This week’s Tuesdays on the Run Linkup is all about Race Swag. You know: The goodies you receive at a race. For my purposes, I’m going to exclude race shirts and medals because they’re pretty much expected (at half marathons and longer). I’m defining swag as those unexpected tidbits (maybe at the finish line, maybe in the race packet) that make me smile a little wider. Feel free to go with whatever definition of swag you like.
In my experience, some of the smallest races give some of the best swag, while large ones? Zilch. Case in point: Nada in the swag department at the largest marathons I’ve run: New York and Chicago. That’s not to say you can’t score some at the expo.
Over the years I’ve gotten some cool stuff:
Socks: There’s a race series in North Carolina I make sure to run whenever we’re there visiting the in-laws. I’ve hit up the turkey trot and 4th of July races many times and they give out festive socks, which I totally appreciate.
More socks: These socks have seen way better days but they were race day swag from my first BQ and PR marathon in Grand Rapids way back in 2008. Will I ever let them go? Don’t count on it.
Marathon Hat: This Headsweats hat was a total surprise at the finish line of the Columbus Marathon. Remember Teamarcia saves you 25% at the Headsweats website. If you never tried their hats and visors, you are truly missing out!
Arm Sleeves from the Twin Cities Marathon to celebrate the 30th running. Actually I did not even run the race that year (DNS due to injury) but Bobbi was kind enough to retrieve my race pkt for me and there they were. Because I’ve since run Twin Cities, I have no qualms about wearing these anymore.
Boston Marathon Lunch Bag: I was surprised and delighted to get this bag loaded with after-race food when I finished the Boston Marathon. I’ve gotten a lunch bag at other races but this one sticks around cuz, you know, Boston and all.
How about you? What’s the best swag you ever got? What would you love to get?
Reminder! This Friday and the last Friday of every month is Runfession Linkup time! Stop by and spill your run, gym, swim, tri, heck all confessions are fair game. I promise you’ll feel better!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
That’s so cool they were giving out lunch totes after the Boston Marathon that yr w goodies in it. They did not offer it the yr I ran.
Angela marathonsandmotivation.com says
Love the race swag, especially the Boston Marathon Bag! Thanks for hosting the link-up, have a Great Week 🙂
jill conyers says
Good morning Marcia. I tried to comment on your Boston Marathon post but it looks like the comments are turned off. Congrats. Such an amazing experience.
Small trail races have the most hilarious swag.
Erica @ Erica Finds says
Houston had beer mugs for all finishers for the marathon the year I did it. Loved that! I have gotten coffee mugs, too, and pint glasses. Phoenix had arm sleeves, too. Nice ones! The extras are so fun!
Mary Beth Jackson says
I love all the swag! ZOOMA races have the nice Feetures socks and the Hot Chocolate races with those cool plastic containers full of snacks , hats are super nice too- can’t have to many! Funny ho we just can’t get enough of that stuff!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
Looks like you’ve gotten some good stuff! I got a pair of socks once but they fit weird (like the line on the toe was uneven or something). I also like some of the hats I have gotten. It’s nice when races give something besides a t-shirt!
Holly @ pink-runner.com says
Any Boston swag is a big deal 🙂 Love the socks-I like things other than a t-shirt.
Michele says
Last year I got a pine tree to plant from the Musselman sprint triathlon I did. Not seeds, but an actual sapling tree. I planted it at my new house?
Kimberly G says
I love unexpected race swag! I receive a pretty awesome Headsweats fleece hat for doing the Hat Trick at the Runner’s World Half and Festival last year. I also love when races give out mugs/glasses.
Michelle @ LivelyChicken says
Got to love free race swag! I’m so jealous of your Boston lunch bag! That’s such a great idea for finishers.
Lesley says
The Eugene half/full gave out a reusable bag, and I use it a lot. I thought it was great that all our goodies game in that bag, and then we got a regular “check bag” bag for the start and finish line. And then last fall, I did a race where all finishers got a mug that changes color when hot liquid is poured in.
Jennifer @ Dashing in Style says
A lunch bag would be cool! I love the socks I’ve gotten from races. I never wear the shirts. I wish there was an option not to get one, because I feel it’s such a waste.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I would love the NB shoes all those ZOOMA ambassadors are getting!
Socks are always good. One of my favorites is my mug from my Gettysburg half, since I collect mugs.
I definitely agree about some the smaller races having the best swag! Although my upcoming half your registration gets you nothing except your bib — you have to pay extra if you want a tee — and I actually like that. I didn’t buy the tee, but I did buy the $5 glass mug — because yeah, I collect (and use)!
Jessica S says
A filled lunch bag is a very cool idea!
Megan @ Meg Go Run says
Oh my gosh a Boston lunch bag! That is so random, I love it! And if I had it, I would pack my lunch in it EVERY day. 🙂
Rachel says
I totally agree — the smaller races always have better goodie bag swag. Why is that?!
Arm sleeves though, that’s awesome.
Smitha @ Running with SD Mom says
Weirdest? Not sure about that one. Maybe gloves? Or a headband? But super appreciated!
Tania says
I love the socks! Any headband would be cool, because I, or my daughters, can always use them!
Patty says
I’ve gotten socks before- but I have special snowflake feet, so they are never worn. I LOVE the arm sleeves that the Phoenix Marathon gives every year. They are the bomb!
Ana says
I’ve never gotten socks for race swag that is soo cool!
The most interesting thing I’ve received was a toothbrush!
HoHo Runs says
I’ve never received socks! Huh. I’d definitely appreciate arm sleeves. The funkier, the better.
Olena @ candies & crunches says
That’s a lot of socks lol! I’ve got a looooooooooooooooot of tshirts haha! but hey, I guess as long as they fit 😀
Should You Run With Or Without Music? https://candiesandcrunches.com/2016/04/25/should-you-run-with-or-without-music/
Tricia Vaughn says
I still think the most useful thing I’ve received was a beach towel from the Mercedes in Birmingham. I keep it in the RV and everyone knows that is MY towel!!!
You know something I’d love to see as race swag, ok I know It can’t happen in every bag but pick a few random bags and throw in a free race for next year. That would be great!
Or while I’m thinking about it, maybe a free race photo! That would be awesome! I hope to be back with you for Runfessions this Friday, so much to do, so little time….
Lauren@ Lauren Runs says
Lunchbag – I never would have guessed! I’ve gotten a few hats, some of which I’ve liked, others of which have gotten “lost” quickly. I have to say I usually like the sweatshirts the most!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
I’m surprised more races don’t give socks or hats. I’ve kind of had my fill of t-shirts. The lunch bag is a great idea!
Chaitali says
I love it when you get swag that you can actually use! I’ve never seen arm sleeves before, that seems like a great idea 🙂
Sana says
I would LOVE socks!! They are much needed!
Juliana @ 4 Well Rules says
oh the socks are all so cute! i very rarely get unique race swag
Karen @ Fit in France says
Love the lunch bag !
Best swag ? Neck warmer.