Buying a Christmas present for a runner is harder than it should be. They already own six pairs of shoes (each one apparently for a "different purpose"), a drawer full of gels, and a watch that knows more about their heart than you do.
I'm Matt. I run, swim and have done a few Ironmans, and I started Finish Line Framing after one too many medals ended up in a drawer. So here's my list of gifts the marathoners and half marathoners in your life will actually use, not just politely thank you for.
1. Frame the medal they earned this year
If your runner crossed a finish line this year, whether that was Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast or their first ever half, there's a good chance the medal is hanging off a doorknob or lurking in a sock drawer right now.
A Finish Line Showcase Frame turns it into something they'll see every day. And it's the one gift on this list that's about them and what they did, not their next run.
- You don't need the medal. Nothing gets posted in. They unwrap the frame on Christmas morning and pop their medal in themselves in a few minutes (there's a video guide in the box).
- Make it personal for free. Add their name, the race, the distance and their finish time on a label under the medal. Can't remember their time? Look it up on the race results page. They'll never know you had to.
- Black or white, wall or desk. It hangs on the wall or stands on a desk, so it suits the lounge room, the office or the pain cave.
$49.95, or $39.95 for the Kids frame if you've got little athletes in the house too.
"Bought one of Matt's frames for my husband and we absolutely love it! What a great idea!"
Samantha O.
"Ordered for my brother who completed the Melb Mara. Frame looks amazing when set up."
Maddie D.
2. Their next race entry
Nothing says "I believe in you" like signing someone up to run 42.2km. Entries for the big Aussie marathons and halves can sell out, so an entry (or a voucher towards one) wrapped up with a printed race-day plan makes a great surprise. Just check they actually want to do it first.
3. Recovery gear
Every runner says they'll stretch more. Almost none of them do. A foam roller, a massage gun or a voucher for a proper remedial massage gets used, and their legs will thank you after the next long run.
4. Really good running socks
It sounds like a boring gift. It isn't. Ask any marathoner about blisters at 30km and you'll see. A few pairs of quality running socks are the best stocking stuffer on this list.
5. Their official race photos
Most big races offer a photo package after the event, and runners almost never buy it for themselves. Buy the digital pack, print the best finish-line shot, and pair it with their framed medal for the full set.
6. Fuel for the long runs
Gels, chews, electrolyte tabs. Find out which brand they use (it matters, trust me) and stock them up. It's the gift that keeps going all the way to race day.
7. A running book for the off-season
For the runner who reads as much as they run, a good running book over the Christmas break is perfect. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall is a classic that's sent plenty of people out the door.
8. For the World Majors chaser
Got someone ticking off Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York? Their Six Star medal deserves pride of place. Our larger Six Star frame is built for exactly that, and it's a gift that recognises years of effort, not just one race.
Order in time for Christmas
We're a small Aussie business based in Melbourne, and every frame is packed by hand (usually with a handwritten note). Frames ship Australia-wide with Australia Post for $10, tracked.
To be safe for Christmas delivery, order by Monday 7 December. If you're in WA, the NT or regional areas, get in a bit earlier because Australia Post's cut-offs are earlier there. Running late? Get in touch and I'll do what I can to get it out the door.
"Will make the perfect Christmas present, definitely worth it."
Lauren B.
The bottom line
Most runner gifts are about the next run. The best one celebrates the last one. They spent months training, got up before sunrise and dragged themselves through the wall to earn that medal. Get it out of the drawer and give it the spot it deserves.
