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Original poster

Running/Training Gifts

21 replies

TheMarathonPack · 21/04/2015 20:50

Good evening all,

I was looking for some advice and was hoping you could help.

We're setting up a company that provides running and training gift packs for people doing 10k's, half marathons, full marathons or triathlons. We exhibited at the Zurich Marathon last weekend and received some great feedback and we're just looking to do some more research of the market, we're not selling anything at the moment!

The idea is a pack which includes some nutrition and training advice, some different gels and energy bars to try, some blister plasters/cooling gel for sore feet, a running or training book and a frame to put your cherished medal into when you finish your race.

So we really wanted to understand whether you all thought this would be a good idea to get someone who is taking a part in an event and to pick your brains as to whether we are missing anything obvious!

All comments are greatly appreciated,

The Marathon Pack team.

OP posts:
CMOTDibbler · 21/04/2015 21:10

I don't think that they would be that great a gift for anyone past beginners tbh as the gels especially are such a personal taste thing, and you are likely to have all the training advice online that you need (or have already bought the book).

If anyone was to buy me such a thing (training for Velothon wales, other cycle events, some sprint triathlons, 10ks and prob a HM later in the year), I'd like it to contain the sort of things that you need in your bag on an event day, but might otherwise forget - safety pins, anti blister powder/ anti chafe stick, sun screen wipes, some sort of waterless wash like the secret training one for after the event, tin of plasters - that sort of thing. A useful gift that I would look at and think of the person who had given it to me, and not stuff that I would necessarily have bought myself

Original poster
TheMarathonPack · 21/04/2015 21:40

Thank you very much for the feedback, very useful.

Yes, agree with you, we would target one pack for beginners and one for the more advanced athlete.

Thanks once again.

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PurpleDaisies · 21/04/2015 22:16

I'm with CMOT...I can't imagine buying this for anyone. I'd assume anyone running a 5k or whatever would know what they were doing with their training and have all the kit they need. I'd probably sponsor them instead (or buy them a drink at the end!).

I might buy one for myself if it had all the bits I needed but didn't want to spend time sourcing from lots of shops but I can't see it as a present sorry.

Original poster
TheMarathonPack · 22/04/2015 06:00

Thanks PurpleDaises for your feedback.

Yes, agree with you that most people have a training plan in place but this is more to compliment rather than replace it.

The packs would bring together different products not available in one place and the overall package can be personalised for the recipient.

Thanks for your comments.

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beginnerrunner · 24/04/2015 17:11

I have a family member who is a great runner. They wouldn't want a gift like this. She's very set in her ways with which brands work for her (as are all good runners as far as I can see!). I'm a beginner and I already have preferences for brands. I feel sick on certain energy drinks, gels and glucose tablets so I choose the right ones for me. I think you're onto a losing battle I'm afraid although you might sell a few to people who don't understand running for their poor running friends and family.

lastqueenofscotland · 24/04/2015 20:58

I think gels are flaming awful!

for gift packs, water bottles, socks, i ilke the frame idea, i think for one off marathons that would be a good idea.

Original poster
TheMarathonPack · 24/04/2015 21:12

Thanks all for your feedback!

OP posts:
Thistledew · 24/04/2015 21:36

I made up a little gift box for my friend when she did her first marathon.

I seem to remember it included a soothing bath soak, some muscle heat rub, a little massage oil, some soothing skin cream, some chocolate, a packet of jelly beans and a pair of the fluffiest socks I could find.

I think anyone running more than their first 5k would have all the kit they need to start with.

Lagoonablue · 24/04/2015 21:42

I would quite like one tbh. Some compression socks, bath soak, jelly babies for after the run, nice water bottle, plasters. Î wouldn't want feels and energy bars though.

JennyOnTheBlocks · 24/04/2015 21:52

I can see how your idea seems good.
A gift for the runner in your life with lots of little bits and bobs for them to use, but as I eye the pile of un-used gels/creams/rubs/running socks not to mention protein bars, energy drinks and tablets to drop into bottles of water, that I've accumulated over the past 6 months, as I trial and error - I don't think they'd be used at all.

Like PPs have said, everyone's tastes and needs are so specific, and deviation during training can cause such a set-back.

So it's a no from me

Model5 · 24/04/2015 21:52

I was once given a lip balm pod that attached to your watch at a race and it is my most coveted possession. I have to keep re-filling it because I've never been able to find them for sale. I would be devastated if I lost it and thrilled beyond belief to be given another one.

Something like this lippods.com/

Is the idea that friends/family buy this goodie bag as a gift for someone completing their first race, or is it given by the race organiser?

TBH, after your first couple of races you don't want any more "stuff". My perfect goodie bag contains a choccy bar, a bottle of water and a good quality technical shirt, but I'm happy to do without the shirt if the race entry is cheap.....and a lip balm pod.

If it's something for people to buy, you need to target them as their friend starts their training, not after the race.

JennyOnTheBlocks · 24/04/2015 21:57

that would be fantastic, Model!

no lid to drop off, no twisting up and back down again, i'm going to look out for that!

CMOTDibbler · 24/04/2015 22:00

I want one of those lipbalm things too!

Model5 · 24/04/2015 22:00

I've spent hours Jenny. I even considered setting up my own business to import them. The one I have is asics branded and was given out as a freebie at Run to the Beat about 5 years ago. Never seen one before or since.

I'm sure there's money to be made, it's such a great thing....

JennyOnTheBlocks · 24/04/2015 22:01

i'm at ExPo tomorrow, for VLM, my eyes will be peeled Grin

Model5 · 24/04/2015 22:16

The ExPo is a fun day out but I've never seen a LipPod If you do, be sure to let me know who's selling them in UK.

I've found a company in China who will ship 10,000 for an unspecified price but have never found anywhere I can buy just one, or a dozen.

Have a great day Sunday.

JennyOnTheBlocks · 25/04/2015 07:36

Thanks, nerves are settling now - i was a bit of a ball of fury and emotions yesterday Blush

10 000 you say...maybe we could be at ExPo next year, with our own merchandise Grin

Original poster
TheMarathonPack · 25/04/2015 15:14

Lip pods look great!

Thanks for a the feedback and good luck to anyone runnjng tomorrow!

OP posts:
CMOTDibbler · 25/04/2015 16:21

Actually, that did make me think that the way to go with a gift pack would be to source the sort of thing that is super useful, but that you might not have heard of - like the lip pods, halo sweatbands (amazingly effective, much better than a normal headband), hair bands that stay on your head (I have a halo one, but covet a Sweatyband but international shipping for one is a pita), and I'm sure theres lots more of little known but great products out there. And it would also get you a returning custom base

GottaFeeling · 25/04/2015 19:28

Ooooh, I didn't know about Sweatyband. In such a global market, why are there still great products we can't get.

Op, if you do source Lip pods or Sweatyband, please let me know!

Original poster
TheMarathonPack · 26/04/2015 21:06

Absolutely, if we find them we'll let you know!

Thanks for all the feedback, points taken on board.

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