One things is for sure, if you’re a UK trail runner, the chances are it’s not going to be long before you experience trail running in the rain. For those fair weather runners amongst you, a bit of drizzle is enough to delay the run for another day however, for the hardened trail runner, it’s a chance to enjoy nature and embrace the rain. As all weather trail runners, we have put together our top tips to make trailing running in the rain more comfortable.

It Looks and Sounds Worse Than it is

If you are lying in bed listening to the rain, contemplating the fact that you have to go out and run, or you look out the window and it’s raining hard, this is actually the worst part. Once you actually get outside and start running, it’s never as bad as you think it’s going to be. There have been some really blustery nights where it sounds like a hurricane outside, but getting out and running in the early hours has never been as bad as anticipated. There’s something quite liberating about trail running in the rain, not worrying about getting wet and splashing through the puddles. Sometimes, getting out of the door is the hardest part! 

Preparation will make it much easier and having the right wet weather gear will make the whole experience a bit less of an ordeal.

Accept That You Are Going to Get Wet

However much you dress for the conditions, and whatever precautions you take, you are going to get wet. I tend to layer up – if it’s cold then a thin base layer, a t-shirt over the top and a lightweight waterproof jacket. If’ it’s spring/summer and the weather is mild but wet, I tend to go with shorts and vest combo. Skin dries quicker than material! Less material to get wet. If we are out and it starts tipping down, I pop on my waterproof jacket until it stops.

Currently I am rather chuffed with my Proviz jacket – traditionally designed for cyclists, I find this does keep the rain out! You can get them in some pretty bold colours too including the silver/white version which you can definitely see coming on a dark night! Highly recommend this as do many of my fellow runners. With taped seams, it also ticks the boxes for the ultra runners amongst you.

Kit for a Wet Run

Wear a Hat

A hat with a brim will keep the rain off your face when trail running in the rain. A thin, lightweight baseball cap won’t do much to keep your head or hair dry but the brim will protect your face from the rain. A buff worn around the head is also great for stopping the rain getting into your eyes or worn around the wrist to wipe your face when you’re running. A visor is another good option for stopping the rain dripping into your eyes.

Don’t Wear Cotton

If you don’t want to chafe then don’t wear cotton gear. Instead choose something that won’t stick to your skin when wet. Technical wool or wicking fabric doesn’t get heavy when wet and actually dries out pretty quickly too. Look for moisture wicking material when choosing vests or t-shirts.

Wear Trail Running Shoes that Drain 

Tempting as it may seem to wear waterproof shoes, this isn’t always such a good idea when trail running in the rain. Waterproof trail running shoes are designed to keep the water out. If you’re a road runner they may work but once on the trails, a sizeable puddle or a stream means water will get in and it won’t be able to get out. We love the Salomon Speedcross 5, the Hoka Speedgoat and the Inov-8 Roclite 290.

Choose the Right Socks

Performance (Wicking) Socks are the way forward when it rains! Forget cotton which will stick to your feet and cause all sorts of issues! Wet feet are no fun, especially if they get wet early in a run and you have some distance to travel. We like Injinji running socks – they have the individual toe pockets like gloves for your feet. They separate your toes and stop them rubbing together. 

There are some people who swear by waterproof socks. They don’t come cheap though but they may just prevent you getting blisters and protect your feet from the worst of the water.

Prevent Chafing 

Vaseline, Bodyglide, Runglide – be sure to put it on before you step out of the door! You are going to get wet and wet clothes against skin cause chafing. You don’t want to experience raw, burning flesh after a run. A hot shower to warm you up is not going to be the relief you are seeking!

Wear Darker Colours but Be Seen

Especially the ladies – lighter clothes can become see through when wet so be sure to wear darker colours. 

The contradiction to this is that you need to be seen, especially on darker days and during dark evenings. If you are going to be running in the dark, invest in a high-vis vest. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. 

Lightweight Waterproof jacket 

If it’s really raining, and not just drizzling, we always pack a lightweight waterproof jacket. It doesn’t have to be expensive but it does need to have taped seams. The taped seams mean that the rain doesn’t get in through the jacket. You can also get waterproof taped seamed trousers which you will rarely use. You might want to buy a pair of these for ultra races though as race organisers tend to insist on them.

If you’re running a long way off road in the middle of nowhere and something goes wrong such as getting injured or wet, you want something that is going to keep you dry and warm. This gear doesn’t have to be that which is marketed at runners. You can pick up relatively inexpensive brands that do the job. Consider how much you are going to use these items. It may be that you want to invest more in a jacket that you can run in but not so much on waterproof taped seam trousers that are mostly kept in your running backpack.

Tempting as it may be to buy a darker colour, consider something hi-vis. Some of the above jackets come in a range of bright colours. They also range from less than £10 to over £200. Read the reviews from other runners and see which one ticks all of the boxes for you.  

Keep Your Dry Stuff Dry

If you have a spare pair of socks, some emergency loo roll or your mobile phone in your hydration vest, they are going to get wet when trail running in the rain. Running backpacks are not waterproof and the stuff in them will get wet and soggy or worst, damaged. Pop these things inside sandwich bags with the plastic zip lock to keep everything dry.

Prepare to Get Muddy

You can’t be a traIl runner and not like mud. If it’s raining, there is going to be mud on the trails. This means that you are going to get dirty feet right through from your trail running shoes to your toenails. You will get it up the back of your legs too! Be prepared to clean your feet with a scrubbing brush in the shower. I actually use these exfoliating gloves which are amazing for getting rid of the mud up your legs and on your feet and around your toes!

Preparing for an Ultra Marathon in the Rain

Training runs are one thing – you can always adjust your run to avoid the worst of the rain. You can go out earlier, finish later or just skip for the following day. When it comes to an ultra marathon in the rain though you have no choice. You have to be at that start line come rain or shine! Be prepared. Let’s summarise:

  • Wear the right kit – (pack an extra pair of socks to change during the race and your taped seam waterproof gear)
  • Make sure you apply plenty of Vaseline or Bodyglide
  • Wear dark colours to avoid the see through look
  • Don’t wear cotton
  • Embrace the rain – enjoy splashing through the puddles
  • Remember – it’s only water!
  • Pack your waterproofs – race organisers will expect to see them
  • If you have a map – get a map cover!

While you are not going to be able to stop getting wet when trail running in the rain, you can make it a more comfortable experience by following the tips above. Most importantly though; don’t let a bit of rain stop you!

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