I’m doing a 5k run tomorrow morning, and the weather looks like it’ll be somewhere between 10 and sub-0 f. So I’m looking for clothing suggestions. I’m looking to run it in 18 or under (at least I would in decent weather), so I wanted to see what you all would wear.
Would I be better off throwing my fleece tights over my running shorts and putting a good jacket on over a long-sleeved baselayer and just deal with some cold, or should I try to stay a bit warmer?
What you have mentioned sounds about right for me. I personally wouldn’t wear the tights over the shorts, just tights. For me I can go down to about 15 with just a long sleeve base, a windbeaker, tights, and a hat. You warm up pretty fast especially at the pace you mentioned. Good luck I am doing the Detroit Turkey Trot 10K tomorrow and race time forecast is about mid 30’s and rain!
Better to put up with the cold up front then be hot halfway through. I’m cold natured so when I know it will be cold I’ll bundle then strip at the last minute and get busy. That worked great for the cold masters swim @ 5:30 am. It doesn’t get extremely cold in my area but I think tights, baselayer top with something to knock the wind off your core like close fitting vest. My ears and hands are the most affected so I would go with gloves and ear protection.
I am doing the Thundercloud subs 5 miler tomorrow and I think I might just wear shorts. 
Temps are going to be in the low 60’s and then get cold later in the day.
I hate doing races when it is really cold. I tend to always over dress and end up getting pretty hot. Since the race is going to be over pretty fast, you might want to opt for a vest instead of a jacket. A wool shirt I have found works really good in cold conditions. Even if you sweat in it, you can still stay warm. A hat that has fleece that covers the ears is always a good option. I have hats that are think around the ear, but are lighter on top to allow heat out. Going with mittens will keep your hands warm, but you might want to opt for gloves.
Good luck.
Id go with tights, toque, and a short sleeve run shirt and a tight sweat wicker (under armour’ish) with arm warmers and gloves, most of which can be removed as your temperature increases.
Thanks for the clothing advice everyone, I should be able to put together a suitable outfit now. This will be my first straight 5k, so I want to do it as best I can, especially given the weather.
I’d wear a Santa outfit…
Tights yes. Fleece tights? Sounds like overkill.
Long sleeves + singlet if not windy, Long sleeves + vest if windy.
Beanie style running hat and knit gloves. Or headband that covers ears if sunny and not windy.
How bout running in snowy, icy, or extremely slushy streets, any advice for that?
Yeah, get a treadmill!
I can’t win a turkey on a treadmill though
.
Yeah, but your chances of breaking your leg are less. Spoken from experience.
Well, I did break 3 ribs once on a treadmill. College gym, girls stretching, you can picture the rest.
Go to the local Home Depot and pick up a pack of the smallest sheet metal screws you can find.
Pull out a pair of you used/semi throw-away running shoes and proceed to put 6-10 screws in each sole.
Viola! Instant sure-footed winter running for under $5.
x2, i have a 5k and its supposed to be around 28 a race time. I have found that when it gets under 30 and its a short race i use this outfit,
long tube socks or compression socks
Craft heavy base layer with tee shirt
Beanie
Gloves
Sub 20 or windy-
Add leggings and windbreaker jacket.
Strongly suggest wearing warmup pants and sweatshirt in warmup before race and then hand to a family member to keep your body warm.
In honor of today being Thanksgiving; I’m thankful I live in Florida.
80 degrees tomorrow 
But seriously, anytime I’ve raced in the cold I’ve always gone with tights. The baggier stuff just gets in the way and annoys you.
Good luck on your race!!
Well, it’s currently 4 degrees out. It’s above zero and not windy, and Thanksgiving looks like a perfect day to crush some dreams.
On really cold runs, 10 F. and under, I wear tri-shorts under my running tights. Keeps unmentionables warm and secure, and less ‘displayed’. Also, Pearl Izumi wool arm warmers are my favorite.
Well, race is over, I was comfortable the entire time thanks to your suggestions. Was never too warm or too cold.
The race on the other hand, well it sucked. I broke my mile PR on the first mile keeping up with some high-school kids, bad mistake. Ended up fading hard and running the last 2 at about a 7:30 pace, still came in about 20 minutes with a top 10 finish though. The kids ended up in the 15:30 range, but I can buy beer, so they can suck it.
If it’s early morning and the temperature is below zero, I recommend blankets.