The official guide to Otley Run costumes: Here’s what they say about you

At the best of times, Otley Run costumes can be… iffy. Whether you’re doing it for the first time or have been invited to your hundredth, this post should help you decipher what vibe your costume is giving off so you know what to be and who to avoid.

Warning: You probably (or most definitely) have worn one of these before.

Pirates

As someone who has been a pirate for the Otley Run more times than I’d like to admit, the pirate costume is a staple for anyone who can’t be bothered.

If you have chosen to be a pirate you have probably been invited to a friend of a friend’s birthday and don’t really want to go. Being a pirate says you’ve made just enough effort to not get rinsed, but not enough to spend the whole day (and night) out.

Top tip: Avoid sharing eye patches – you’re asking for pink eye.

British icons

If you dress up as a British icon you are a pop culture legend, you have made the effort to do something hard and it has paid off. Whether you’re Cheryl Cole or Sharon Osbourne, you’ve surely impressed the crowd. You’re the funny friend and will have lots of people recognise your costume.

Extra points for being the most likely to go viral on TikTok!

Old person

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If you dress as an old person, you are the life of the party. You don’t care too much about looking attractive and are there to have a good time with your friends. You have fully committed to the fun of dressing in costume and, unlike your character, you will be up way past your bedtime.

Prisoner/police officer

Choosing to be a prisoner or police officer for the Otley Run is boring and predictable. It’s a waste of fabric and was most likely bought online three years ago before you recycled it for every Halloween or fancy dress event since.

The only way these costumes could get worse is if they are paired together as a couples costume. Yuck!

Cowboy/girl

Let’s be honest, you’ve decided to come out last minute so you’ve put on a pair of jeans and a shirt (boots if we’re lucky). And to top it all off? A hat borrowed from your flatmate.

Spoiler alert: It’ll get stolen before you reach the halfway point.

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here campmate

If you dress as a campmate from I’m A Celeb you have made very little effort and probably plan on leaving to go to town as soon as you can. You are a social butterfly and can never say no to a night out. You’ve likely got a decent outfit on underneath that khaki shirt, and probably won’t even catch a glimpse of Dry Dock on your way “out out”.

Drinking 17 pints might feel like a bush-tucker trial, but finding a more original costume is your next challenge!