Marathon season is here, and many runners are racing to the finish line in creative costumes.

This article will explore participants’ reasons for sporting a marathon costume and offer key training tips to prepare for race day.

marathon costumes

Why People Decide to Run a Marathon in a Costume?

Running a marathon is no small feat. To do it in a costume takes the challenge to another level, especially if the costume involves heavy lifting or multiple people. Many runners choose to wear a characteristic costume for fun, to relish in the day’s festivities and bring joy to their fellow participants and onlookers who come out to cheer them on.

Others choose to wear an eye-catching costume linked to their charity to raise awareness, help promote the charity and encourage donations. Some may even dress in a costume to tick it off their bucket list or to break records. Whatever the reason, these runners make marathons more colourful, lively and inspiring for all involved.

Four Iconic Marathon Costumes

Mario

Simon Killen, who has run five marathons, brought nostalgia to the 2024 race by dressing up as the beloved video game character Mario. Donning the signature red hat and blue overalls, he fully embraced the role, even going as far as growing Mario’s distinct moustache and dyeing it black, much to the crowd’s delight. With no Koopa Troopas or Goombas to dodge, Simon not only achieved a personal best but also shaved nearly five minutes off the video game character record set in 2016.

Cereal Box

Sally Orange is no stranger to mascot costumes. Prior to this race, she had run 83 marathons, all of which were in costume. This comes after years of battling severe depression and chronic anxiety, during which she sought support from Samaritans, the charity she advocates. Through her cereal box hook line, ‘Your mental health is as important as your breakfast cereal’, Sally demonstrates how marathon running can spark conversations, raise awareness of important causes and prove that determination and humour can go hand in hand with making a positive change.

Polar Bear

Gill Punt, a PE teacher, has been participating in endurance events since 1999 after her father passed away from bile duct cancer. In January 2025, she ran the Polar Night Marathon in Norway despite temperatures dropping to -23C. Although there were only two hours of daylight during the race, her dedication to running and advocacy, embodied in a polar bear costume, captured the attention of local children. Waving their Norwegian flags and proudly displaying their drawings of a polar bear, they cheered her on, ensuring she became an unforgettable figure along the marathon course.

Nina the Nurse

James Weyman ran the 2024 London Marathon in an 8kg mascot costume of Nina the Nurse to support WellChild, a charity dedicated to caring for sick children. WellChild also funds nurses to train parents to perform medical procedures and administer medication, helping children leave the hospital and return to the comfort of their homes. While the costume adds an element of fun, its primary purpose on race day was to enhance visibility to raise awareness of the charity, boost fundraising efforts and inspire public support for frontline professionals.

Training Tips for Running a Marathon

Begin with a structured training plan that progressively increases your weekly mileage, incorporating long runs, speed workouts, as well as strength and flexibility exercises. Be sure to schedule recovery days to allow your body time to rest and repair to reduce the risk of injury. Proper hydration, nutrition and adequate sleep are just as important as running itself. By being patient and consistent, you’ll set yourself up for a successful marathon experience. If you are running in a costume, make sure you do training in what you will wear on the day.