Dec 05, 2025
2025 Gift Guide
2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Walkers & Runners
From Your Friends at M3S Sports — Because the Best Gifts Help Us Celebrate YOU at Our Finish Line
Every year when the holidays roll around, we start chatting in the office about gifts — the ones we love to give, the ones we secretly hope to receive, and the ones we know actually get used once the training miles kick in.
And honestly?
The gifts we love the MOST are the moments where we get to celebrate YOU — your walk, your jog, your run, your healthy active lifestyle — at one of our finish lines. There’s truly nothing better.
But since we can’t exactly wrap up a finish line and put a bow on it (even though that visual makes us smile), we can help you give you the gift of a finish line. You can purchase an M3S Sports gift card and let your friends, family, coworkers, or teammates choose any of our events — whether they want something in the snow, something in the sunshine, something with stadium energy, or something with a little wine at the end. And because not everyone loves gift cards, we also put together this simple, real-world gift guide for the walkers, joggers, runners, and “just trying to get moving again” folks in your life.
Just the good stuff our ambassadors actually love — plus some fun event tie-ins, because yes, we always think about what you’re training for next.
Stocking Stuffers Under $25
1. Touchscreen Thermal Gloves
Ohio winters are no joke.
Top pick: Etip Trail Glove (North Face) or New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Warm Walking/Running Gloves, Anti Slip Men's and Women's Cool Weather Gloves
Perfect for: Winter training for the 5th Line 5K.
2. Moisture-Wicking Beanie or Ear Warmer
Warm ears = happier miles.
Top pick: TrailHeads Running Headband or Beanie.
Perfect for: New Years Day at First on the First 5K.
3. Reflective Running Belt
Lightweight, simple, and genuinely useful.
Top pick: SPIbelt Original Running Belt.
4. Traction Cleats (Yaktrax-style)
Because Ohio weather keeps us guessing.
Top pick: Yaktrax Run Traction System.
Perfect for: January miles through snow, slush, and ice, training for the Blue Jackets 5th line 5K.
$25–$60 Everyday Essentials
5. A Good Foam Roller
The recovery tool everyone needs (even if they don’t know it yet).
Top pick: TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller.
Perfect for: Cap City and Grandview Yard training cycles.
6. High-Visibility Reflective Vest
Our Ambassadors could not stop talking about this. If you train outside this time of year, they consider this non-negotiable! Being seen is half the battle in winter.
Top pick: Noxgear Tracer2 LED Vest.
Perfect for: Early morning or After-work walkers and joggers.
7. USB Headlamp
Safer miles in the dark mornings & evenings.
Top pick: Black Diamond Cosmo 350R.
Perfect for: Early-morning long runs for Cap City and Grandview Yard.
8. Insulated Handheld Water Bottle
Hydration… even when it’s cold.
Top pick: Nathan SpeedDraw Insulated Flask.
Perfect for: Winter miles in the Metro Parks, and Columbus Clippers blue!
9. Running Socks
Warm, breathable, and comfortable.
Top pick: Balega Blister Resist Merino Socks.
Perfect for: Cold training days for Crooked Shillelagh. Our ambassadors also love an ugly Christmas Sweater design, so stock up!
$60–$200 Bigger Gifts
10. Entry-Level GPS Running Watch
Motivation on your wrist.
Top pick: Garmin Vivoactive 5 — top-rated and user-friendly.
Perfect for: Someone starting their road to Cap City.
11. Heated Vest or Weather-Proof Running Jacket
For the always-cold athlete in your life.
Top pick: Brooks Shield Hybrid Jacket.
Perfect for: Four-season walkers and runners.
12. Headphones
Ambassador-approved for safety, comfort, and all-weather use.
Top Pick: Shokz Headphones
It’s personal, practical, and thoughtful. Bone conduction = hear your music and your surroundings.
13. Solid Sunglasses
An ambassador MUST HAVE:
Top picks: Goodr
Fun colors, don’t bounce, don’t slide, and look great on everyone
14. An M3S Sports Event Entry or M3S Gift Card (The Best Gift We Offer)
If you want to go straight to a runner’s heart, this was the #1 answer. Our Ambassadors were VERY clear about this one:
Gift cards for M3S events are always a win — because you’re giving someone the gift of a goal, a finish line, and a community.
Whether you’re a four-season athlete, someone who loves the heat, someone who hates pollen, someone who refuses to leave the house in the cold, or a die-hard Columbus sports fan… there’s truly a perfect event for everyone.
Here’s what’s on deck in 2026:
- January 1: OhioHealth First On The First 5K
- February 1: 5th Line 5K Race Presented By OhioHealth (finish inside Nationwide Arena!)
- March 8: Arnold 5K Run/Walk + Arnold Pump & Run + Arnold Ruck
- March 14: Crooked Shillelagh 4 Miler
- April 12: The Ohio State 4 Miler (finish on the 50 yard line!)
- April 25: OhioHealth Capital City Half, Quarter & 5K
- May 28: FORE! Miler presented by The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and The James
- June 20: 9.71 The Race presented by The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
- July 12: Run Wild 5k at The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- August 23: OhioHealth Grandview Yard Half & Quarter Marathon
- September 11: Oktoberfest Meiler Vier
- TBD: Columbus Clippers 5K
- TBD: Josephinum 4-Miler Run/Walk
- November 26: Flying Feather Four Miler
Sports Commission Challenge
If you’ve got someone who loves Columbus sports, this is the ultimate experience gift. Complete all five sports-themed events (5th Line 5K, Arnold 5K, Ohio State 4 Miler, FORE! Miler and Columbus Clippers 5K) and earn a special-edition medal rack. It’s basically a year-long motivation booster. Is there a better gift to give that sports fan in your life?
M3S Partner Suggestions:
For the friend who wants structure, accountability, and a training crew.
This one is a great gift — it lasts all year.
Shoes, socks, inserts, gear… even runners who “have everything” love this.
Ambassadors: “You can NEVER go wrong with Fleet Feet.”
Orangetheory Fitness Membership
Give (or get!) a gift that keeps you moving all winter long. An Orangetheory membership or class pack is the perfect way to stay strong when the sidewalks are icy and the wind is brutally cold. With coached workouts, incredible energy, and a supportive studio vibe, Orangetheory is the ideal indoor complement to all the outdoor miles you (or your loved ones) will log this season. It’s motivation, cross-training, and winter confidence — all wrapped into one gift.
Bibibop Asian Grill Gift Cards
Give the gift of feeling GOOD. A Bibibop gift card is the perfect way to fuel up or recover before and after all those miles you're putting in. Fresh, customizable, and packed with healthy options, Bibibop makes it easy to eat well during training weeks, long-run weekends, or busy days when you still want to stay on track. Whether it’s a post-run bowl or a pre-workout pick-me-up, this is a gift that supports a healthy active lifestyle deliciously.
Wrapping It Up:
At the end of the day, the best gifts are the ones that help someone move, feel better, get outside, or try something new. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your spouse, a training buddy, your kids, or someone who simply wants to start a healthy active lifestyle, these ideas are a great place to start.
And truly — the greatest gift for all of us at M3S Sports will always be seeing YOU at one of our finish lines.