Fitness has become more than just going to the gym for an hour a few days per week. It now encompasses fun events such as races, games, and obstacle courses. This makes it ideal for those who need change and fun to accomplish their health and fitness goals. These events may demand a lot from you, but they will also require durability from your fitness apparel choices. Let’s review the most popular fitness events and the best exercise clothing to wear at each.

Spartan Run 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade, you’ve heard about, seen, and maybe participated in a Spartan Run. This is an obstacle course-based run that varies from state to state and country to country. Some of the runs are a comfortable 5k while others are a literal marathon. Prepare to get down and dirty as the obstacles take you through mud and water. At the end, you can stand proud as a Spartan finisher. 

What to Wear: Given the high intensity nature of the race along with the obstacles ensuring you’ll be getting dirty, we recommend wearing shorts with a tank top or a sports bra.

CrossFit Games 

Another extremely popular fitness trend, CrossFit has become the preferred alternative to the traditional gym scene. Based on workouts of the day (WoD), this high-intensity, fast-paced workout combines Olympic exercises with all-out power. It’s not a surprise that this garage-centered fitness class made its way to the big time, becoming one of the biggest fitness events in the country. The CrossFit Games are your typical workout on steroids. Prepare to test your strength, endurance, and will as you make your way across a series of obstacles. 

What to Wear: Keep it light, tight, and functional. We recommend wearing fitted shorts along with a compression shirt. For ladies, functional leggings and a sports bra will be ideal.

Color Run 

Combine your basic 5k run with brightly-colored powder, a post-race dance party, and a group of your best friends and you get the Color Run. Sure, the Color Run might not be as physically demanding as the other fitness events on our list, but it’s far more fun. It’s important to remember that when you enter the Color Run, you’re going to leave covered in pink, blue, and green.

What to Wear: You’ll want to show off how much color you managed to pick up along that 5k course, so it’s best to wear a white or lightly-colored cotton t-shirt and shorts or joggers. Don’t forget your sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun and color alike.

Surf Sessions 

Fan of surfing? Want to try it for the first time? Whether you’re ready to enter a local competition or try your luck on the board, surfing is a great way to get in shape and have fun. Surfing demands that your entire body works together as you paddle yourself out, catch a wave, pop up, and ride it to shore. If you’re in the States, you have plenty of options on either coast such as Big Sur in California or Cocoa Beach in Florida.

What to Wear: Just like with the CrossFit Games, you’ll want to focus on light, flexible, and tight clothing. We recommend suiting up in athletic shorts and a compression shirt. Ladies, consider fitted shorts along with a sports bra.

Tough Mudder

In the same vein as the Spartan Run, the Tough Mudder is going to take you through one hell of an obstacle course. Depending on who you talk to, some say the Tough Mudder is more challenging than the Spartan Run. It is a race that ranges between 10 and 12 miles, but running isn’t the only thing you do. You’ll also be expected to make your way through a series of obstacles that will challenge you both mentally and physically.

What to Wear: The name speaks for itself, and you can rest assured that you’re going to get dirty during this race. With that said, be sure to wear fitted shorts to keep the dirt and mud from getting down your underwear. Up top, you might as well embrace the race and go with a tank top or sports bra.

Wine Run

Are you a casual runner who is in it for the rewards at the end? The Wine Run might be just your thing. Wine runs have become a nationwide event, but the most popular is in California as it takes you through vineyards allowing you to stop at each winery along the way. This is a low-key race that focuses more on having a great time and enjoying incredible wine than trying to set a new personal best. Grab a few wine-loving friends and sign up. 

What to Wear: Keep it casual. For guys, go with a basic cotton t-shirt and a nice pair of joggers. Ladies, suit up in your favorite leggings and crop top.

Gasparilla Marathon

Finally, let’s head down to the Sunshine State for the Gasparilla Marathon, which is a part of a weeklong celebration of pirate-related festivities. Not a fan of a marathon? That’s okay, they have a 5k, 7k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon to choose from. Taking place in March along Bayshore Boulevard, you have the beautiful weather of Florida to look forward to as you run with thousands of others. If you’re in it to win it, there are cash prizes for the top three finishers.

What to Wear: You can go either way here, depending on how seriously you take the race. Want to win? Wear a compression t-shirt with shorts or fitted joggers. Ladies, try leggings with a sports bra and crop top.

What Fitness Apparel Do You Wear During Events?

Are you an avid racer? What do you wear during fitness events? Curious about getting started? Tell us which event sounds the most fun to you.