feeling extra festive, why not take your costume for a test run by entering into a themed race or fun run? There’s nothing like getting into the holiday spirit by doing what you love – running!

First Round of Official Nonprofits Selected for Austin Marathon

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Marathon’s Philanthropic Program Continues Support of Local Charities

AUSTIN, Texas, October 20, 2022 — The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is excited to announce the first round of selected 2023 charities for their Austin Marathon Gives program. Austin Marathon Gives, presented by the Moody Foundation, is the Official Charity Program for the Austin Marathon®.  Each non-profit will raise awareness for their mission and recruit runners to fundraise on their behalf while they train for the Austin Marathon, set to take place on Feb. 19, 2023.

In the first round of selection, 18 nonprofits have been accepted out of numerous applications.  The selected charities are as follows:  Dell Children’s Foundation, Austin Partners in Education, Odyssey School, Blue Dog Rescue, Autism Society of Texas, Ghisallo Cycling Initiative, HealthStart Foundation, Austin Achieve Public Schools, Austin Theatre Alliance – Paramount & Stateside Theatres, CureDuchenne, Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas, Livestrong Foundation, Marathon Kids,Inc., Soccer Assist – Los Verdes, Sam’s Adventure Camp, Flatwater Foundation, Gazelle Foundation, and People’s Community Clinic.

Runners interested in supporting any of the non-profits’ missions while they train can select the organization’s name during the registration process. The runner will be contacted by the non-profit with a welcome email, including more about their organization, how they will be supported during their training, and how they can create their fundraising page to begin fundraising.

The Moody Foundation will once again be matching nonprofit fundraising efforts up to $10,000 each.  This is the 8th year for their generous addition to the program helping to raise over $5 million over those years.  For 2023 Austin Marathon Gives fundraising goal is $1 million. 

Applications are still being considered for the 2023 program.  Interested nonprofits should fill out the application soon, as the selection process will end December 1, 2022.

 

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: The Austin Marathon® will celebrate its 31st year running in Austin on Feb. 19, 2023. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. With start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, and within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, the Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can register on the website and choose to run for their preferred nonprofit.

Ascension Seton: Personalized Care for Athletes

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Ascension care teams start by understanding you, your health, and your life to deliver care that’s right for you.

When you’re an athlete, your body is your livelihood. You need to be able to count on your health and well-being to perform at your best. That’s why it’s important to find a healthcare partner that understands your unique needs. With more than 2,000 locations across the country, Ascension Seton is a trusted name in personalized care. Here is just a small preview of some of the services they offer that can help you and your family.

Athletic Training Services

Athlete getting care from a sports medicine specialist at an Ascension site of care. Sports medicine services at Ascension treat both competitive athletes and active individuals of all ages who enjoy exercise and recreational activities. When you get injured, the care team including fellowship-trained, primary care, and orthopedic sports medicine doctors and athletic trainers are here to help.

Comprehensive services including urgent injury care, non-surgical treatments, and rehabilitation therapy are available. And if surgery is recommended for you, the orthopedic surgeons at Ascension sites of care deliver a range of services – from minimally invasive surgery to orthopedic surgery for complex injuries.

Don’t let an injury keep you from doing what you enjoy most. They understand the importance of staying healthy and keeping your body in peak condition, so you can focus on performing your best.

Urgent Care

When you choose Ascension sites of care, you’ll find all the care you need, doctors who listen, convenience, and care that’s connected. When it’s less of an emergency, but you still need care right away, the right place to go is an urgent care clinic if your doctor’s office is closed.

Doctors and care teams at Ascension Seton urgent care clinics deliver the right care for minor injuries and illnesses. Walk in or check-in online. If you need more advanced care, the doctor and care team you see will connect you with a specialist and other care services.

Primary careWoman talking with a primary care doctor.

Primary care doctors with Ascension Seton can be your first point of contact and ongoing connection into care. A primary care doctor knows how to deal with everything from helping you through a bout with the flu to back pain and digestion issues, to uncovering serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease. They can treat almost anything. If not, they’ll get you to a doctor who can.

When you are not sure what you need or how to access healthcare services, a primary care doctor will listen to understand your questions and provide a personalized care plan. Having a primary care physician you trust is one of the most important things you can do for a lifetime of good health.

No matter your athlete level, it’s essential to have a healthcare partner who understands your unique needs. With more than 2,000 locations across the country, Ascension Seton is a trusted name in personalized care. From injury prevention to rehabilitation and everything in between, their team of experts will work with you to create a plan that meets your individual needs. So you can focus on performing your best.

Learn More About Services & Find a Doctor

Tips and Advice for Running Your First Marathon

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If you’re running your first marathon, this advice is for you!

Are you training for your first marathon? Congratulations! You are about to embark on a wonderful journey that will test your limits and push you to reach new heights. While the experience is sure to be unforgettable, it is important to go into your first marathon with a solid game plan. That’s why we asked experienced runners to share their best tips for running a successful marathon. Keep reading to see what they had to say!

Just like training, find what works best for you. Thanks to all the veteran runners who responded in support of those running their first marathon.

Training

  • Trust your training.
  • When running up and down hills, shorten your stride. Study the maps. Run the tangents. – Phillip B. 
  • Invest in good shoes and gear: This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s worth repeating
  • Don’t worry about finish time! The slower your time on your first marathon, the easier it is to PR the next one. – Molly B
  • Join a training group or run club and utilize the accountability and community.
  • Seek out support from family, friends, and fellow runners. Not only will this help keep you motivated, but it will also make the experience more enjoyable. Who knows, you may even make some lifelong friends along the way!

Hydration and nutrition

  • Hit the water stations and before you think you need to. You risk much more by letting yourself get behind on hydration and nutrition while running your first marathon than overdoing it.
  • The first few water stops might be very crowded. Visit the last table. Or bring a throwaway water bottle.
  • Eating healthy, balanced meals and staying hydrated will help improve your energy levels and give you the stamina you need to get through those long runs.
  • Practice consuming hydration or gels during training. Make sure your stomach tolerates it. You might deal with some things better than others! – Timo R.
  • Don’t eat a mountain of pasta the night before the race- you’ll just give yourself a stomach ache. Eat more, smaller/normal-sized meals throughout the day.

Mental toughness

  • Take out your earbuds for the final mile to hear the crowd and your name being announced as you cross. Epic moment. – Patti G.
  • Enjoy yourself, you only get one first marathon!
  • You’re not going to win, so relax and enjoy the journey!  You’ve got it! – Cheryl M.
  • In the first half, don’t be an idiot; in the second half, don’t be a wimp! – Karen O.
  • I always say the longest distance to overcome is the distance between your ears! Enjoy the day! – Janet P.
  • Keep your head up and look far away.
  • Wear your medal for the rest of the day.

Planning

  • One of the most important things you can do when preparing for a marathon is to create a training schedule…and then stick to it!
  • Have friends or family take pictures of you on course if that’s something important to you. 
  • Body glide, don’t forget it. 
  • If you feel a blister, stop at an aid station and add some vaseline or moleskin (if available).

Race day

  • Break the race into smaller parts. For example, get to the halfway point, then mile 20, then you have 10K to the finish. 
  • More steps are better.
  • Start the race slooooow. Like painfully slow. Settle in and speed up for the second half if you feel good. – Rebekah E
  • Make sure you have the splits written on your arm. Trying to remember anything or calculating splits late in the race is difficult. 
  • If you don’t think you’re going too slow, you’re going too fast. – Lisandro Z. 
  • Don’t change your race plan just because everything feels good early on. If you feel like you must go faster, then increase speed after about mile 23.

The one tip ALL veterans had if you’re running your first marathon…

Absolutely nothing new on race day!

Running your first marathon is a huge accomplishment—regardless of your reason for doing it! Some run because they love the challenge and sense of accomplishment that comes with completing 26.2 miles. Others because they want to prove something to themselves, improve their lifestyle, or raise money for an official Austin Marathon Gives charity. While the reasons for running your first marathon differ, one thing remains true for everyone: you never forget running your first marathon! By following these tips from our veteran runners, you can set yourself up for success and have an amazing experience doing it.

Just remember to invest in quality gear, create (and stick to) a training schedule, fuel your body properly, and seek out support from family and friends. With proper preparation, running 26.2 miles will be an experience you’ll never forget…in a good way!