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Runners are all about their gear, but we love to have fun, too. When you’re shopping for running gives for the marathon runner you love, it’s good to understand what a marathon runner needs and wants. If you’re not a runner, you’re probably overwhelmed by all the choices available when it comes to running gifts. As a runner, I know what I would love to get as a gift, so I’ve compiled a list of the five best gifts for marathoners. Use this list as a springboard to start your shopping and spark your inspiration.
Every marathoner loves to sport their accomplishments, especially on their shoes. Shoelace charms are a favorite among many runners. I’ve seen them in every color and every theme imaginable. One of my friends has a custom made one with her husband’s picture on it. I have one that showcases my love for my favorite sports team. However, a simple 26.2 shoelace charm is a cute gift that celebrates the marathoner’s accomplishments and helps keep them motivated. This one is easy to string, lightweight, nickel-free, and also comes in 13.1, 10K, 5K, TRI, and Runner Girl varieties.
Racers need everything from band-aids to electrolytes to safety pins on race day. Even experienced marathoners can get a little overwhelmed by all the preparation that goes into a race. That’s why I’m in love with Kali’s Running Club’s race care package. It’s a string-style backpack with a cinch closure that has just about everything you could need on race day. From a first aid kit to snacks, sunscreen to a spiky massage ball (great for muscles), to Advil and a Mylar blanket, this kit has everything. There are even face wipes and a cool deck to help you with post-race recovery. I think this is one of the best gifts for marathon runners because it’s everything you need on race day in a convenient pack. You can’t go wrong with this gift.
Compression socks are an absolute must for long-distance runners. Your muscles take a lot of abuse over 26 miles, and it can result in cramping, pain, and circulation problems. Also, your muscles can tire out during the last of the race, which is right when you need them to work for you, and compression socks can help you get through those last miles. These socks are among the best I’ve tried. They’re 200 needle count, which is a fancy way of saying they’re incredibly durable, comfortable, and they work. They also have impressive graduated compression technology and excellent ventilation, so they don’t get as sweaty and gross as some tend to do. You can get these in seven colors, and you’ll definitely feel the supportive mesh working its magic late into the race.
Running at night poses a lot of safety concerns, and it’s not always possible to wear reflective gear. That’s where these Higo LED slap armbands come into play. They’re really easy to use, you just slap them on and go. They’re secure, they come in six beautiful colors, and you can wear them on just about anything from your arm to your leg and even in your hair as a ponytail holder. I love the fact that they’re eco-friendly and that their lithium coin batteries last for 50-70 hours before you have to replace them. I have two, and I love to wear them when I’m running at night as well as when I do glow runs. They’re super affordable, so you could include them in a package with a couple of other gifts, too, if you wanted to go that route.
Marathon running is all about working hard, overcoming challenges, and feeling proud of yourself when it’s all said and done. Well….sort of. It’s also about the medals. And by also, I mean most of us have run at least one race just because the medal was awesome. Coming home from a race and putting your medals in a drawer isn’t exactly motivating, so having a nice medal hanger is a goal for every marathoner. Not only does having a hanger give you a sense of pride and a way to show off, it also motivates you to keep running so you can fill it up. This one by Gone For a RUN holds 24 medals and has some inspirational words across its hand forged black metal top. It has a beautiful powder brush finish, can be easily assembled, and you can slip your medals on quickly. It’s 14×14 inches, which is a respectable size but not too overbearing. This has been on my bucket list for awhile, and I think it’s among the best gift for marathon runners that money can buy.
Product Features At a Glance
good size (not too big, not too small)
durable
beautiful powder brush finish
hand forged black metal
inspirational text
holds 24 medals
extender bar available if you need more later on
easy to install
comes with screws and supplies needed to install
Those are my top five picks of some of the best running gifts for marathon runners, but don’t stop there. Use this list to help inspire you to keep shopping. There are some great, fun running gifts like mugs and t-shirts. One of my favorites is t-shirt that says “If found on ground, please drag across finish line.” Keeping a sense of humor while running is important, especially once you start getting into the later stages of a race, so find some fun gifts to pair with a couple of items from the suggestions above and you’ll have yourself an awesome gift for the marathon runners in your life.
