Our 2026 Grambassadors are sharing their favorite running-related gifts that are helping them get to the starting line in 2026
Grandma’s Marathon Swag
I love my Grandma’s Marathon cap, which I wear all spring, summer, and fall. I have my eye on the new Asics Grandma’s Marathon Performance Cap. This year, I’m also hoping Santa brings me a Grandma’s winter running hat so I can still represent my favorite race during those chilly winter miles!- Angie Andresen
Honestly, my favorite running item right now is the Storm Creek 1/4 Zip– Jamie Vesel
Winter Running Essentials
I am that runner who avoids moving my runs to the treadmill (or should I say dreadmill) at all costs. But when you train through a Minnesota winter, safety always has to come first! I never felt like I got a really good grip on the icy roads until I found Korkers. These fit so nicely over your running shoes, you don’t even notice they are there. They provide great traction and allow me to run outside as often as I can. – Rachel Barger
I love winter weather running gear if you’re “lucky” enough to train through the cold and ice: Ulko Gear (a local, Duluth based company)- Shannon Hogan
Noxgear Tracer 2 + lamp: This is hands-down my favorite combination for seeing and being seen while running in low light. There is no substitution for situational awareness, of course, but this sure helps with safety! My husband tells me I look like a discount ball running down the road in it, and we also bring it out for trick or treating to boost visibility.-Kelsey Uribe
#8 3/8 inch hex head screws for traction on ice and snow in the winter! A DIY project changes any old pair of running shoes into ones ready for winter running- Alyson Simon
Running Accessories
I love Shokz! I have had great luck with this company in terms of customer service. My husband has the swimming ones and loves that he can listen while he cross-trains. He even wore them for his 2:30 marathon! I love them to listen to audiobooks on long training runs, but my ears aren’t covered, so I am more aware of my surroundings. – Rebekah Read
The Coros Pace 3 is my holy grail of watches! It has an amazing battery life that typically lasts a week and can track just about every sport imaginable. It’s also a bit cheaper compared to other running watches. – Maggie Yuhas
My favorite training shoe is the ASICS NovaBlasts! As
an autistic runner my most disabling aspects of my autism are hypersensitivity to sensory aspects of my environment. And for me, my feet cannot run in just any shoe. They have to be lightweight, not too tight, not too cushy but I do
need support due to struggling with plantar fasciitis. The NovaBlasts have been my go-to trainer since March of 2024!- Ashley Daniels
I love the Koala Clip. It helps turn any outfit into one with pockets- Tonya Koneczny
Self Care
My favorite running-related gift is Precision Hydration Electrolyte Capsules – when you’re racing, fueling with electrolyte tablets can be stressful as you’re reliant on a cup of water (and having to run with it while it dissolves, and then having to drink the whole cup to make sure you’re really getting all of the nutrients in the tablet!). These capsules are a cheat code to make sure you can stay fueled up on your own schedule, and are a great addition for any runner who is more serious about getting a good time, or for runners that don’t like to chug water during their races!- Case Winter
I like this knee brace because it keeps me honest. My knees are not twenty anymore, and pretending they are is how I end up sitting on the curb, questioning my decisions. This brace gives me the support I need so I can keep running
without feeling like I am falling apart. It feels like having a small teammate wrapped around my knee saying, “Relax, I got you.” And I will take all the help I can get.- Elvis Rivera
Dermatone Skin Balm: Winter running is upon us, and protecting your skin is extremely important! (Plus it’s a great stocking stuffer)- Ryn Rose
The Feed – Order sampler boxes of Gels, Running Fuel to sample and determine what you and your tummy like the best. Some of my ‘Go-To’s’ these days are Maurten, Honey Stinger Waffles, UCan Edge, Scratch Chews and Tailwind for Hydration. Saltsticks are also beneficial to prevent cramping on long runs.- Laura Pierce
Roll Recovery Massage Tool: This was a splurge for me, but SO worth it in a house with running, cycling, and lifting. It travels well, does not need any sort of charge, and gets the job done- Kelsey Uribe
Gifts that aren’t things
Recovery modalities: this can be your local masseuse, chiropractor, or hot yoga studio. I love to go to Superior Running Medicine post Grandma’s for a healthy runner treatment!- Shannon Hogan
I also love my Peloton workout app for strengthening and mobility. It’s great for people who do not have a lot of time to get to the gym!- Jamie Vesel
A gift card to your favorite running store would always be number one. That way, you can get the items that work for you.- Angie Maske Berka
Gift card to their local running store to pick up new kicks, stock up on their favorite running fuel, or grab their favorite running socks. For the runner who truly has everything and has asked for no physical gifts this year, another great option is donating to an organization such as the Young Athletes Foundation in their name. – Kelsey Uribe