Ten Best Gifts for the First Time Marathoner

The first time marathoner is an unique specimen.If you’ve ever lived or loved someone training for a marathon, you know what I mean. And if you have the luck to be close with someone who is about to become a first time marathoner, you know just how special that time (and that person) is. You might be thinking that you’d like to help that first time marathoner in your life celebrate their amazing accomplishment. Good on you. As a marathoner and someone who LOVES first timers, I have your gift guide. Here are the ten best gifts for the first time marathoner in your life. note: this post contains affiliate links. 

Alex and Ani “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon” bangle. I love Alex and Ani – I first discovered them when my aunt gifted me a bangle before our wedding and I’m now obsessed. I have this bangle and it’s an encouraging (and stylish) reminder of my accomplishments. Your marathoner will love it! 

Matt Fitzgerald is awesome – he’s coached some pretty fantastic elite athletes. He took that knowledge and examined what mental toughness created success for some of the best of the best. This is a great book to give to your runner about a month before their big race. How Bad Do You Want It belongs on every runner’s bookshelf!

Run Ink has two awesome products that made this list. First is their marathoner maps. You can order a personalized map from most larger marathons with all your (or your marathoner friend’s) personal details. I have one for the Wineglass Marathon and just ordered one for Chicago. I’m planning on framing both and then displaying them in my home. 

The second Run Ink item is this really neat marathon mug. I actually just ordered this for Chicago and can’t to drink my morning tea out of this one! 

I love medal racks and I love the message at the top of this one. This is from Gone for a Run and you can find it here on Amazon. 

A good training journal is always appreciated. This one is authored by one of my running heroes, Lauren Fleshman, and it’s perfect – for you or your runner friend. It doesn’t just have space for writing – it is full of tips, recommendations and food for thought. A must have! 

Okay – Spirit of the Marathon is the movie your marathoning friend should watch the week of their big race.  If this doesn’t pump up a runner, then nothing else will. There is a sequel that came out recently but I haven’t seen that one yet. The original, however, is a must watch! 

Good nutrition during the marathon is key. There are lots of options out there, but I love Tailwind – it’s light, tastes great, I can drink it all day and it gives me the calories that I need while running.  This starter pack is a great gift because your runner can hone in on which flavors they like the best – I’m a fan of all of them, especially the caffeinated ones! 

I’m a magazine addict and I love reading Women’s Running each month. Why not snag a subscription for your marathoning friend? 

Everyone deserves something soft and cozy after a big race. This Oiselle lux scarf is just that. You might want to buy two because you won’t want to gift this one – trust me! 

Marathoners – what other awesome gifts have you received? Share in the comments!