I’ve run a lot of races. I don’t actually know how many, but when I’ve done 51 half marathons and 5 marathons and a ton of other distances including two relays and three 17.75s, one could assume that I’m likely reaching the 100 race mark (OK, I admit, I actually went to Athlinks after this and checked and I’ve done at least 108), which is kind of crazy when you think about the fact that my very first race was in 2007!
With that many races comes a LOT of swag. Most of the time, it takes the form of a t-shirt (and a medal if it’s a longer race). But every once in a while, the race director departs from the standard and gives out something useful.
Here are some of my favorites:
- Glasses – I’ve gotten a few glasses (although I admit to being a bit fuzzy on which ones I was given versus which ones I bought). My favorite one that I know was given to me was a huge mug from Harpoon Brewery. And we got it for doing a race that was barely longer than a 5k!
- Necklaces – I’ve also gotten a few necklaces, instead of or part of a medal. I admit that the Nike Women’s Half is the one I wear most.
- Hats – My favorite summer hat I got for the 25th anniversary of the Army 10 Miler. I wear it all.the.time. My favorite winter hat is the one I got from Runner’s World Festival this last year. It’s reversible and fuzzy on one side and smooth on the other. Perfect for all temps of winter running.
- Blankets – One of our local 5ks gives blankets instead of shirts and the Richmond Marathon gives a blanket in addition to the shirt. Both races give a lightweight fleece that’s super cuddly.
- Socks – I have quite a number of socks that I received from races. That’s where I first got introduced to Features, who I’m currently an ambassador for.
As you can tell, my preference is for things I can actually use. I do love medals, I won’t pretend that I don’t, but I’m not a huge fan of shirts and I have enough clutter in my house thanks to two kids.
What would my dream swag be? I would certainly love to get more beer related items. Does that surprise anyone at all? Or a skirt – I’d love it if I could get a Skirt Sports Marine Corps Marathon skirt. Not too much to ask, right? (Yeah, ok, I’ll settle for a shirt that actually fits me this year. Two MCM’s under my belt and zero shirts I can wear…)
What awesome things have you gotten? What would you love to get in your runner bag? Hmm, a nice bag would be cool…
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Looks like some good stuff! You reminded me that we got mugs from the Houston marathon…my husband and I both ran it so now we have a nice set of glass mugs. That race also gave a t-shirt plus a finisher’s shirt. I can’t believe how many races you have done! I also started racing in 2007 and I’m around 42 races at this point.
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…Port to Fort 6k Race Recap
We have the same Nike necklace! I wear that one all the time too 🙂
Now that you mention bags, Flying Pig gave a nice backpack I’d totally forgotten about. Wonder where the heck it even is??
Marcia recently posted…Let’s Hear It for Race Swag!
I did the Octoberfest Road Race last year and LOVE my mug. I use it almost every day. If I had gotten to write a post for today (darn you, grad school) it was going to be my #1 piece of swag! It’s unique, useful, and keeps my beer nice and cold. 🙂
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…Friday Five: Marathon Training Wish List
I’m partial to race swag that I can use too. I’ve only run a handful of races but already have too many cotton t-shirts that I never wear. But I can’t bring myself to throw them out!
Michelle @ LivelyChicken recently posted…How to Make Time to Run
I agree about liking swag I can actually use. I never wear shirts but have worn socks (I was also introduced to Feetures through a race!) and a knit hat from a winter race. 108 since 2007 is so impressive!
I got a small backpack from a 5k I did in October, and a mug from a 5k I did in November. I know the backpack is somewhere in my closet and I haven’t used it yet. The mug I have since I like hot tea and hot chocolate in the winter.
Lesley recently posted…Taper Time for Tink
A skirt is a great idea! I did a virtual Skirt Sports run and got a skirt instead of a t shirt. I use that all the time to pull on over my tights to run in to daycare if I’m doing pick up after a run. Very handy (and cute!).
Jessica S recently posted…Weekly Wrap-Up: Camping misadventures & a good long run
LOVE the Richmond Marathon blanket–I use mine all the time!
I won top female at 10k last summer and won a drone! ha. Definitely the strangest (and coolest!) thing I’ve ever gotten.
Sarah @ Sarah’s on the Run recently posted…TOTR: Running Updates/BIG NEWS
You get awesome swag! Apparently the races I run are nowhere near as awesome as the ones you run. I only get t-shirts, glasses, and medals. Lol!
Rachel recently posted…Half Marathon Training: Week 11
Glasses! And mugs! Races should do those!
Smitha @ Running with SD Mom recently posted…Dream Race Swag & #AugustaActive review & #GIVEAWAY!
I have always wanted to do the Nike Race for that Tiffany’s necklace. I am bummed they don’t have that race any more. That is some great swag!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…Races with the BEST Race swag ever!
WOW! That mug is glorious, and the necklace is beautiful. Those are really a great departure from the t-shirts that keep adding up in my closets. I got a cute coaster at my last race (also a brewery race), which immediately went onto my coffee table. No complaints there.
I have that same Nike Tiffany necklace, too! I love it! Socks are cool swag, and I love the blanket idea!
Tania recently posted…Dream Race Swag Bag – My Running Essentials
Glasses are great! I agree! And now that you mention beer, it makes me think… A race mug would be awesome! and something I would use!
Ana recently posted…Gettysburg Marathon- Race Recap
A blanket would be very nice. It’s hard to believe I’ve never received socks. That seems pretty common for everyone else. I’ve received a few beer glasses, but I think they were given as awards and not technically swag. I certainly wouldn’t mind some commemorative jewelry!
HoHo Runs recently posted…The Extras
The Space Coast Marathon gives out beach towels that are huge and awesome, and there’s a local 10k that gives out really nice water bottles screen printed with their logo in addition to medals. I have to admit, medals are my favorite swag. At many races, I could do without a lot of the other little freebies if they’d put more money into the medal!
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running recently posted…Weekly Workouts 4/18-4/24
Towels would be cool. I’d totally be down with that.
I think the best swag ever was the Tiffany medal at the Nike race. I started collecting charms for my necklace after that
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Honey Garlic Skillet Tofu-Meatless Monday
I do love that medal. Didn’t love the race, but I wear the necklace all the time.
Most my swag falls into the t-shirt/medal category. I did get a pair of gloves that were really useful.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Weekly Wrap – RtR week 7
Ooh, gloves would be cool!
Best swag I have gotten is a neck warmer. I like getting food samples to try.
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Review : Jeff Galloway marathon training method
A neck warmer sounds cool. And I always love food as a giveaway.