The 5 Best Gifts For Trail Runners

Here Are Our Top 5 Gift Ideas for Trail Runners

Hey there, fellow trail runners and anyone searching for the perfect gift for a trail runner! We know how challenging it can be to find something that’s both a practical and exciting gift for those who love hitting the trails. That’s why we’ve done the research for you!

After scouring trail running forums and gathering insights from the community, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 gift ideas that every trail runner will appreciate. Whether they’re a seasoned ultrarunner or just starting their trail running journey, these gifts are sure to put a smile on their face.

Here’s a sneak peek at our top picks:

1. A Personalised Poster of Their Best Run

2. An Adventure Weekend Getaway

3. Energy Gels, Snacks, and Fuel

4. Running Watches & Heart Rate Monitors

5. High-Performance Trail Running Socks

Ready to dive into the details? Keep reading to discover why these gifts are a hit with trail runners and where to find the best options. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, these ideas will help you give the ultimate trail-running gift!

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1. A Personalised Poster of Their Best Trail Run

Trail running is more than just a sport—it’s a journey of perseverance, passion, and unforgettable memories. If you or the trail runner in your life has conquered a 50k, 100k, or even a 100-miler, you know that every step is earned. Those moments—whether it’s their first race, their favorite trail, or their toughest challenge—deserve to be celebrated in a meaningful way.  

While photos, medals, and certificates are great, they often don’t capture the full story of the miles, the terrain, and the emotions of the run. That’s where our personalised trail running posters come in.  

Each poster is a unique piece of art that maps out the runner’s route, highlighting the elevation and distance. It’s a beautiful way to commemorate their achievement and turn their hard-earned miles into a lasting keepsake. Whether it’s hung in a home office, gym, or living room, this poster will serve as a daily reminder of their strength and determination! 

Explore our collection and give a one-of-a-kind gift today! All our posters are completely customisable. You can even send us a route file, and we will create a truly unique poster for you!🎨🏞️

Uncertain if this is the right gift for your loved one? Here is what our customers say about our posters!

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I have always been thinking of putting a big painting/picture at home but it is really not easy to have something to represent myself. No matter how valuable or beautiful it is, it’s still by others, until I saw the Oxfam Trailwalker Poster from “my trail.run” 2 days before I took part in the event.

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Other Trail Running Gift Ideas

Now, let’s hear from the trail running community! We asked fellow trail runners about their favorite gifts, and here’s what they had to say:

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Gift Idea 2: Sign Them Up for a Race 

If you love giving experiences over physical items, this one’s for you! Signing them up for a race or offering a guilt-free adventure weekend is a fantastic way to show your support.

Not sure which race to choose? No problem! A gift card for a race entry lets them pick the event that excites them most. This way, you avoid the risk of choosing a date they’re unavailable for or a race they’re not passionate about.

And for those married to a trail runner with kids, one runner shared this golden tip: “Watch their kids for half a day so they can go out on a nice, uninterrupted run.” Sometimes, the best gift is the gift of time and freedom to hit the trails. 

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Gift Idea 3: Gels, Snacks, & Food

For the trail warriors who practically live on the trails, our third gift idea is a no-brainer—gels, snacks, and all things nutrition.  

Dedicated trail runners, especially those who frequently compete in races, burn through fuel quickly. It’s no surprise that many runners mentioned energy bars, gels, and hydration mixes as top gift ideas. After all, staying fueled is key to conquering those miles!  

One runner wisely advised: “Buy what they usually get—nothing weird, so they don’t poop themselves out there.” Solid advice! Trail runners are often very particular about the brands and flavors they trust during races.  

If you’re unsure about their preferences, a gift card to a local running store that stocks their favorite snacks is a safe and thoughtful alternative. This way, they can pick exactly what works for them.  

Whether it’s a stash of their go-to energy gels or the flexibility to choose their own, this gift is sure to keep them fueled and ready for their next adventure.  

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Gift Idea 4: Running Watches & Heart Rate Monitors

If you’re ready to splurge a little, a running watch or heart rate monitor is a game-changing gift for any trail runner. These gadgets are more than just accessories—they’re essential tools for tracking performance, navigating trails, and staying motivated.  

Before making a purchase, do a bit of research to figure out their preferred model. If you’re unsure, ask their running buddies—chances are, they’ve spent hours debating the pros and cons of different watches and trackers!  

For runners who don’t already own a watch, brands like Garmin and Coros are top choices, known for their durability, accuracy, and trail-specific features.  

If they already have a running watch, consider gifting them a one-year Strava subscription. Strava is the go-to social network for runners, where they can share their activities, connect with like-minded athletes, and track their progress. A subscription unlocks premium features like advanced analytics, route planning, and personalized training plans, taking their running experience to the next level.  

Whether it’s a high-tech watch or a Strava subscription, this gift will help them train smarter, run farther, and share their adventures with the world.  

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Gift Idea 5: Trail Running Socks

If you’re ever unsure what to give a trail runner, the answer is simple: socks. It’s a universal truth—socks are always a good idea, and trail runners are no exception. As one runner put it:  

"I’m always good with more socks. They wear out. Merino wool socks are what I’d go with.”  

But here’s the catch: runners can be very picky about their socks. Another runner shared this advice:  

“Go into their closet or running bag and look at what they have—then get them more of the same. I’d be hesitant to buy ‘expensive ones’ they might not like. If you run a lot, you know what works for you. If someone got me socks different from my preferred ones, I’d never wear them because I’ve tried a lot and settled on what I like.”

When it comes to brands, trail runners swear by Smartwool, Darn Tough, 2XU, Injinji, and Balega, for example. These brands are known for their durability, comfort, and performance, making them a safe bet for most runners.  

So, if you’re looking for a practical, thoughtful gift that’s sure to be appreciated, you can’t go wrong with a pair (or three!) of high-quality running socks.  

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Trail Running Gifts Not Mentioned: Shoes

Surprisingly, shoes didn’t make the top of most trail runners’ wish lists. While they’re essential for every runner, they’re also one of the trickiest gifts to get right. As one runner wisely noted:  

“Only give shoes if they have a certain pair they repeatedly purchase.”  

Trail runners are notoriously particular about their gear, food, and equipment—but when it comes to shoes, they’re extra picky. Different brands have different fits, sizes, and widths, so assuming a US 10 in Hoka is the same as a US 10 in Adidas Terrex is a risky move.  

That’s why it’s often better to steer clear of buying shoes as a gift. Instead, consider going shoe shopping together—it’s a fun way to spend time and ensures they get exactly what they need.  

What’s your favorite trail running gift? Share your ideas in the comments below! 🎁🥾