Race day style is having a moment

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Is Marathon Monday a fashion show? For some, the race is more than a showcase for hard work and dedication.

Runners are thinking more about how they show up for race days — those as big as Boston Marathon Monday or as local as the neighborhood 5K.

Whether you’re a spectator, a first-timer, or a repeat qualifier, what you wear on race day has become part of the moment.

Emily Wickles, a 26-year-old runner from Boston who has completed two half marathons and one 10K in the past couple years, embraces the “OOTD” approach to dressing for her runs.

“It’s empowering when you finish a race and look down at your outfit and see you crossed the finish line in items that are both functional and adorable,” she said.

Race day outfits are starting to reflect how runners want to feel, where they belong, and what they value. And they want to look good.

People want to show up in their “pull up outfit,” as Sidney Baptista put it, founder of the Pioneer Run Crew and performance apparel brand PYNRS, the first Black-owned running apparel company founded in Boston.

“You’ve already put the work in. You look good. You got the flex. The shrug, the tights, the shades. People are even showing up to their 5Ks decked out. That’s a trend.”

And Marathon Monday is a fashion show.

Matt Taylor, founder of Boston-based Tracksmith (of Harry Styles fame), agrees that choices runners make are more intentional. “People are starting to care,” he said.

Performance matters, but so does style.

“We purposely set out to create a product that will perform one hundred percent, but also allow for versatility when not running,” Taylor said.

Whether you’re hanging with your run crew or heading to work after a morning loop, the idea is: No need to change. It’s about removing friction from what you wear so you can move seamlessly through your day.

Baptista said his line is meant to align all the things running represents: function, fashion, expression, and connection. “Running is community,” he said. “The clothes should reflect that.”

“Run the culture is something we own. That’s our trademark. Bringing running to a hood near you … now we offer a product that’s culturally relevant, that fits.”

On Newbury Street, Tracksmith aims for something similar. During Marathon weekend, that intention is on full display.

“Runners make their trek to Boston. They come to the Trackhouse and get their singlet, the limited edition Boston 2025.”

For those who don’t cop the drop, shoppers can still take part in the heritage feel of the brand described as iconic — especially the Van Cortlandt, according to Taylor.

Style trends for runners

“The long sleeve has done extremely well for women this season,” Taylor said. “On the men’s side, we leaned more towards the tee.”

On race day, he added, many wear the singlet with the sash across the chest in colorways like ivory and loden.

PYNRS offers a wide range of colors, too. “We have orange and grapefruit. Our truck is neon. We pop with color, and I think that’s just a cultural thing.”

That energy works for runners like Emily. “When I’m planning my race day outfit, I’ll pick a style I love in a bright color. The pop of color always makes me feel bright and happy, which translates into positivity for the race.”

Still, Baptista emphasized fit above all. “Number one, it has to work right. It has to fit and support your body.”

Race day essentials

• Tights: For Baptista, this is the go-to. There’s compression, support, and comfort. “When it comes to a good pair of tights, you’re gonna probably keep those.”

• Sneakers: For Emily, it’s footwear first. “I got fitted for sneakers on Black Friday, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Once you settle on a brand and style you like, you can explore all the color options.”

• Shorts: “A great pair of running shorts, loose or fitted, is certainly worth the investment,” Taylor said — especially ones with enough pockets for your phone, gels, and other necessities.

• Storage: Emily adds, “The running belt is my must-have for long run vlogs. I can put my phone on my waist. It’s easy to pull it in and out and film.”

@emilywickles first run after being sick is the best feeling! slow but steady on this sunny monday🤩☀️🫶🏻 #runtok #running #training #wereback #halfmarathon ♬ original sound – ALTÉGO

Splurge-worthy recommendations

Both Baptista and Taylor value high-end fabrics that perform and feel good. Whether made in Italy or Switzerland, materials matter. 

Merino wool is a favorite.

“Merino is an incredible fabric,” Taylor said. “You can wear it all week long. And natural fabrics take color so well, so you can have rich, saturated greens, reds, and blues.”

Technology like coldblack absorbs heat. You can run in your head-to-toe black, or stand out in navy blue instead of baby blue. “Typically in the old days you would wear white,” Taylor said.

Now you can wear whatever you want on race day.

What to wear on your next run

With all that’s on the market — preppy, streetwear, or everyday ready-to-wear like Lululemon — it’s okay to keep things basic.

“If you’re just starting out, it’s fine to go to Target or the Nike store,” Baptista said.

Or, like Taylor, you might just stick with what you’ve got. “I have the first piece we made from the first production years ago, and I still run in it today. It’s just, like, my favorite T-shirt.”

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