‘The costume develops its own microclimate’: what it’s like to run a marathon in a novelty outfit

theguardian.comPublished: 4/26/2025

Summary

Richard Stoate ran the London Marathon wearing a nurse costume to raise money for his charity, blending creativity with his fitness goal. The article explores how unusual costumes—like towering rhinos, whimsical fairies, candy bars, superheroes, and iconic sculptures like the Angel of the North—have become a part of marathons, challenging participants physically and emotionally while raising funds for causes close to hearts. These quirky outfits not only make race days memorable but also inspire participants, particularly families and individuals raising money for charities, creating a vibrant and emotional atmosphere on course.