In the world of marathon running, where elite athletes chase records and thousands push personal limits, few figures capture the imagination quite like Glen Raines, better known as the “Barefoot Caveman.” His iconic appearance at the 2017 Boston Marathon—running 26.2 miles barefoot while clad only in a hand-sewn faux-fur loincloth—produced one of the most memorable finish-line moments in the race’s history.

A viral photo of Raines fist-bumping another runner, his long hair flowing and his minimalist outfit defying gravity, spread across social media and running publications, turning him into an instant sensation.

As of late 2025, this story continues to inspire runners, with recent reposts and articles revisiting his primal approach to the sport.

Glen Raines, a software engineer from San Diego, California, was 50 years old during his famous 2017 Boston Marathon run. Finishing in a respectable 3:40:43, he proved that speed and endurance don’t require high-tech gear.

His alter ego, the Barefoot Caveman, embodies a philosophy of minimalism: no shoes, no fancy apparel—just raw determination and a touch of theatrical flair.

The loincloth itself is a masterpiece of DIY ingenuity. Handcrafted by Raines from tan-colored faux-fur fabric purchased at a local San Diego craft store, it features thoughtful design elements for functionality during a grueling marathon.

A built-in support pouch provides modesty and comfort, while the breathable material—enhanced by its thong-like back—helps with ventilation. Secured with a simple Velcro strip on the side, it has withstood sweat, wind gusts, and enthusiastic spectator high-fives without fail.

Raines even carries a safety pin as a precaution, humorously noting in post-race interviews, “You’ve got to be prepared for a wardrobe malfunction in the middle of a marathon.”

This wasn’t Raines’ first time embracing his caveman persona. He debuted the costume at a local race in 2011, after years of barefoot running. By 2017, it had become his signature look for select events.

The outfit’s details add to its authenticity: an armband made from the same fabric to hold his phone, and necklaces with intriguing origins.

One features an animal bone found by a friend on a trail run, while the other incorporates small white bone fragments surgically removed from his husband’s mouth due to bony growths known as tori. Rather than discarding them, Raines repurposed them into jewelry.

“My husband was actually honored,” he shared with a laugh, highlighting the playful yet personal nature of his character.

Raines doesn’t just dress the part—he fully embodies it on the course. As he passes water stations, he unleashes primal roars, energizing spectators and fellow runners alike. “People love it,” he explained. “One of the best things about this costume is that it fires up other runners.

It creates this amazing energy.” This interactive element turns his runs into communal celebrations, reminding participants that marathons are as much about joy and connection as they are about competition.

Of course, the Barefoot Caveman lifestyle has practical challenges. Barefoot running demands years of adaptation to toughen the soles and adjust biomechanics—Raines trained extensively to prepare his feet for pavement pounding.

Even with his primal aesthetic, he admits to modern necessities: generous applications of Vaseline to prevent chafing, applied without hesitation in the race’s final miles. “Yes, even a caveman needs some anti-chafing help,” he joked.

After crossing the finish line in Boston, Raines celebrated in style that blended ancient and contemporary: three gin martinis, a well-deserved reward. He aligns much of his diet with Paleo principles, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, though he’s not above indulging post-race.

Raines’ story resonates because it challenges conventional running wisdom. In an era dominated by cushioned shoes, moisture-wicking fabrics, and GPS watches, he demonstrates that expensive gear isn’t essential for success or enjoyment. His barefoot approach echoes debates in the running community about natural form versus protective technology.

Many credit minimalist running with reducing injuries by promoting better mechanics, though it requires patience and proper transition.

Beyond the spectacle, Raines’ runs carry a deeper message: embrace fun, creativity, and community. His roars and fist-bumps foster camaraderie, uplifting weary runners amid the marathon’s physical and mental demands.

In a 2025 retrospective article from BoxLife Magazine, his feat was hailed as a “powerful reminder about why we run”—not just for times or medals, but for the shared human experience.

As of December 2025, there are no reports of Raines returning to major marathons in his caveman guise recently. However, he remains active in endurance events, including fundraising for the AIDS/LifeCycle, a 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

In a recent participant profile, he reflected on past challenges, noting exhaustion from combining intense training with events like Boston qualifiers. This suggests the now-58-year-old (born around 1967) continues pursuing adventures, albeit perhaps with shifted focus.

The Barefoot Caveman’s 2017 Boston moment endures as a symbol of running’s eccentric spirit. Viral reposts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit keep the legend alive, inspiring newcomers to lace up—or in his case, not—and hit the roads with personality.

Whether roaring through water stations or fist-bumping at the finish, Glen Raines reminds us that marathons are platforms for self-expression. In a sport often serious and structured, his primal joy stands out: sometimes, all you need is tough feet, a sturdy loincloth, and an unapologetic roar.