Most runners do not need help making their sweat visible. A gentle incline and a questionable weather forecast usually do the job.
But a new shirt for the Authentic Pheidippides Run in Greece has given perspiration a promotional role. According to manufacturer Magic Race Swag, its hidden pattern appears when the fabric gets wet, revealing event logos across the shirt as the runner sweats.
Finally, something for the runner who feels their appearance alone does not adequately communicate the state they are in.
Announced on October 14th, the green shirt marks the event’s tenth edition. Its permanent graphics include a route map, while the hidden logos carry the number ten. As the material dries, the extra pattern disappears.
It is effectively a change of outfit without the administrative burden of taking anything off.
There should be ample opportunity to activate it. Scheduled for November 19th to 23rd, the event offers a 485.3km route from Athens to Sparta and back. An extended option continues to Marathon, bringing the distance to 524.9km.
Some people finish an ultramarathon and want a shower. Others apparently want another 39.6 kilometres.
The manufacturer is also supplying a purple volunteer version with the same effect. Sensibly, the people supporting this enterprise get the interesting shirt without having to run across a substantial portion of Greece.
How would this shirt fare in Ireland? The obvious question is what happens in the rain. The company describes a design that responds to wet fabric, so the emerging logos should not be treated as proof of heroic effort. A damp walk to the start could presumably do some of the work.
Still, as race souvenirs go, it offers something different.
Most of us already have a drawer full of event shirts. At least this one has a party trick beyond reminding us we used to fit into a medium.
