1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Glide Runner: Laugavegur Trail Running Outfit Designed  
to finish the race fast and safely 
 
 
Kristofer Thorgrimsson 
Sports Product Design Master‘s Degree Program, University of Oregon 
SPD 689: Capstone 
Carly Mick 
June 14, 2024 
 
  
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Contents 
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4 
History of trail running .............................................................................................................. 4 
History of Laugavegur Ultra Marathon ................................................................................. 5 
Users .......................................................................................................................................... 6 
Jobs to Be Done ......................................................................................................................... 7 
Environment ............................................................................................................................... 7 
Product Range ............................................................................................................................ 9 
Rules and Regulations ................................................................................................................ 9 
Product Anatomy ..................................................................................................................... 10 
Key Competitors ...................................................................................................................... 12 
State-of-the-Art Materials and Manufacturing ........................................................................ 15 
Intellectual Property Landscape ............................................................................................... 16 
Trends – Color, graphic and branding ..................................................................................... 19 
Physiology ............................................................................................................................... 22 
Biomechanics ........................................................................................................................... 22 
Psychology ............................................................................................................................... 24 
Athlete Insights ........................................................................................................................ 26 
Performance Testing Plans ...................................................................................................... 26 
Professional Interests ............................................................................................................... 29 
Personal Strengths ................................................................................................................ 29 
Golden Circle Statement ...................................................................................................... 29 
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Project Alignment ................................................................................................................ 30 
Mentors ................................................................................................................................ 31 
Functional Design Process ....................................................................................................... 32 
Start ...................................................................................................................................... 32 
Ascent .................................................................................................................................. 36 
Descent ................................................................................................................................. 37 
Weather conditions .............................................................................................................. 39 
Finish Line ........................................................................................................................... 43 
Aesthetic Design Process ......................................................................................................... 45 
Moodboard ........................................................................................................................... 45 
Graphics ............................................................................................................................... 46 
Final Outfit ........................................................................................................................... 47 
References ................................................................................................................................ 50 
Appendix A. Questionnaire for Laugavegur Ultra Marathon Competitors ............................. 55 
Appendix B. SWOT Analysis .................................................................................................. 56 
Appendix C. Proof of concept prototype slide deck ................................................................ 59 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Laugavegur Trail Running Outfit 
 
Introduction 
 ‟A Decade of Fitness”, is the title of an article posted on The New York Times 
website in December 2019. It outlines the major increase that has occurred in the physical 
activity of the public for the past decade and even longer. Every year, an abundance of 
studies are published listing the benefits of physical activity for health and longevity. People 
have caught on and have started to spend more time walking, jogging, weight training, 
swimming, biking, hiking et cetera in the hope of increasing their health and being able to 
spend more time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their old age (Reynolds, 
2019). This trend can be seen in the expansion of trail running. And with more people 
frequently training and competing in trail running, the need for specialized trail running 
garments and equipment has increased. Every trail is unique and comes with its own set of 
challenges while all trail running products on the market are generic. The purpose of this 
paper is to research how that might be changed with the design of a specific trail running 
outfit for the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon, one of the most popular trail running competition 
in Iceland (IBR, n.d.). 
 The scope of this project has been summarized into one problem statement. How 
could a competition outfit help elite male trail runners finish the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon 
in a shorter time by improving running economy, carry necessary equipment and keep them 
safe in case of sudden change in weather? 
History of trail running 
One can safely assume that running has been a part of human history since the 
beginning. For our ancestors who lived as hunter-gatherers, running was essential for survival 
and was likely the driving force leading to the evolution of certain human characteristics 
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(Hunter-Gatherer, 2022). And as humans evolved, running evolved with them. In ancient 
Greek society, beginning around 700 BCE, running had started to turn into a competition. But 
continued to serve a purpose with messengers delivering news and in the military. The terrain 
was certainly not a flat tarmac road so this type of running was trail running. 
 Trail running as a sport has been credited to a group of friends in San Fransisco in the 
summer of 1904. It started out as a bet where a few friends challenged each other to a race 
over the foothills of the Californian coast to be the first to reach the newly opened Dipsea 
Inn, just outside of San Fransisco. The following year, on November 19, the group returned 
to stage the event, this time having formed a formal club. The Dipsea Trail Race was 
therefore the first organized trail-running event and is still held annually (Robinson, 2022). 
During the 20th century, trail running started to grow and since the mid-1990s, the popularity 
of trail running has grown at a rate of 15% each year (Trail Running, n.d.).  Despite its 
popularity, it wasn‘t until 2013 that The World Trail Running Association was founded, with 
the aim to promote trail running around the world and give voice to all parties involved in the 
sport. Today more than 25,000 trail running races are held worldwide each year and World 
Athletics has recognized trail running as an official discipline (126 Running Statistics You 
Need to Know in 2022, 2022). 
History of Laugavegur Ultra Marathon 
The Laugavegur Ultra Marathon, which is the main subject of this paper, is a trail race 
located in the southern highlands of Iceland. It is organized by Reykjavik Sports Association 
and took place for the first time in 1997 with 49 participants. The race has increased in 
popularity over the years and has reached the maximum possible participants of 550 runners. 
Thousands of runners, from all over the world, apply for the race each year. The participants 
are chosen by the organizers based on the ITRA general performance index and a lottery. The 
next race will take place for the 28th time on Saturday, July 13th, 2024. 
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Users 
Trail running is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world with a current estimate 
of 20 million trail runners worldwide (Trail Running, n.d.). However, the targeted users for 
this project are men competing in the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon. In that particular race, the 
conditions can be harsh and the course challenging. It is therefore only for experienced 
runners. The requirements for participation are strict and require an ITRA performance index 
of 370 or higher. Furthermore, participants need to have reached 18 years of age, know their 
limitations and be mentally able to help themselves when needed in difficult circumstances. 
This decreases the population of the targeted demographic and is estimated to be about 
600,000 (ITRA, n.d.) 
 For the majority of sports, athletes are generally expected to peak at the age of 
24 to 32 years old. However, for extreme endurance sports, like trail running and ultra 
marathons, the fastest times are generally achieved at the age of 35 to 45 years or older. And 
the age of peak performance increases with increasing race distance or duration due to the 
increasing importance of mental strength over physical fitness (Knechtle & Nikolaidis, 2018). 
The age range of the targeted users is therefore quite broad, men from the age of 18 to 60 
years old. 
 The Laugavegur Ultra Marathon is not only marketed for trail runners in Iceland, it’s 
equally as much meant to attract trail runners worldwide. Trail running can be considered a 
part of sports tourism, which is one of the branches of tourism that is expanding the most 
rapidly. Increasingly more places are using sporting events to attract participants and 
spectators in the hopes of boosting media publicity and creating a positive image of the place 
among inhabitants and guests. This not only increases the population of the targeted 
demographic but also shifts it. People who seek to travel across the globe to participate in 
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trail races could be considered more adventurous and have higher income levels. This makes 
them more likely to be willing to invest in a premium and innovative race outfit. 
 To summarise, the targeted users are 18 to 60 years old men. They are experienced 
trail runners, thus both physically fit and mentally strong with a mid to high level of income. 
Jobs to Be Done 
In order to successfully create products for the participants of the Laugavegur Ultra 
Marathon it’s crucial to know what is required of the runners to be able to complete the race. 
To understand that better, the Jobs-to-be-Done Theory can provide a framework for defining, 
categorizing, capturing, and organizing all the runners’ needs (Ulwick, 2017). We can look at 
the products the runners wear during the race as if they were “hired” by the runners to help 
them do a certain job. Five of these jobs have been identified and are as follows: Run great 
distances alone in the wilderness, descend steep hills, take on and off garments with ease, 
carry mandatory equipment, and run on multi-terrain surfaces. These five jobs to be done are 
only an overview of some of the things the runners face during the race and with detailed 
analysis, the number of jobs to be done would increase greatly. Each and every job could also 
be further analyzed into a job tree to fully understand every element of the race.  
Environment 
As stated above, the course of the trail race is called Laugavegur and is located in the 
southern highlands of Iceland. It is 35 miles long with a total ascend of 5,000 feet and a total 
descent of 6,300 feet. The course connects the two nature reserves, Landamannalaugar and 
Thorsmork. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in Iceland and in 2012, National 
Geographic chose it as one of the twenty most beautiful trails in the world (Laugavegur, 
n.d.). 
 The trail can be broken up into a few different legs. Each with its unique scenery and 
challenges but together they form a magnificent untouched and diverse wilderness. The first 
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leg of the race goes from Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker and is about 6 miles apart from 
each other in a straight line. Right at the beginning, the ascend is very steep so hiking, to 
begin with, is recommended so the runners don‘t exhaust themselves too early on. The next 
leg is from Hrafntinnusker to Alftavatn, about 7 miles apart in a straight line. It starts with 
gulleys filled with snow and ice and moves on to muddy and slippery trails through a series 
of hot springs. The runners have to navigate through the slippery slopes carefully since losing 
their footing could end up horribly wrong. The second leg ends with a steep descent and at 
the bottom of the hillside is the first river the athletes need to cross. The third leg goes from 
Afltavatn to Emstrur. The trail is for the most part level but over sand which can be soft and 
the run-through is therefore often slow. That part of the course also includes the deepest river 
of the race that can reach the runners up to the mid-thigh. The last leg is from Emstur to 
Thorsmork and features yet another new type of nature and scenery. It includes steep inclines 
and starts with the runners navigating through a narrow trail in a canyon. The last river is 
then crossed before finishing the race off with a three-mile-long path in the woods (IBR, 
n.d.). 
 Figure 1 
Map of the trail Laugavegur 
 
 
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Running in the wilderness of Iceland's highlands always includes a certain amount of 
risk. One of these risk factors is the weather which can be diverse and have a large impact on 
the runners' performance. If the preceding winter was cold there could be quite an amount of 
snow and ice on the way, slowing the runners down. At the highest altitudes, the conditions 
can be very harsh with winds reaching up to 45 miles per hour, pouring rain, and even 
hailstorms. Sunshine and heat can also make it more difficult for athletes where there have 
been instances of people needing intravenous fluids to treat dehydration.  
 The weather can also change rapidly and even if the race starts in good conditions 
there is no guarantee it stays that way the whole race. Therefore the runners need to be 
prepared for various conditions and equipped with safety equipment since the distance they 
are running is long and the members of the staff are often far between. 
Product Range 
 The product range for the proposed project is a full apparel competition outfit for elite 
male runners at the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon. That includes a waterproof and windproof 
running jacket, a top, shorts, leg sleeves and arm sleeves. The outfit will be designed to help 
the runners finish the race in the shortest time possible by being adaptive to the environment, 
increasing their running economy and carrying the necessary equipment. The colors and 
graphics of the products should emphasize the innovations and performance-enhancing 
features in the garments. As well as be relevant to the athlete‘s psychographic profiles.  
Rules and Regulations 
There are no rules when it comes to the design of the products the runners can wear 
during the race, but there are several rules for the race itself. These rules need to be 
considered when designing the outfit to increase the chances of the runners’ success. All 
participants need to be 18 years old and have an ITRA performance index of 370 or higher.  
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For added safety, all participants are required to bring a whistle, a jacket, a space 
blanket, and a mobile phone with them to the race. The space blanket is to be used to keep the 
runner warm in case of an accident or for other reasons if the runner needs to stop on the way 
to wait for assistance. The whistle is required in case participants get lost on their way due to 
bad weather or fog or are in need of assistance. And if a runner gets injured he should call 
emergency services.  
All participants need to bring their own drinking cups or bottles and carry them 
throughout the course since no cups are provided at the drinking stations. There is also a strict 
prohibition against throwing any kind of litter along the way and human waste or anything 
else. Finally, participants must finish the race in under 9 hours and 15 minutes. (Laugavegur 
Ultra Marathon Race Rules - Laugavegur Ultra Marathon, n.d.) 
Product Anatomy 
 The competition outfit consists of three garments. Each garment can be dissected into 
different components where each part has a different function and a job to be done.  
A running jacket features five different components; a hood, a zipper, a body, sleeves, 
and air vents. The hood protects the wearer from harsh conditions, and the zipper makes 
donning and doffing easier. Both the body and sleeves provide wind and rain protection while 
the air vents increase ventilation (Bonatti Waterproof, 2022).  
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Figure 2 
Running jacket anatomy 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A hydration vest consists of five components; front, back, and side panels, storage 
compartments, and adjustment bands. The front, back, and side panels work together to 
optimize the fit while allowing freedom of movement. The pockets and compartments are for 
storage of flasks and other essential items. And the adjustment bands limit bouncing by 
stabilizing the vest (ADV SKIN 5, 2022). 
Figure 3 
Hydration vest anatomy 
 
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Pants are made out of five components; waistband, pant legs, gusset, cuffs and 
pockets. The function of the waistband is to hold the pants up and in place, the pant legs 
protect the legs from the environment, the gusset is extra fabric in the crotch for increased 
mobility, the cuffs keep the pant legs in place and the pockets are to store items (Luna, 2019). 
Figure 4 
Trail running pants anatomy 
 
 
Key Competitors 
There are multiple options for runners to choose from when buying garments for trail 
running. With the recent increase in trail-running popularity, more brands have started to 
offer specialized trail-running product lines. This section will outline a few of those products 
to investigate what features and benefits are common among state-of-the-art garments. 
 Three of the most popular and best-performing waterproof running jackets are 
Arc’teryx Norvan LT, Salomon Bonatti, and ON Waterproof Anorak (Alastair, 2022). The 
Arc’teryx Norvan LT retails for $400. It features GORE-TEX fabric for windproof and 
waterproof protection while providing breathability, it has articulated sleeves for mobility 
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and comfort and an adjustable hood for full weather protection (Norvan LT Hoody Men’s, 
n.d.). The Salomon Bonatti retails for $180. It features AdvancedSkinDry technology that 
protects from rain and wind while providing breathability, a chest pocket to secure light items 
close to you, and extra volume in the back to make room for hydration vests (Bonatti 
Waterproof, 2022). The ON Waterproof Anorak retails for $360. It features vents in front and 
back to increase airflow and breathability, it packs into its own inner pocket to be stashed into 
the hydration vest and a three-layer membrane for waterproofing and breathability (The 
Waterproof & Breathable Anorak, n.d.). 
 
Figure 5 
State-of-the-art trail running jackets 
 
 
 The three most popular and highest-performing hydration vests are the Salomon ADV 
Skin 5, Salomon Active Skin 4, and Nathan Pinnacle 12L The Salomon ADV Skin 5 retails 
for $140. It features SenseFit construction for a snug fit with optimal comfort, expandable 
pockets to store essential items, and an elastic sternum strap to adjust the pack quickly on the 
fly. The Salomon Active Skin 4 retails for $90. It features SenseFit construction for 
optimized fit and stability, pockets and compartments to store flasks and other objects and 
elastic straps which makes it easier to breathe on the fly. The Nathan Pinnacle 12L retails for 
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$200. It features tapered back panels to keep the moisture out, a long back for efficient 
dispersed capacity and thoughtful storage which are always within reach to store important 
items. (Abegg, 2022). 
 
Figure 6 
State-of-the-art hydration vests 
 
 
 Three popular running pants among trail runners are the Salomon Cross Run Tights, 
Nike Dri-Fit Phenom Elite Pants and Nike Dri-Fit Trail ½ Length Running Tights. The 
Salomon Cross Run Tights retail for $80. They feature a 4-way stretch for light muscle 
support, two strategic stretch pockets to keep gels, keys or smartphones close and secure on 
the move and an adjustable waistband for a perfect fit (Cross Run Tights, n.d.). The Nike Dri-
Fit Phenom Elite Pants retail for $105. They feature multiple pockets for storage, Dri-Fit 
technology that moves sweat away from the skin and zippers at the ankles for making it 
easier to take the pants on and off (Nike Dri-FIT Phenom Elite, n.d.). The Nike Dri-Fit Trail 
retails for $80. They feature a tight fit for a body-hugging feel, multiple pockets to keep 
essential items secure and Dri-Fit technology that moves sweat away from the skin (Nike Dri-
FIT Trail, n.d.). 
 
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Figure 7 
State-of-the-art trail running pants 
 
 
 Further analysis of the anatomy of the products with SWOT analyses which 
investigates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of every anatomical part of 
the main competitor garments can be found in Appendix B. 
State-of-the-Art Materials and Manufacturing 
 This section will overview the state-of-the-art materials and manufacturing methods 
used in the products listed above; a waterproof running jacket, a hydration vest and running 
pants. 
 The main material of the running jacket is 100% woven nylon or Gore-Tex with a 
DWR finish. The zipper is 100% stainless steel with nylon teeth. The first step in the 
manufacturing process is waterproofing the fabric followed by cut-and-sew methods. The 
fabric passes through a series of rollers and into a tank containing a bath of waterproofing 
materials and the chemicals are allowed to soak into the fabric. The fabric is removed from 
the bath and heated so the chemicals soak evenly into the fabric. The fabric passes through 
another series of rollers and is allowed to cool. This allows the chemicals to harden and stay 
in place in the fabric (Raincoat, n.d.). The fabric is then cut into patterning pieces which are 
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then sewn together. The seams are water-sealed and lastly, trims are sewn to the jacket 
(Miller, 2022).  
 The hydration vest features several different parts, each with a slightly different 
material. The body is 84% nylon and 16% elastane mesh, the back insert is 89% nylon and 
11% elastane knit, the back body is 100% polyester mesh, the body insert is 88% nylon and 
12% elastane knit, the foam is 100% polyethylene and the lining is 100% nylon spacer mesh 
(Salomon ADV 5, n.d.). It’s manufactured using cut-and-sew methods. Materials are sourced 
and cut into patterning pieces. The different panels are then sewn together and trims added. 
 For the trail running pants, the pant legs and gusset are 90% polyester and 10% 
elastane knit, the pockets are 80% polyester and 20% elastane mesh, the waistband is elastic 
rubber band and 90% polyester and 10% elastane knit and the cuffs are is 90% polyester and 
10% elastane rib knit (Nike Dri-Fit Trail, n.d.). The pants are made by conventional cut-and-
sew methods. 
Intellectual Property Landscape 
Relevant patents in the trail running product space include patents on compression for 
baselayers,  upper and outsole bonding in footwear, and ventilation for jackets.  
Close-fitting sports garment – European Patent No. EP2449901B1 presents an 
invention related to fitted sportswear and in particular clothing intended for activities 
requiring postural support. Postural support is particularly important for endurance sports, 
such as running in the mountains or on rough terrain. The object of the invention is a garment 
with compression zones to provide postural support. It helps keep the joints stable to decrease 
energy expenditure during trail running (Chapuis, 2010). 
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Figure 8 
Close-fitting sports garment 
 
 
Venting apparatus with no-catch mechanism – U.S. Patent No. US8713712B2 
describes a venting apparatus with a no-catch mechanism and a method of manufacture of the 
apparatus are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention may 
comprise: a fastening device, a venting mechanism wherein the venting mechanism further 
comprises an opening, a mesh arrangement, and a no-catch mechanism (Maurer, 2014). 
 
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Figure 9 
Venting apparatus with a no-catch mechanism 
 
 
 Equipment Carrier with Tensioned Tether for Retaining Equipment in an Equipment 
Holder – U.S. Patent No. US20200022484A1 describes an equipment carrier configured to 
secure at least one piece of equipment to a user, and corresponding method. The equipment 
carrier includes at least one equipment holder configured to be secured to the user. The 
equipment holder includes an engaging portion configured to receive the equipment. At least 
one tether includes a first portion attached to the equipment and a second portion attached to 
the user at a second location offset from the engaging portion (Hunt et al, 2013). 
 
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Figure 10 
Equipment Carrier with Tensioned Tether 
 
 
Trends – Color, graphic and branding 
A relevant WGSN global color forecast says that as consumers gain a broader 
understanding of environmental issues, caring for the planet will become just as important as 
caring for ourselves. They see a continued focus on the climate, seasons, and locality. Colors 
will increasingly align with long-term and sustainable shades, as seen in the rise of 
foundational mid-tones and neutrals (Smith, 2022). The color palette chosen is a balanced 
palette of warm and cool tones, which are chosen with longevity in mind.  
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Figure 11 
Current and future color trends 
 
 
The diverse nature and landscape of Iceland have been the source of inspiration for 
the graphics in many Icelandic garments. Humans are deeply rooted in the strong connection 
of nature in the world around them, so the organic and flowing graphics are all about using 
natural and tactile elements to evoke the feeling, sight and sound of being immersed in nature 
(Rimmer, 2022). 
 
Figure 12 
Current and future graphic trends 
 
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 The current trends for logo and branding are minimalistic and focus on three 
elements; infographics, adaptability, and purpose. Infographics are used on products to 
deliver a message and provide information about the product. The logo of many products are 
encorporated into the infographics. Nowadays companies have to be everywhere if they want 
to be noticed. It is not enough to only have a physical store or an advertisement in print. To 
thrive in the digital age, companies will have to have an online presence as well. Because of 
that, it‘s important to have a logo that can change in size, complexity, or color depending on 
what they are used for (Chang, 2022). That is logo adaptability. And lastly, the logo should 
be a manifestation of everything that the brand stands for. That‘s how the logo gets its 
purpose. 
 
Figure 13 
Current and future logo trends 
 
 
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Physiology 
Performance in trail running can be predicted by the physiological characteristics of the 
runners. For a 35-mile-long trail race, there are four key physiological determinants, which 
can predict the runners‘ performance. Previous to the race, each runner was evaluated with 
lab tests to determine their physiological parameters. Correlations and multiple linear 
regressions were then used to find the determinants of performance in the race. The 
correlation is given with an r value which is always a number between -1 and 1 where r 
bigger than zero indicates a positive association. 
The most important determinant is maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), which is the 
maximum rate of oxygen consumption attainable during physical exertion. The second most 
important factor is the max velocity at 12% grade, tested on a treadmill. The correlation for 
these two factors were r=0.86 and r=0.85 respectively. The third and fourth most important 
determinants are fat/carbohydrate oxidation at 6.2 mph with a correlation of r=0.59 and knee 
extensor strength with an r value of 0.58 (Pastor et al., 2022). 
Biomechanics 
Running biomechanics is the study of how the body moves and the relationship between 
those movements and the forces that cause them. In trail running, proper biomechanics is 
important to minimize the risk of injuries and to improve running economy, which increases 
performance (Jyoti, 2020). 
 The study of running biomechanics usually begins by looking at the gait cycle. This 
cycle starts when one foot makes contact with the ground and ends when that same foot 
makes contact with the ground again. It can be divided up into two phases; the stance phase 
and the swing phase. The stance phase is defined as the duration the foot is in contact with 
the ground, while the swing phase is the duration the foot is airborne. In between these two 
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phases are two periods where neither foot is in contact with the ground, which is referred to 
as float (Phillips, 2020). 
 The stance phase can be divided into four stages; initial contact, absorption, 
midstance, and propulsion. The initial contact marks the beginning of the stance phase and is 
the moment the runner lands. Runners can have slightly different gait cycles and therefore the 
runners can either land on their heel, midfoot, or forefoot. Forefoot running is more energy 
efficient than heel striking and the majority of elite runners use that style of running (Kasmer 
et al., 2013). Following the initial contact is absorption where tendons and connective tissue 
within the muscles store elastic energy for later use in the propulsion stage. The midstance is 
when the leg is directly under the hips taking the maximum load. The last stage is propulsion 
when the hip, knee, and ankle extend to push the body up and forward. The swing phase can 
be divided into two stages. The initial swing, where the quads and hip flexors contract 
concentrically to swing the leg forwards, and the terminal swing, where almost all the 
muscles of the lower limb activate in this phase to straighten the hip, knee, and ankle for the 
next initial contact. (Phillips, 2020). 
 As gait velocity increases from slow to fast walking and then to running, the duration 
of the stance phase decreases, while the duration of the swing phase changes little. With 
increases in speed, the stance–swing ratio changes from 60:40 in normal walking to 20:80 in 
sprinting at 20 mph. Running speed is calculated as the product of stride length and stride rate 
(cadence). Initial increases in speed are made primarily by lengthening the stride while 
velocity increases at higher speeds are achieved by quickening the cadence, largely because 
there is an anatomical limit to stride length (HEHNE, 1990). 
 Out of the two phases of the gate cycle, the stance phase is more important because 
that‘s when the foot lands on the ground. If not done properly, the impact of the ground 
reaction forces can lead to injuries and impact running performance (Jyoti, 2020). The 
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external forces acting upon the body when running are following. The ground reaction force 
is the impact of the body with the ground. Drag force is the air resistance that occurs between 
the air and the runner and slows him down. Gravity is the force between the runner and the 
earth pulling straight down on the body when running upright. And lastly, the frictional force 
allows the runner’s shoe to grip the ground. 
 
Figure 14 
The gait cycle 
 
 
Psychology 
Psychology plays a major role in distance and trail running performance. The psychological 
effects on performance can be explained through what the runners think, how they feel, and 
subsequently the way they behave (Bandura, 1997). There are a wide array of these 
psychological factors that can play a role in distance running. Runners may have self-doubts 
in their ability, lack motivation, and have negative emotions when the race gets tough and 
things don’t go as expected. To help manage these factors, the runners can use psychological 
strategies such as self-talk, imagery, and goal setting (Blagrove & Hayes, 2021). 
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 Self-belief or confidence is one of the most important psychological factors that plays 
a role in distance running. Confidence is dynamic and can change based upon how well 
training sessions have gone, performances in races, and injuries. Motivation can be of two 
types; self-determined and non-self-determined. Non-self-determined motivation relates to 
external regulation like an external reward so the runner does not have full control over it. 
While self-determined motivation is internal, meaning the runner has more control over it and 
is therefore associated with more positive outcomes (Ryan & Deci, 1999). Ultra-marathon 
can be a rollercoaster of emotions where a runner may experience nerves just before the start, 
excitement during the first couple of miles, and towards the later stages. Emotions are a 
response to what is happening in the athlete’s environment, or a response arising from 
thoughts in an athlete’s mind. They need to understand what influences these emotions so 
they are less likely to impair the runner‘s performance (Lazarus, 2000). 
 Internal dialogue or self-talk can be used strategically to have positive outcomes and 
increase confidence. Runners can use statements to focus their attention on their technique 
like ‘Keep good rhythm’ or motivational statements like ‘I can do this’. Imagery is used to re-
create or create a new experience in the mind using multiple senses. That way, athletes can 
imagine an upcoming race or use imagery to reflect on a previous successful race or training 
session. When faced with adversity in the middle of a race, chances are they have envisioned 
it beforehand and are therefore better prepared in coping with it. The last psychological 
strategy is goal-setting. Goal-setting has consistently been demonstrated as one of the most 
effective human behavior techniques. Goals can fuel motivation, by encouraging persistence 
in the pursuit of the runner’s aims and helping to direct their attention (Tenenbaum et al, 
1999). 
 
 
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Athlete Insights 
Additional information was collected by sending out questionnaires and interviewing 
runners that have competed in the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon. The goal was to get a better 
understanding of the trail itself, where and what are the most challenging parts of the race, 
and how they dealt with it. As well as what are the types of equipment and garments they 
wear during the race and how they feel about them. The questions in the questionnaire can be 
found in Appendix A.  
 One of the interviews conducted was with Arnar Petursson, the winner Laugavegur 
Ultra Marathon for the last two years and 53 times Icelandic Champion in distance running. 
Below are some of the key takeaways from the interview. 
“Having the vest full of items bouncing around can be very distracting. I did not store any 
liquid in the vest, I started out with one flask with 500ml of liquid and had it in my hand all 
the time.” 
“Moving the weight of the items stored in the vest from the chest area towards the hips where 
the center of mass of the body makes you feel the weight of it a lot less.” 
“Being able to quickly change outfits on the go is essential. During the point of highest 
elevation, I had a jacket on, gloves and a buff covering up to my eyes but I was still freezing. 
But at the finish line, I had taken all of it off and finished the race shirtless.” 
Performance Testing Plans 
To determine a baseline of how the proposed products should perform, competitor 
products will be purchased, tested and analyzed. The three products tested are the Salomon 
Bonatti running jacket, Salomon ADV Skin 5 hydration vest and Nike Dri-Fit Trail running 
tights. These products will be tested for running economy, donning and doffing, and fit and 
comfort.  
27 
 The first test will test the running jacket by measuring the effort needed when running 
downhill. It will take place at the skiing slope Artunsbrekka in Iceland. A video and muscle 
activity of the quadriceps and soleus muscles will be captured while an athlete runs downhill 
wearing the Salomon Bonatti jacket. A detailed testing plan can be found in table 1. 
Table 1 
Downhill running economy testing plan 
 
 
 The second test will test the running jacket and hydration vest together to determine 
the ease of taking off the jacket, storing it in the vest and putting it on again while running. 
The test will take place on a level ground trail in Ellidaardalur in Iceland. Video will be taken 
of an athlete performing the task described above. Time will be measured with a stopwatch 
and effort determined through a questionnaire. A detailed testing plan can be found in table 2. 
  
28 
Table 2 
Jacket donning and doffing testing plan 
 
 
The third test will test the hydration vest and pants for bounce when pockets are full of water 
and nutrition gels. The test will take place on the treadmill in the Nucleus Lab at the Portland 
Campus of the University of Oregon. A video will be captured of an athlete running on a 
treadmill with pockets full of water and nutrition gels. The vertical displacement of each 
garment during each step will be calculated using computer software. A detailed testing plan 
can be found in table 3. 
29 
Table 3 
Vest and pants bouncing test 
 
 
Professional Interests 
 This section outlines my top strength according to the strengths finder test and how 
these strengths can be utilized for this project. 
Personal Strengths 
1. Competition 
2. Achiever 
3. Learner 
4. Focus 
5. Futuristic 
Golden Circle Statement 
Why? To inspire athletes to reach their full potential no matter at what level they 
compete. 
How? By creating innovative and high-performing sports products 
30 
What? Running apparel and footwear 
Project Alignment 
My top strength according to the strength finders test is competition. The outfit I will 
be designing is for competitive runners and therefore I feel like I can very well relate to them. 
Being a competitive runner myself I can understand their passion and drive to be successful 
and the faith they have to have in the products they use in their sport. A lot of products 
already exist in the trail running space so I am also eager to look at my thesis project as a 
competition to the existing products and do everything in my power to make mine better. I 
am also ambitious in my product line-up and have everything designed and made by the end 
of May 2023. I will need to have an extreme focus to get everything done by that time and 
prepare for when things don‘t go as planned and remind myself that achiever is one of my top 
strengths so I can get through it. I will also be doing a lot of things for the first time so I will 
have to learn new things along the way. 
 After graduation, I want to design running apparel. After this project, I will have a 
range of running garments that I can showcase in my portfolio to future employers. At large 
companies, the role of each person within each design team is often very specific. By doing 
all of the steps of the design process myself I will get a better understanding of what area of 
the design process I want to work at. And getting experience doing every step helps to 
expand my opportunities of getting a job within a design team. Choosing trail running as a 
topic also keeps my options open to getting a job in the outdoor industry. One of the most 
exciting opportunities for apparel designers in Iceland is at a company called 66 North, which 
is an outdoor brand. 
 
 
 
31 
Mentors 
My first mentor is Sarah Klecker. She is an SPD alumnus and currently works as a 
Design Apprentice in Catalyst Apparel at Nike. Being an alumnus of the SPD program she 
has experience doing this project and could therefore provide valuable insights into what 
made her project successful.  
My second mentor who came into the project at later stages is Rhys Mckenna. He is a 
senior designer for athlete concepts at adidas Terrex. Rhys gave meaningful feedback during 
the aesthetic phase of the project. He studies fashion at Edinburgh University and has 
experience designing for Burberry, Stella McCartney and adidas amongst others. 
 
Figure 15 
Confirmation from Sarah 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32 
Functional Design Process 
The main objective of the designed outfit is to allow the athlete to finish the 
Laugavegur Ultra Marathon fast and safely. Focusing on improving running economy, 
creating storage for the items the athlete needs to carry and making sure the outfit is 
adaptable to various weather conditions. 
For simplicity and making it easier to follow the design process along. The race and 
the design process have been broken up into five segments. Each segment focusing on one of 
the challenges the athletes have to face during the race. They are the start of the race, 
mountain ascent, mountain descent, weather conditions, and the finish line. 
Start 
Before the start of the race, the athletes need to find a way to store every item they 
need during the race. According to the rules, carrying a space blanket, a mobile phone, a 
whistle, and a jacket is mandatory. And based on athlete interviews, the majority of athletes 
competing in the Laugavegur Ultra also carry energy gels, a water flask and extra garments. 
Some of these items need to be easily reachable at all times, like the energy gels, the water 
flask and the extra garments. While the space blanket and the phone are only needed in 
emergencies.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
33 
Figure 16 
The items carried by athletes in Laugavegur Ultra  
 
 
As previously mentioned, the two factors to consider when deciding where to store 
these items are reachability and bounce. During trail running there is quite a lot of vertical 
placement in each step, which means that the heavier items, like the water flask and the 
mobile phone, could bounce around if they aren‘t secured and placed properly. That is 
annoying and uncomfortable to the athletes and could slow them down.  
To maximize reachability and minimize bounce, a test was performed. Stickers were 
placed on the athlete‘s body on potential pocket placements as can be seen in figure 17.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
34 
Figure 17 
Pocket placement testing 
 
 
The athlete was then asked to evaluate the reachability at each potential pocket 
placement. And how much bounce he could feel when a one-kilogram weight was placed in 
the same places. Based on these findings, two different body maps were created. 
 
Figure 18 
Reachability and bounce body maps 
 
 
35 
On the reachability body map, it‘s clear that everywhere on the front of the body and 
the sides of the hips are easily reachable. So that is where a pocket for the energy gels and 
extra garments will be placed. The bounce body map shows that heavy items, like the water 
flask and the phone, are best to be stored on the lower part of the back.  
 Every item that needed to be stored could be placed on the shorts. The shorts have a 
large kangaroo pocket in front to store extra garments. On each side of the kangaroo pocket, 
there are elastic silicone grippers for the energy gels. A pocket for the water flask on the 
lower part of the back. And beneath, a zippered pocket for the phone and space blanket. By 
fitting every item on the shorts, the use of a hydration vest was eliminated which is 
uncomfortable to many runners. 
 
Figure 19 
Shorts storage 
 
 
 A performance test was conducted to evaluate the reachability and perceived 
bouncing of the water flask and energy gels in the newly designed outfit. And compare it to 
the benchmark products. The results showed less received bounce for the water flask in the 
Glide outfit compared to a Salomon hydration vest. The reachability was however a bit less. 
The energy gels also bounced less in the Glide outfit and the reachability was similar.  
36 
Ascent 
 One of the many challenges the athletes encounter during the Laugavegur Ultra is 
mountain ascending. When trail runners climb steep hills they often use a technique called 
power hiking. In power hiking, the athletes use their hands to push their legs, decreasing the 
effort needed by the thigh muscles.  
 To minimize the slipping between the palms of the hand and the shorts. Grip panels 
were designed and placed on the front of the thighs of the shorts. The material used for the 
grip panels was silicone heat transfer vinyl.  
 
Figure 20 
Power hiking stance and the grip panel 
 
 
 
 
37 
Descent 
 Once the athletes have climbed a mountain they eventually have to descend as well. 
According to research, downhill sections are crucial for performance in trail running ultra 
marathons. Descending is very technical and those who are the fastest and can safe the most 
amount of energy while descending are usually the ones who win the race (Genitrini et al., 
2022). Therefore there is a lot to benefit from creating an innovation to help athletes descend 
hills faster. 
 The inspiration for the solution about how a garment can increase performance while 
running downhill came from growing up in Iceland. It was often very windy and while 
playing outside in the wind, the jackets were often used as sails to be able to catch the wind 
and be pushed around. 
 The innovation intended to have the athletes experience a similar feeling while 
running downhill. A jacket was designed with a sail on each side, stored inside a pocket 
while not in use. During descent, the athletes can engage the sails and use them to increase 
the silhouette of the jacket and therefore increase the wind resistance to help in brake. That 
way they can save a lot of energy, not needing to constantly use their legs to slow themselves 
down on the way down the hill. When running in a tailwind, the athlete can also use the sails 
to glide along.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38 
Figure 21 
An athlete using sails to save energy while running downhill 
 
 
Lab testing was conducted measuring the drag force working on the jacket. To begin 
with, a benchmark jacket was put on a hanger and placed one meter from a fan. A force 
gauge was placed beneath the fan and attached with strings to the bottom part of the jacket. 
The fan was turned on to the highest setting and the force acting on the jacket was read from 
the force gauge and noted down. The fan was then turned off and the process repeated ten 
times. The results show an average of 1.2N working on the jacket. The raw data from the test 
can be seen below in table 4.  
The drag force working on the new jacket increased from 1.2N, of the benchmark, to 
1.7N. That is a 42% increase in drag force. One of the factors in the equation for drag force is 
area. The drag force is directly proportional to the area, meaning that if the area is doubled, 
the force will also double. The results of the testing are consistent with theoretical 
predictions, as the addition of the sails increases the area of the jacket by about 40%. The 
data from the test can be found in table 4. 
 
39 
Table 4 
Raw data from jacket wind resistance test 
Benchmark With sails 
Test Results Test Results 
1 1.3 N 1 1.6 N 
2 1.2 N 2 1.7 N 
3 1.3 N 3 1.8 N 
4 1.1 N 4 1.7 N 
5 1.4 N 5 1.6 N 
6 1.1 N 6 1.8 N 
7 1.0 N 7 1.5 N 
8 1.1 N 8 1.8 N 
9 1.1 N 9 1.4 N 
10 1.2 N 10 1.7 N 
Average 1.2N Average 1.7N 
 
Weather conditions 
During the race, the weather conditions can change very rapidly. The race could start 
in good conditions but as their altitude rises the temperature could drop, the wind start to pick 
up and rain start pouring down. Just as quickly, the sun could start to shine and the 
temperature increase. The athletes need to be prepared and equipped for all these conditions 
before the start of the race. The outfit they are wearing needs to be adaptable and every 
garment they want to use during the race, they need to carry from the start. 
40 
The jacket itself needs to be adaptable. The final design has a tight hood that stays 
put, even when running in headwind, thumbholes to cover the hands a little better when it‘s 
cold and a built-in whistle to call for help in case of an emergency and they need assistance. 
 
Figure 22 
Jacket‘s features 
 
 
The layers underneath also need to be adaptable. Instead of the runners having to 
carry a sleeveless top, t-shirt, and sweater. The base layer was broken up into components to 
save weight. It consists of a sleeveless top, t-shirt crop top with a mock neck and arm sleeves. 
Each piece can be used individually or all together.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
41 
Figure 23 
The adaptable outfits 
 
  
It‘s not only important for the runners to have an adaptable outfit but also how 
quickly they are able to change outfits on the go. A jacket donning and doffing test was 
conducted to find out how long it takes to take off and put on a benchmark jacket to begin 
with. The runner was asked to take off the jacket while running on a treadmill at 5 km/hr and 
store it in the running vest. The runner was then asked to take the jacket from the vest and put 
it on again. The test was done five times and on average it took the runner 22 seconds to take 
the jacket off and store it in the vest and 29 seconds to take it out of the vest and put it on. 
The overall time was therefore 51 seconds. The raw data from the test can be seen below in 
table 5.  
 
 
42 
Table 5 
Data from jacket donning and doffing benchmark test 
 
 
 The same method as the benchmark test was copied to test the speed of the Glide 
Runner outfit‘s adaptability. The jacket donning and doffing for the new design took 49% 
less time in total. To take off the new jacket and store it in the shorts, took 11 seconds 
compared to 22 seconds for the benchmark jacket and the new jacket took 14 seconds to put 
on compared to 29 seconds for the benchmark. The data can be seen in table 6.  
 
Table 6 
New jacket donning and doffing data and results 
 
 
43 
The main difference between the benchmark products and the new Glide Runner 
outfit is the placement of the pockets. The new and improved design features a kangaroo 
pocket in the front which is easier to reach than the storage at the upper back on the 
benchmark products. This change decreases the time it takes to stow the jacket and take it 
back out. 
Finish Line 
 Eventually, the athlete will finish the race and cross the finish line. To validate the 
design and measure the performance benefits of the outfit, EMG muscle activation 
measurements were conducted. A test subject ran downhill for 20 seconds in the newly 
designed running jacket, with and without using the sails. EMG signal was collected from the 
three quadriceps muscles; Vastus Lateralis, Rectus Femoris and Vastus Medialis, and Soleus 
which have the biggest action in downhill run. EMG area under the curve will give an 
estimate of the energy spent. 
 
Figure 24 
EMG data from benchmark test without sails 
 
44 
Figure 25 
EMG data from test with sails  
 
 
There is a clear reduction in activity in all muscles no matter if looking at average or 
on average (area under EMG traces).  The average of the ‟On Average” values show a 19% 
decrease in energy while running downhill with the sails engaged. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
45 
Table 7 
Data from EMG signals from the downhill running test 
 On Average 
 Benchmark With Sails 
Vastus Lateralis 96 µV 79 µV 
Rectus Femoris 84 µV 66 µV 
Vastus Medialis 127 µV 88 µV 
Soleus 132 µV 123 µV 
Average 109.8 µV 89 µV 
Percentage difference 19 % 
 
 
Aesthetic Design Process 
This chapter will explain the aesthetic design process that followed the functional 
design process.  
Moodboard 
The color story for the final design is subtle anti-camo. The athletes are outdoor 
enthusiasts and care for the nature. That is reflected in the green and the light sand color 
inspired by the environment where the race takes place. The contrast between these two 
colors is then used to highlight the layering system in the outfit. One of the main objectives is 
safety, so the highly visible neon green is so the athletes can be more easily seen in case they 
get lost and need assistance. That same color is also used to highlight the main innovations in 
the outfit. The lightweight and semi-transparent fabrics reflect the liberating feelings the 
runners experience while running outside in nature.  
 
46 
Figure 26 
Moodboard for the aesthetics of the Glide Runner outfit 
 
 
Graphics 
The title of the graphics created is “Leave your mark”. It is inspired by the silhouette 
of the sails in the jacket and is placed on the garments underneath the sails. So when the 
athletes take their jacket off, the sails have left their mark on the garments underneath. And 
the slogan, leave your mark, also encourages the runners to push themselves, set new 
personal records, and leave their mark on the community. Finally, this graphic represents the 
whole design process abstractly, starting with the blurriness of confusion, research, and 
ideation. Everything then comes together into a single point of focus and innovation. Making 
the functional design process leave its mark on the aesthetics. 
 
 
47 
Figure 27 
The graphic placed on the Glide Runner outfit 
 
 
Final Outfit 
 The final outfit consists of shorts, a sleeveless top, a crop top with mock neck, leg 
sleeves, and arm sleeves. For the final design, the focal point of the whole outfit was one of 
the main considerations. The intention was for that to be the main innovation, the sail in the 
jacket. That‘s why the jacket is in a neutral white color but the sails are colored in bright neon 
green so it will catch people‘s attention. It also helps in case the athletes get lost and need to 
make themselves more visible. And since the jacket is made from lightweight fabric, it‘s 
semi-transparent. So when the sails are inside the pockets, they are slightly visible through 
the fabric. Invoking curiosity about what‘s inside of the jacket. The sail-inspired graphics are 
placed on each side, directly underneath the sails. So it‘s like the color of the sails bleed onto 
48 
the garments below, leaving their mark. Reminding the athletes of the performance benefits 
in their outfit even though they aren‘t wearing the jacket.  
 
Figure 28 
3D render of the full product lineup 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49 
Figure 29 
The Glide Runner outfit on person 
 
 
Figure 30 
Athlete running in the Glide Runner outfit 
  
50 
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Appendix A. Questionnaire for Laugavegur Ultra 
Marathon Competitors 
Questionnaire for Laugavegur Ultra Marathon Competitors 
What’s your gender? 
What’s your age? 
How long have you been training for trail running? 
What garments and equipment do you currently wear during a race in windy and wet 
conditions? 
How many ultra-marathon trail races do you compete in per year on average? 
How often have you competed at the Laugavegur Ultra? 
What was the most difficult part of the Laugavegur Ultra Race? 
What do you like about the current trail running outfits 
What do you dislike about current trail running outfits? 
What do you like about the current hydration vests? 
What do you dislike about current hydration vests? 
What do you like about the current trail running shoes? 
What do you dislike about current trail running shoes? 
If there were no physical constraints, what would an ideal trail running outfit look like? 
What is the number one thing you want the competition outfit to provide you with? 
 
  
56 
      Appendix B. SWOT Analysis 
SWOT Analysis 
SWOT analysis of state-of-the-art trail running jackets 
 
 
57 
SWOT analysis of state-of-the-art hydration vests 
 
 
58 
SWOT analysis of state-of-the-art trail running pants 
 
 
 
 
 
 
59 
                                        Appendix C. Proof of concept prototype slide deck 
Proof of concept slide deck 
 
 
 
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