Rain is expected as thousands of participants compete in the 48th annual Detroit Free Press Marathon presented by MSU Federal Credit Union races this weekend.
The National Weather Service’s Detroit forecast shows that on Saturday night, Detroit could get between a half-inch and three-quarters of an inch of rain, with potential thunderstorms from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
On Sunday, there’s a 90% chance of precipitation, with between a half-inch and three-quarters of an inch of new rainfall. Sunday morning, the international marathon, Motor City and international half-marathons will take place, along with the marathon relay.
The wind on Sunday is expected to be around 16 miles per hour with gusts up to 24 mph. Wind can make it feel colder.
The National Weather Service Detroit forecast shows a 50% chance of showers after 2 p.m. Saturday. The rain is not expected in the morning while the 1-mile, 5K Meijer Little Detroit Dash and Kids marathon will take place.
Running in the rain is challenging, but when it comes to tips, we’ve got you — both runners and spectators. Here is advice:
Attitude
The biggest thing about running in the rain is not letting it get to you mentally. You’re going to run or walk the 13.1 or 26.2 miles, regardless of whether there’s water falling from the sky. It might be cold. It might be wet. But you signed up for a reason. Remember your why and embrace it in the moments you start thinking, “This is bad.” It’s OK to acknowledge it, but it’s hard to be in and enjoy the moment you’ve been working toward for months.
Running is a mental sport. Maybe this weekend’s weather is not ideal in your mind, but that’s how it goes sometimes. You probably put in hours of training to get to the starting line, and you are as ready as you’ll ever be for this year’s Detroit marathon. However long you’ve been training, you’ve likely been out in the rain before. Everyone is competing in the same weather conditions. Trust your training. Lean on those around you. Remember your why.
Avoiding chaffing/blisters
Something rain can add to the mix is an extra chance of chaffing. The morning of the race, applying anti-chaffing balm like Body Glide to previously chaffed or commonly chaffed areas can help relieve the uncomfortable rubbing of clothes on your skin. A stick of deodorant can also do the trick, though some brands may be more waterproof than others.
Areas that are susceptible to chaffing include, but are not limited to, thighs, the under-arm area near the armpit, the edges of a sports bra and the band around the top of shorts or pants.
Wear a comfortable pair of socks. If there’s a pair you sometimes get blisters in, avoid those. Your shoes might slip around in the rain and/or fill with water if you land in a puddle.
Race day outfit
If you were planning to wear a 100% cotton T-shirt or long sleeve, you might want to think about changing to something more likely to wick away the water but not get too wet and heavy. Think shirts made of polyester blends like the Nike Dri-FIT material. Clothes that can keep you warm but not wet.
A waterproof jacket could also be an option, though consider race temperatures. It’s expected to be in the 60s during race time, with Sunday’s expected high near 66. You might get warm after a few miles. Are you OK with tying the jacket around your waist or handing it to a spectator there to support you?
Some pants can get really soggy in the rain. If you plan to wear pants, try for pants made of water-resistant or Dri-FIT type materials like leggings or thin, non-cotton sweatpants. Shorts are a good option if that’s something you are comfortable with, because there is less fabric to get wet and heavy. Even if your legs are cold, would you rather have your legs cold and wet or just cold? My personal rule of thumb is pants under 40 degrees and shorts above 40 degrees, especially in the rain, because pants get soggy … but I know everyone is different.
A big thing is not to do anything out of the ordinary from training. If you normally train in pants, race in pants. If you have a lucky shirt you always wear on race day, wear it. These are just points to consider.
Waterproofing carried items
If you are planning to carry your phone or other electronics during the run, a plastic sandwich bag can provide a layer of protection. It’s not 100% guaranteed the bag won’t break or that your phone won’t get wet, but it’s a cheap, easy-to-find to find at a local grocery store, extra layer between your device and the rain. A waterproof phone or device case is a reliable option.
If you plan to carry gel or snacks, they will likely get wet if it rains. If your fuel is in an uncovered container or pouch and is something that could get soggy in water, consider putting it in a small plastic or other type of water-resistant bag.
Dry clothes for after
If you’re feet are soggy for hours during the race, dry socks will feel so nice afterward. If you are sticking around for the after party at Campus Martius and/or have a far drive home, a dry sweatshirt and an extra set of clothes to wear after the race goes a long way.
What to do as a spectator in the rain?
Everything I said to participants about keeping clothes light … toss it. Low 60 degrees may seem pretty warm, but after standing in rain and wind for a few hours, you might wish you had worn the extra pair of socks and hadn’t left the gloves in the car. Wear shoes that are comfortable because you’ll be on your feet, but if you have rain boots or waterproof shoes, consider those. If you have something waterproof like a jacket or poncho, wear it as your outside layer.
You won’t see your racer for the entire 13.1 or 26.2 miles. Between places you plan to see them on the course, get out of the rain, if possible. Stand under buildings with coverings or grab a coffee or snack and get dry at a business along the course.
Items for spectators to consider bringing:
Natalie Davies has been distance running for over eight years. She graduated from Wayne State University in May after spending four years on the NCAA Division II cross country and track and field teams.
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit marathon runners and spectators need to be prepared for rain in weather forecast
Reporting by Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
