Wearing little more than a hand-sewn loincloth and a toothy grin, Glen Raines became one of the most talked-about finishers at the 2017 Boston Marathon.
The image of him fist-bumping another runner—hair flying, faux fur fluttering, and smile blazing—captured the spirit of joy and eccentricity that often defines long-distance racing.
But there’s more to Raines than just a viral photo and a wild costume. Behind the beard and bare feet is a man driven by fun, community, and a primal passion for running.
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A Costume With Character—and Craftsmanship
Raines, a 50-year-old software engineer from San Diego, didn’t just throw on a random piece of fabric. His “Barefoot Caveman” persona is a carefully curated alter-ego that blends performance, DIY flair, and personal history.
The now-famous loincloth is made from tan faux-fur he bought at a local craft store. It’s stitched with purpose: breathable, thong-backed, and reinforced with a Velcro fastener that—despite 26.2 miles of sweat, motion, and spectator high-fives—has never failed. For emergencies, he carries a safety pin.
“Because what do you do if there is a wardrobe malfunction in the middle of the marathon?” he said with a laugh the day after finishing the race in 3:40:43.
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From San Diego Streets to Boston Finish Line
The Caveman costume debuted in 2011 at a smaller local race, but Boston marked his fifth costumed event in six years. By now, it’s a ritual—one that extends well beyond fabric.
“I have the caveman look and I run barefoot, so it’s perfect,” Raines said. “It really, truly is a blast to wear it.”
Barefoot running has long been associated with a return to more natural movement, and while science remains mixed on its benefits, for Raines, it fits the character and his personal philosophy. The minimal footwear style is a nod to a primal past, complementing his costume’s wild aesthetic.
Details in the Design: Bone, Fur, and Grit
For someone who wears so little, Raines packs in plenty of detail. His accessories include armbands fashioned from the same fur as his loincloth and a necklace with real bone.
One strand, sourced from a friend’s trail discovery, features an actual animal bone. But the more attention-grabbing piece is adorned with small, white shapes—human bone, removed from his husband’s mouth.
“It’s made from bones from my husband’s mouth,” Raines said matter-of-factly, referring to tori, bony growths extracted during oral surgery. “My husband was quite honored,” he added, chuckling. “Why did I keep them? They are quite interesting-looking bones.”
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Performance Art Meets Running Culture
Marathoners are no strangers to eccentricity, but Raines brings a unique energy to every race. His guttural, caveman-like cries at water stations aren’t just for show—they’re part of a larger goal to lift spirits and energize fellow runners.
“People go bananas,” he said. “One of the things I love about wearing this getup is that it motivates other runners. It builds this bubble of energy.”
His approach reflects a broader trend of blending performance art with endurance sport. Runners like Raines tap into the communal and celebratory aspects of racing—reminding participants that marathons are not just physical feats, but cultural events filled with humor, personality, and shared experience.
A Paleo Soul With Modern Tastes
Despite the primitive look, Raines isn’t opposed to modern comforts. After the race, he didn’t forage for wild berries or roast game over a fire. Instead, he celebrated with three well-earned gin martinis. That said, he mostly sticks to a Paleo diet, aligning with his caveman theme by prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods.
Like many seasoned marathoners, Raines knows that finishing strong often requires smart preparation—and a little help along the way.
“Yes, even a caveman needs his lube,” he joked, noting that in the final miles, he reached for a generous application of Vaseline without hesitation.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Not Just a Gimmick, But a Message
Raines’ appearance may seem like a novelty at first glance, but his intent runs deeper. He’s not out to distract—he’s there to inspire.
His creativity, commitment, and sense of humor create ripple effects among runners and spectators alike. Whether it’s a shout at mile 16 or a fist bump at the finish, Raines brings a jolt of humanity and fun to one of the most prestigious races in the world.
And in a sea of singlets and serious faces, sometimes what stands out the most is a nearly naked man in a faux-fur thong, reminding everyone why they started running in the first place: for joy, connection, and the sheer freedom of movement.
