Christmas gift
Finding the perfect gift for friends and family can be tricky.
It helps, of course, if they have a hobby or pastime, but even that can bring its own challenges – especially if it seems your loved ones already have all they need.
Worry not – If you still don't know what to buy, here’s a selection of ideas across a range of categories that suit all budgets.
And whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this list can offer some inspiration for any gifts you may need to purchase in the near future. Or you could even order some of these items for yourself – we all deserve a little treat from time to time!
Books and publications
Good For A Girl
Lauren Fleshman
Lauren Fleshman was of the most decorated collegiate athletes of all time and a national champion as a pro, before becoming a coach for elite young female runners. Every step of the way, she has seen how our sports systems fail young women and girls as much as empower them.
Part memoir, part manifesto, Good for a Girl is Fleshman's story of falling in love with running as a girl, battling devastating injuries and self-doubt, and daring to fight for a better way for female athletes.
This book was also winner of the 2023 William Hill Sports Book of the Year award.
We Share The Sun
Sarah Gearhart
At a secluded training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, a small town about 2500m above sea level in the Great Rift Valley, three-dozen world-class runners, including Olympic champions, world record-holders and the fastest marathoner of all time, share simple dormitory-style rooms and endure grueling workouts six days a week.
These determined, devoted, and selfless runners are who they are because of a man named Patrick Sang. One of the greatest - and least-heralded coaches in the sport - Sang is described by his athletes as a “life coach.”
In We Share the Sun, Sarah Gearhart takes the reader inside this high-octane world of elite athletes of which few are even aware of and even fewer have ever seen. It tells Sang’s remarkable story, from his college days in the US to winning an Olympic medal in the steeplechase, and his journey to become a man who redefines what coaching means. There is no singular secret to sporting success, but Sang’s holistic philosophy is like no other approach in the world. It is rooted in developing athletes who can navigate the pressures of elite competition - and life itself.
Jesse Owens
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Meet Jesse Owens, the historic and barrier-breaking track and field star.
The youngest of ten children, Jesse grew up working in the cotton fields of Alabama. Discovered by his high school track and field coach, Jesse quickly rose to fame as an athlete. He went on the challenge racism on the world stage at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and made new world records. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the athlete and activist's life.
This empowering series of books offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers.
Available from Little People Big Dreams
How She Did It
Molly Huddle and Sara Slattery
How She Did It begins with the kind of prescriptive information that any athlete needs to be healthy and successful in the world of competitive running, with advice and findings from the nation's top bone health experts, sports endocrinologists, nutritionists, sports psychologists, and more.
The book then moves into the payload: unflinching and intimate interviews with 50 well-known female runners who reveal their deepest fears, their worst choices, and their greatest achievements.
Puddings To Podiums: From Fast Food Fat Man To Ultra Marathon Champion
Nathan Flear
In 'Puddings to Podiums', follow the captivating story of an ordinary man's extraordinary quest to rise from a life of indulgence to the pinnacle of ultra running and his dream of running for his country.
Nathan embarks on an awe-inspiring adventure that takes him from his sedentary lifestyle to the world of ultra running. From tackling his first 10km run to conquering gruelling 24-hour races, Nathan's journey is as much about conquering his own doubts and limitations as it is about crossing finish lines.
Gear and kit
Metaspeed collection, Asics
Each shoe in the Asics Metaspeed range is designed with a distinct type of running style in mind, helping athletes reach the top of their game and potentially reducing the number of steps a runner needs to take during a race.
Street Fighter collection, Onitsuka Tiger
You probably wouldn't run a marathon wearing any of this gear, but if you like your casual lounge wear to have a novel and gaming twist, then this range is perfect.
Available at OnitsukaTiger.com
Games
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
There is an official Paris 2024 video game in the pipeline, but it won't be released until next year. So in the meantime, relive the joy and excitement of the most recent Olympics with the Tokyo 2020 video game. Engage in a wide variety of arcade-style sports as you compete to win the gold.
Available on the Playstation, X-Box, Nintendo Switch and Steam.
Available from various sellers
Art
Like The Wind illustrations
Like the Wind is a magazine that features a collection of running stories, from personal anecdotes to inspirational tales. A selection of illustrations used in LtW's storytelling is available to purchase from their online shop, along with back issues of the magazine itself, plus a whole range of other goodies.
Retro video game artwork
Officially licensed by Konami, these pieces of artwork from Artovision 3D capture the essence of the classic Track & Field arcade game.
Available from Artovision 3D, via Etsy
Athletics track poster
Understated and stylish. Is there anything more beautiful than an athletics track?!
Available from Swedish Stamp Club
Stocking fillers
Art Of Your Success
A one-stop shop for all types of gifts, Art Of Your Success offers products that motivate, organise and celebrate training and racing - whether it’s recording and reflecting on your training in a journal, drinking a post session coffee out of a mug, or wearing a marathon t shirt to collect your race number.
