Do track runners have to shave their legs? if yes why?

Question

i'm planning to join track in HS , i'm a dude

Answer 1

no.

Answer 2

I know cyclists shave their legs because it reduces the pain from road rash and teh healing process.  It's not aerodynamics as many think.  I don't see runners falling and sliding aross asphalt often though so I'm not sure why?

Answer 3

They don't have to, it is personal choice.  As for the answer about swimmers, swimmers aren't required to shave their bodies either.  It is preferred because it reduces drag as you move throw air/water.

Answer 4

no My brothers friend runs hurdles and he doesnt shave his legs.

Answer 5

it's up to you....i personally think it's kinda weird when guys shave their legs though.

i shave my legs for running....but then again....I'M A GIRL.

it shouldn't make too much of a difference either way.  

Answer 6

I don't. I run track. You can, it might be easier, cause sometimes if you get an injury you have to tape up your legs(never happened to me yet...) and it would hurt to take the tape off....

I think its quite unmanly to shave your legs.

Answer 7

girls hopefully do,  dudes don't.  good luck  

Answer 8

No way. There is one kid I have ever seen shave his legs and it was Alan Webbs kid brother.

Air has a lot less resistance than water. Maybe if you were running in the Olympics or at an international meet I would suggest it but definitely not in HS.

I don't know how much it would help but if you are really paranoid you can wear long spandex that goes down to your ankles. Honestly though, it probably might shave .5 seconds off of your best time and running track (or cc) has so many other variables too it on any given day that you would doubtfully notice.

Answer 9

They don't have to, but many runners choose to because it makes them slightly more aerodynamic, and can give them a slight advantage.

Answer 10

If your in High School don't that would be g*y, but if you were making some money off of it then do. I have herd that by shaving it helps your speed because something about air dynamics the way it moves over your body. I don't know for sure though.

Answer 11

oh gosh! def dont do that. it wont help you, i mean maybe it will take off .4354 of a second. but seriously not worth it..especially if your into getting dates and stuff like that..

Answer 12

no, they don't. thats more of a swimming thing.

Answer 13

some do because they are kind of supersticious they feel they will run faster without it and be more aerodynamic.

Answer 14

no not unless you want to wear spandex, if you wear spandex and have a lot of hair when you run it might be a little uncomfortable. but its up to you.  

Answer 15

I know that guys on our team definatly don't shave their legs. They do however wear  spandex so be ready for thaat. I don't think that you get into the leg shaving buissness till like nationalt level or higher.

Answer 16

a lot of people think that shaving their arms and legs has to do with aerodynamics, but it really doesn't. When you shave you scrape off all of the old, dead skin cells on the top layer which makes your nerve endings more sensitive and there for improves muscle reaction. True, in swimming hair can cause drag, but most swimmers use full leg, or body suits so that isn't a factor and in running the resistance between hair and air is negligible. So, no don't shave your legs, the benefits are not worth your pride.