Is it Better to Walk or Run in the Rain?

Sometimes, we have to choose whether to run or walk when it rains on the way to our destination but there is no umbrella.

In this case, there is a lot of controversy over which side is less wet between walking and running. Some say walking is better, some say running is better, and some say both are the same.

If you search this subject on Google or YouTube, there are many great simulations and mathematical calculations. However, it is not easy to understand and intuitive. In fact, I can neither simulate nor calculate.

We can also confirm this through a thought experiment.

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1. Why it’s confusing?

The faster you move, the more wet you get per unit time, and vice versa.

If you walk, you get wet less and longer.

If you run, you get wet a lot and short.

Therefore, it is confusing to compare the differences between the two sides.

2. A thought Experiment

You can see the difference clearly by increasing the difference in speed between the two sides.

If you run at the speed of light, you will only get wet with the raindrops floating on your way.

If you walk at the speed of Gary the Snail, you will get wet with tons of extra raindrops including the raindrops floating on your way.

Regardless of the speed, it is impossible to avoid the raindrops floating on your way. The key is how to reduce additional raindrops.

Through the above experiment, you can see that running is good for reducing these.

3. Exceptions

There are some exceptions.

3-1
If it showers while you are running and stops as soon as you arrive at your destination, you get much more wet when you run.

3-2
If the rain falls at the same speed and direction as you walk, theoretically, only the head and feet get wet. In this case, also, you get more wet when you run.

4. Conclusion

With a few exceptions, running is less wet than walking.

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