We reached out to our wonderful running and walking community on Facebook for holiday gift inspiration. We wanted to know - "What was is the best running-related gift you've ever received?" From race entry to running belts, we gathered a wide range of responses. If you're in need of a gift for a runner in your life or just are curious about the coolest gifts in running - look no further!
“The best running related gift I ever recieved is the Garmin vivofit HR fitness tracker. It motivates me to beat my PR's.” – Jennifer H., Essex, MD
“For me it is time. As a mom of two young children who also works full time the gift my husband gives me every day is prioritizing my run as part of our family routine. This includes us getting up a little earlier and him getting both kids ready for the day in the morning while I go run.” - Jennifer Z., Baltimore, MD
“It’s the medal rack I got where I can also write in my race PR times!” – Jarrett W., Baltimore, MD
"For Christmas last year, my aunt gifted me a running belt which has been extremely useful for all of my runs- whether short or long distance! I put my essentials for each run, my phone, an ID, my key, and my chapstick. I love it!" -Mercedes V., Baltimore, MD
"The best gift I ever got was my headlamp. I never thought I would get used to it but now I love it! Plus I feel much safer running in the dark." - Kel H., Columbia, MD
“When the weather gets really cold, my fingers hurt so bad that it almost makes me skip my run when its below freezing. A couple of years ago, I found that running with two pairs of gloves helped, but only after they warmed up after a couple of miles. Then, I received a pair of warm running gloves with a mitten overlay. They changed my life! I can go out and run and my fingers no longer go numb or ache.” – Jeanne B., Baltimore MD
“The best running gift I received was the one I gave myself 5 years ago when I first signed up for CCR training. I went from struggling though a 5K to loving half marathons several times a year. Thank you Katye Jorgensen, my first coach, for giving me the love of running.” – Sue J., Owings Mills, MD
“The best running gift I've ever received was my Mizuno heat generating running shirt. It's amazing and I'm so glad it's a part of my winter running arsenal of warmth!” – Katie M., Frederick MD
“My husband gave me a Bob running stroller after I had my daughter. It was hands down the best gift I’ve ever received. I was really worried I would have trouble getting back into shape after my pregnancy, and my husband giving me a stroller showed that he not only supported me, but he also believed in me. We had our second daughter a few months ago and he upgraded it to a double!” – Christina K., Catonsville, MD
“My best running-related gift was a foam roller. I loooove how foam rolling feels on my sore muscles, especially after a long run!” - Melissa S., Glen Burnie, MD
“My favorite running related gifts would have to be my CCR shirts as I always get compliments whenever I wear them!” – Maria F., Columbia, MD
“Last Christmas my parents treated me to a family filled vacation to Virginia Beach to run the Surf and Santa 5 miler. It’s hard for them to always figure out what to get me for the holidays so they decided that this would incorporate something that I love to do and quality family time. It was a wonderful experience and we got to dress up in Santa suits so I really couldn't have asked for anything more.” – Audessa V., Laurel, MD
“In 2013 I ran my first and only Boston Marathon. I had qualified in the fall of 2011 and my family came to Boston to cheer me on! It goes without saying, the day brought much more tragedy than celebration. That year at Christmas, my Mom gave me a Boston Strong ornament. Every year I hang it towards the top of my tree- front and center. What the ornament represents is very powerful- unity, strength, faith. It was a unique gift that took a lot of thought and effort. One that I truly appreciate! And now I have the privilege to enjoy it each year, and the gentle reminder to simply be happy and to be present.” – Erin S., Bel Air, MD
“The best gift I received was a runners gift basket included was a fit belt, light, head band, water bottle, roller running beanie and gloves. Perfect gift for every runner!” – Jessica G., Odenton, MD
What is the best running-related gift you've ever given or received? We would love to hear your responses in the comments below. Happy Holidays!
