Menu
The BlueCotton Blog
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Cool Ideas
    • Contests
    • Event Planning
    • Garments
  • Design
    • Design Studio
    • Featured Designs
    • Design Tips
  • Offbeat
  • Video
  • Archives
The BlueCotton Blog

What Marathon Runners Really Want At Races

Posted on March 6, 2023April 17, 2025 by Surray Exclusive Concepts

Whether you’re planning a marathon or supporting your group that’s running in one, the best gifts for runners are things they’ll actually want to use. Get inspired with this top-10 list of gifts for running a marathon, and create something they’re bound to love.

1. Long-sleeve tech shirts

Great for workouts or errands, tech shirts are made with four-way stretch performance material featuring moisture control and anti-odor properties. Have your logo and/or race graphics printed on these shirts for men or women to offer a memento of the marathon and a useful gift.

2. Polyblend T-shirts

These custom poly-cotton tees mix beautiful printing with durability and comfort. Providing long-sleeve and short-sleeve options allows runners choose, or you can pick one based on the season of your marathon. Either way, these garments are versatile gift ideas for runners.

3. Puffy vests

Customize a men’s vest and a women’s vest to provide a comfortable fit for every runner in the marathon. Both options are crafted with compressible fabric so you can pack these vests into a side pocket. Make it special for your event by embroidering the front with your logo or graphics.

4. Performance sweatshirts

Quality is everything for an athletic sweatshirt. Choose moisture-wicking hoodies for women and for men to reward runners for all the practice that went into their marathon experience. Look for garments with cool details like three-panel hoods, drawcords with metal tips and more.

5. Short-sleeve tech shirt

Long-sleeve styles came in first for gifts for marathon runners after the race is done, but custom short-sleeved tees still have their place – especially when they’re from a trusted brand like Under Armour. You can put race graphics on women’s Locker Tees and men’s Locker Tees too.

6. Fleece blankets

For a classic choice that both seasoned and new runners will love, customize this plaid fleece blanket from Eddie Bauer. The renowned brand’s logo is on a woven patch on the bottom-right corner to show the workmanship that went into this marathon present.

7. Protektor seat cover wraps

Almost like a towel that shields a car seat, this Protektor cover wrap lets runners get into their car without worrying about leaving sweat or dirt on the seat. It even wraps over the headrest. That makes it the perfect thoughtful gift for someone running a marathon!

8. Raglan shirts

Sporty staples like custom raglan tees are a guaranteed win. These Tri-Blend men’s shirts and women’s raglan shirts from District are crafted with polyester, rayon and ring-spun, combed cotton for maximum comfort.

9. Sun protection baseball caps

This list wouldn’t be complete without the Original Performance Cap by Imperial. This baseball hat features UPF 50+ sun protection that helps protect athletes outdoors. It’s made with performance fabric and a built-in sweatband so it’s fantastic for running practice or other sports, and the low-profile look goes well with any casual outfit.

10. Fun patterned hats

Unique gifts for first-time marathon runners make their debut even sweeter. The Imperial Alter Ego Cap combines all the benefits of the Original Performance Cap with patterns that are full of personality. Go for a crowd-pleaser with duck camo caps, or choose a pattern that fits your event. Is your race in a beach town? Consider a fish bone, lobster or tropical hat design!

Custom t-shirts (and other gifts) for completing a marathon let you thank runners and generate awareness for the race all in one. Get started at BlueCotton today.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Get started with custom t-shirts.

Find out more at bluecotton.com


Our artists created 100s of Free Design Ideas to jumpstart your creativity! Personalize them for yourself in our online Design Studio.
©2025 The BlueCotton Blog | Powered by Superb Themes