The 18 Best Gifts for Marathon Runners in 2023

The great thing about buying gifts for marathon runners is that you have plenty of options to choose from.

Some gifts are practical – helping with performance or recovery – some are nutrition based, and some ideas are just for fun!

To help you find something special for the marathon runner in your life, we’ve put together a list of our top 20 gifts, with ideas for every budget.

Read on to discover a great range of products that will help support your loved one in meeting their running goals!

The Best Gifts for Marathon Runners

#1. Nathan Clip-On StrobeLight

– Three superbright LEDs for up to 110 hours of light

– For increased visibility when running at night

Training for a marathon can often mean squeezing in sessions early in the morning or well after dark.

This affordable, lightweight, and water-resistant clip-on light can be used in strobe or steady mode, helping enhance your runner’s visibility in low-light conditions and keeping them safe.

#2. Julbo Aero Sunglasses

– With an anti-fog coating and photochromic lenses that adjust to the conditions

– Protection from exposure to UV light

Running for hours in sunny conditions can be hard on the eyes, but these comfortable glasses with REACTIV lenses offer the ultimate protection, keeping out UVA, B, and C radiation.

With a mono lens for a wide field of vision, they have a unique, suspended construction with vents to ensure that runners stay cool, even over longer distances.

You can see more of our favorite sunglasses for runners here

#3. Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes

– A New York Times bestseller, with more than 100 recipes made without refined sugar and flour

– Using good nutrition to improve performance

Created by world-class marathoner and 4-time Olympian Shalane Flanagan along with chef Elyse Kopecky, this book shares flavorful recipes that are both indulgent and nourishing.

There are ideas for everything from wholesome snacks and meals to treats you won’t need to feel guilty about – all served up with plenty of wisdom and some inspiring marathon-related stories!

#4. Pro-Tec Spiky Massage Ball

– With a spiky outer layer to increase stimulation

– Helps ease tight foot muscles after long runs

Affordable and fun, this useful little ball is actually pretty great at providing deep tissue massage and releasing tension.

One of the best gifts for marathon runners after the race, it’s just 3 inches in diameter and the perfect accessory to toss in a kit bag.

#5. Proviz Reflect360 Running Vest

– Moisture-wicking, breathable, and highly reflective

– Provides warmth and functionality

Proviz makes some of the best reflective running gear out there, and these vests – available for both men and women – use millions of tiny glass beads to reflect back light and keep runners safe during night-time training.

There are two zipped pockets to keep essentials safe, perforations at the back to let out excess heat, and fitted shoulders that won’t flap around on breezy days.

#6. Balega Blister Resist Performance No Show Athletic Running Socks for Men and Women

– With a seamless toe box to eliminate friction and a hollow fiber construction ideal for all seasons

– For the ultimate comfort all day long

What better way to show you care than with these super-comfortable socks that help prevent rubbing and chafing over long distances?

Available in a huge range of colorways and made from natural, soft, and durable mohair, they may be affordable gifts for marathon runners but they’re worth their weight in gold!

#7. Garmin Enduro 2 Ultra-Performance Watch

– Lightweight and rugged, with an UltraFit nylon band, 1.4” Power Sapphire lens, and super-bright LED flashlight

– A watch that’s built for extremes

When it comes to gifts for marathon runners, you really can’t go wrong with a high-quality GPS watch – and the Enduro 2 has everything that’s needed to last the distance.

It offers an incredible 150 hours of battery life in GPS mode -with enhanced solar charging for additional support – plus the user has the choice between a touchscreen and physical buttons.

You can see more of our favorite Garmin runners’ watches here

#8. New Balance Unisex Warm Running Gloves

– Lightweight, easy to stuff in a pocket, and made with Spandex for a smooth and flexible fit

– Warmth and protection for colder days

Winter running can be tough on the hands, so these cozy yet lightweight gloves make great gifts for marathon runners who train in all conditions.

They have anti-odor tech built-in, rubberized palms for a good grip, and feature touchscreen-compatible tips to make it easy to stay connected on the go.

#9. Petzl Bindi Headlamp

– Made with reflective thread in the headband and ideal for urban environments

– For safety and enhanced visibility when running after dark

With a minimalist design that’s easy to tuck away when no longer needed, this rechargeable headlamp is fantastic for nighttime runs and pumps out 200 lumens at full brightness.

Its super-thin strap makes it incredibly lightweight, it offers great battery life of up to 50 hours, and it has a full tilt mechanism that allows it to be worn on either the head or neck.

You can see more of our favorite headlamps for running here

#10. Bolt Organic Energy Chews

– Organic, delicious, soy-free, and made with healthy superfruits

– For a boost of energy mid-run

Energy chews are an athlete’s best friend when running for an extended period of time so they make great gifts for marathon runners who need that little extra fuel to keep on going.

This variety pack contains six amazing flavors to keep things interesting and each bar is packed with carbs, electrolytes, and a range of healthy B vitamins.

#11. ROLL Recovery R8 Roller

– Adjustable massage force, highly durable

– For a personalized deep-tissue massage

It may cost more than your typical foam roller, but this FDA Registered Medical Device is designed to help serious athletes with their recovery, boosting circulation, reducing inflammation, and breaking up muscle adhesions.

It offers a wide range of intensity, with the dial adjusting the force for a customized massage, and it’s compact enough to take wherever it’s needed.

#12. Salomon Unisex-Adult Active Skin 8 Set

– Comfortable to wear and made with quick-drying fabric

– For staying hydrated on the go

Marathon runners need more hydration than can typically be carried in a hand-held bottle, so this vest – featuring two chest pockets with soft flasks that can hold a liter of water – is a great solution.

Also compatible with a 1.5-liter bladder, it is lightweight and breathable, plus it has a key holder and back compartment to stash running essentials.

You can see some more great hydration packs here

#13. Supergoop! 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick

– Made with olive oil and chia seed oil – paraben and phthalate free

– SPF 50 protection against the sun’s harmful rays

Running long distances involves a lot of exposure to the sun, so a safe and effective sunscreen makes a practical and thoughtful gift.

This one is ideal for athletes as it’s very hydrating, blends well, and doesn’t run, even when things get sweaty!

#14. FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt for Women and Men

– With a secure, zippered pouch and made from a soft, moisture-wicking fabric

– Hands-free storage for keys, phone, cards, and more

FlipBelts are among the most popular running belts on the market and make great gifts for marathon runners, providing secure and lightweight storage for running essentials.

The quick-drying fabric has no buckles so it won’t chafe, sits securely so it won’t bounce with movement, and features a reflective logo for increased visibility.

#15. Gone For a Run 26.2 Math Miles Engraved Beer Pint Glass

– Laser-engraved and dishwasher safe

– The ultimate pint glass for athletes

One of the best gifts for marathon runners after the race just has to be a cold pint served up in this uniquely fun glass from the ‘Gone for a Run’ company.

Etched on both the front and back, it’s thick, sturdy, and comes packaged in a brightly colored box.

#16. Squirrel’s Nut Butter Anti Chafe Salve

– Made with coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, and vitamin E oil

– Helps prevent blisters and restores dry or damaged skin

Almost every marathon runner has experienced the misery of chafing so this all-natural salve – voted ‘Best in Category’ by UltraRunning Magazine – will be a gift that’s more than welcome!

It can be applied to any area where the skin is rubbed and is useful once the race is over, too, protecting irritated skin if used before showering.

#17. Beats Fit Pro – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

– Great battery life, water resistant, and compatible with both Apple and Android

– Comfortable and secure for running

There’s no doubt about it – music makes the miles go faster!

So the marathon runner in your life will be delighted to receive these top-rated earbuds, which offer spatial audio, fantastic sound quality, and flexible wing tips to keep them firmly in place from start to finish.

You can see more earbuds for runners here

#18. Marathon Training Masterclass

– 6+ hours of video lessons, expert guidance, and training plans

– The ultimate guide to marathon training, led by a UESCA-certified ultrarunner

Gifts for marathon runners to improve performance will always be gratefully received and this comprehensive course aims to do just that!

Through 12 modules of video training and downloadable material, it delivers all the techniques and strategies runners need to optimize their training and smash their goals on marathon day.

Check out the curriculum here

The Best Gifts for Marathon Runners: Key Takeaways

With ideas for all budgets and a range of practical, helpful, and useful products, this guide to gifts for marathon runners contains something for everyone.

We hope it has helped you discover a perfect present for someone special!