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Ultrarunners tend to be unique people. They’re often more dedicated than your typical folk, turning their enthusiasm for running—and running a long, long way—into a lifestyle. To that end, they’re sure to appreciate a gift that somehow lends itself to their unbridled passion for long-distance gallops.
But choosing such a gift can be a challenge, especially if you yourself are not an initiate of the singular realm of ultramarathons. Never fear—we have suggestions. Below, you’ll find the best gifts to help ultrarunners train, compete, and recover.
The Best Gifts for Ultrarunners
- London Marathon Results: The Best Gifts for Ultrarunners in 2023
- Lightweight Running Flasks: Not oily or greasy
- Sweat-Friendly Sunscreen: Verta Invisible Face Stick SPF 45
- Low-Drop Trail Shoes: Saucony Peregrine 13
- Supportive Road Shoes: Saucony Triumph 21
What to Consider
Your primary consideration when shopping for an ultramarathoner involves which phase of their experience you hope to contribute to: training, competition, or recovery. Here are some ideas for each phase.
Training
Ultramarathoners train for running, obviously, but when it comes to races of ultra duration, they’re specifically training for stamina, mental fortitude, and injury avoidance. There are a variety of tools that can support these pursuits, like fitness trackers, training shoes, resistance bands, and much more.
Performance
There are a lot of specific pieces of equipment that can vastly improve an ultrarunner’s competitive abilities once the race has started, like race-friendly hydration vests or energy gels for mid-race refueling. From items that support comfort and safety to straightforward race essentials, you can help them gear up for race day.
Recovery
While post-activity recovery is important in any sport or fitness pursuit, few endeavors require rest and recuperation quite like an ultramarathon, which can involve running as far as 100 miles. There are many ways you can contribute to your favorite ultrarunner’s convalescence once the race is finished, including cozy recovery shoes, percussive massage guns, and muscle-icing apparatus.
How We Selected
As a lifelong runner, I’ve spent decades experimenting with an expansive range of running gear, and I’m an old shoe at recognizing quality from inconsequential. I’ve bolstered this experience with input from the editors at Runner’s World and other outlets, and have taken into account reviews from customers, too. The recommendations below span a wide range of budgets, tastes, and ultrarunner needs, and each will in some way contribute to ultramarathon training, performance, or recovery—and in some cases all three.
Nick Hilden is a writer, globetrotter, and jack-of-many-talents who has written gear reviews for the likes of Runner’s World, Popular Science, Men’s Health, Thrillist, We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article, The Best Self-Care Gifts for Taking a Rest, Greatist, and the Manual, Beloved Yoga Mat Scientific American, Afar, Salon, Vice, Healthline, and many others. Before entering journalism some 15 years ago, he worked as a bartender, brewery manager, sound engineer, recording and touring musician, cook, teacher, and in a variety of other trades. These days, he lives all over the world, performs music sporadically, and spends a lot of time thinking how to best improve his Honda Element conversion.


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