Marathon runner calls out sexist ‘bikini’ comments about her outfit

A 31-year-old who recently competed her first marathon has responded to critics of her outfit, asking: “Should I have worn a tracksuit?”

A female athlete who recently ran the London Marathon in just 2 hours and 39 minutes has detailed the shocking comments made about her appearance after she competed in a pair of running briefs.

Holly Archer is a British runner who has previously won silver in the women’s 1500 metres event at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2021.

But after finishing her first ever marathon, a cool 42kms distance for the uninitiated, all some people could focus on was the 31-year-old’s outfit.

Many flooded the comments section of a post-marathon video Archer shared to remark on her briefs – officially called “run buns” in the industry.

Some claimed the professional athlete looked “uncomfortable” as others compared the garment’s size to a bikini.

Archer however isn’t taking the heat lying down, and has responded to critics in a follow-up clip that asks: “Should I have worn a tracksuit?”

She also explained that it was hot on the day of the competition, stating it was 24 degrees Celsius, with humidity hitting 78 per cent.

“Fu*k the lot of yeehh? Give me a break!”

Her response comes after social media commenters claimed Archer “should have worn clothes” during the annual sporting event, which saw 56,640 participants cross the finish line on April 27, 2025.

“There’s lots of shops in London you should check them out they have loads of clothes,” one snarked.

“Where’s her clothes?” another rudely asked.

As one said: “Crazy how the guys can do this not in a bikini.”

There were also a bunch of sexist remarks, alleging that men were able to run faster by wearing clothes.

Holly Archer has called out sexist comments made about her outfit after competing in the London Marathon recently. Picture: TikTok/HollyArcher

However, many of Archer’s fans defended the athlete, declaring: “Anyone moaning about what you’re wearing doesn’t understand the magnitude of running a marathon in 2 and half hours”.

“All these people talking about what you’re wearing and my first thought was, ‘Damn that girl is FIT!’” one agreed.

“Anyone who has anything to say about the clothing is (a) missing the point of how impressive this is and (b) jealous their legs would chafe (like mine would) – congratulations!!!” said another.

As one mused: “As if you’ve ran a marathon in that incredible time and people are choosing to comment on your clothing or comparing you to men’s times. Girl you’re amazing and I’m inspired.”

The 31-year-old athlete’s choice of running pants was compared to a bikini. Picture: Instagram/HollyArcher

Despite the naysayers, there were some who were genuinely curious about the benefits of run buns.

“What is the reason for the bikini like bottoms (I know this won’t be the actual name of them). I can’t imagine anything worse than running in Speedos so wondering why they are better than regular running shorts,” one asked.

“If I had abs like yours I would wear that daily. Not just on race days,” remarked another supportive fan.

One more added: “Why are people acting like this isn’t what long distance runners have been wearing in races for literal DECADES?”

Supporters agreed marathon runners have been wearing similar attire for years. Picture: Instagram/HollyArcher

The elite athlete often compete wearing the running briefs. Picture: Instagram/HollyArcher

Dress standards and expectations for women are significantly stricter than for men – even in sport.

The double standard is largely credited to widespread societal discrimination and sexism, but women have been pushing back in recent years, calling out comments on outfits in a powerful act of defiance.

Despite improvements, 2023 data shows 97 per cent of women believe they are judged on how they look, and 61 per cent have received negative comments or abuse about their appearance.

Many defended the British runner. Picture: Instagram/HollyArcher

Archer stated she was incredibly proud of her achievement, describing the experience as “crazy” in an Instagram post.

“The crowds, the noise, the energy, it’s something I’ll never forget,” she wrote.

“My time wasn’t what I came here to do, BUT … before we judge, it was HOT. Bloody hot!”

While she didn’t hit her goal time, Archer was the 4th Brit to rank in the elite woman category of the London Marathon, an feat she said she “wouldn’t change”.

“I came for a time, and I fell short. I also came to NOT give up, and I absolutely didn’t.”

News.com.au has contacted Holly Archer for further comment.

Originally published as Marathon runner calls out sexist ‘bikini’ comments about her outfit