Don’t panic! Waking up to a rainy race day does not have to mean a disaster. In fact, a little rain can often lead to a very successful run. If you are prepared. Check out my best tips on what to do when it rains on race day. The post contains affiliate links.
What to do when it rains on race day
My last half marathon in Corning, New York is often billed as the best course the most gorgeous weather. Well, the weather was pretty perfect the 2 days before my race. But, as fate would have it, we woke up to a rainy race day. Rainy conditions don’t have to mean disaster for your race. These rain tips will help you stay as dry and comfortable as possible while you knock out your miles.
Stay dry at the start
Stay dry– Single-use disposable rain ponchos are your friend at the start. Staying warm and dry as long as possible is the goal. These disposable ponchos are usually sold at race expos but it is always smart to have a few in your running gear stash.
Protect your phone with a small ziploc bag.
Cover your head with a baseball hat to keep your warmth in and keep the rain off your face and eyes.
If the temps are cool enough, consider a lightweight breathable rain jacket.
Arm warmers are also a great option to stay warm at the start and are easy to pull down once you warm up.
Protect yourself from chafing
Wet conditions cause chafing for runners who do not usually chafe. Liberally apply an anti-chafe product to any areas that are potential hot spots. (bra line, heels, waistband, etc.)
Check dry clothes for post race
Most races have a gear check available. Even if you normally do not check a bag, having dry clothes post race can be a life saver. Once you stop sweating, wearing wet clothes can lead to a chill quite quickly. Dry socks are a must!
Embrace it & make the most of a rainy race
Accept that you will get wet and your shoes will get wet. While many runners, opt to run inside or reschedule a rainy day training run, it is always a good idea to practice running in the rain. We never know what race day will bring. You may discover that you run faster.
How to care for wet running shoes
Your running shoes will get wet and that’s okay they are designed for that. Running shoes are not meant to go into a dryer. Instead, stuff your wet shoes with newspaper and that will help to absorb the moisture. They will be good as new. Consider having an old pair of shoes that you keep for rainy days.
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Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Great tips, Deborah!
I agree that we need to practice running in the rain. In fact, sometimes, rainy runs are quite fun, as long as we can get dry quickly again.
I once didn’t have dry clothes after a race – never again! I was freezing!
I agree that they can be fun if you just embrace that you will get wet. It is definitely nice to have dry clothes waiting for you
The worst rain I ever ran in was the Houston Marathon in 2013. It was around 40 degrees, but felt colder, and rained the whole time. We flew in about 3 days before the race and it wasn’t supposed to rain, so I didn’t have the right gear at all! It was pretty awful. I ran in layers and got some of the worst chafing of my life.
The chafing is the worst part! The unexpected race day rain is challenging. When I travel for a race, I always bring along a disposable poncho bc you just never know
Unfortunately I have run too many half’s in the rain to mention.
All are good tips.
Most importantly, just do it. It’s water. It’s not pleasant. But you won’t melt. Lol
exactly! As soon as you embrace the fact that you will get wet, it is not so bad
Rainy day races happen. Definitely not my ideal scenario, but having a good attitude can make those uncomfortable conditions bearable. I have even used a dry cleaning bag as a poncho because it’s more of a slim fit (not nearly as bulky as a poncho) and see-through.
Yes, having a good attitude about it goes a long way!
I learned to be prepared with a rain poncho the hard way. Now I have them with me at all times. In Tokyo I opted to leave my best rain jacket at the hotel because the forecast showed the rain would taper. Ha! Because they make you stand IN your corral 90 minutes before the race goes off, I was already soaked and shivering in my tall kitchen trash bag before the race started. I ended up never warming up and never tossing that bag! Ugh! Live and learn!
yes, we do learn along the way. I keep those rain ponchos with me for traveling as well. Remember that crazy rainy race in Chicago that was just comical
Great tips.
I have run many races under the rain and I admit it was fun.
Only 3 precautions: a single use poncho, dry clothes for the post race and a hot tea with lemon as soon as possible.
I agree it can be fun as soon as you embrace the fact that you will get wet!
It’s usually so warm (or, hot) here that rain can be an improvement! That said, I’ve never run a long race in the rain. Your tips are all great. A baseball cap or visor makes a big difference- otherwise it’s really annoying to have the rain in your face. And yes, you will chafe more! But I think your most important tip is to embrace- you can have a great rainy run once you accept the situation.
I agree, as soon as you accept that you are going to get wet and that it is no big deal, things will run a lot more smoothly
When I ran rock n roll DC years ago it poured the entire time. I really wish I had checked a dry set of clothes to change into after the race. I didn’t make that mistake again, lol
We do learn a lot over the years, don’t we!?
The Rock ‘n Roll Chicago Half with you was my first rainy race (and so much fun)! Luckily it was warm which made a huge difference! All great tips and many lessons learned!
I remember that it was your first time running in the rain! What a crazy weather weeeknd
I had a race a couple of years ago… probably one of the last before Covid hit – it rained before, during and after the race. But like you say, I just embraced it, LOL! And believe it or not, I got my fastest time for a 10K in that race! I clearly wanted to get out of that rain, FAST! But I did what you said as well as stayed in the car until the very last minute. Luckily it was a small race so that was possible.
yes, it is funny how we can have a much faster time in the rain. We just have to embrace the fact that we are going to get wet
The Nor’easter on Tuesday (as I went outside multiple times with Bandit, no fenced in backyard) did definitely bring my half in a Nor’easter 3 years ago to mind. My races tend a lot more to really hot . . . but that race was definitely an experience. I used many of your tips.
I have ended up having some really good races in the rain myself
Stay in bed! LOL! Just kidding! I hate the rain so much, and it’s awful when it rains on race day. It really puts a damper on my day.
I would think you would get a lot of rainy race days down in Florida