Think back… From your very first tri (or du) to now, what are your top 3 swag items, whether they be the most whimsical, most practical, whatever. Let’s not include finisher medals (that’s another discussion entirely).
And yes, I’m in the middle of reviewing previous threads on finisher awards and “what can RDs take away and not affect the “value” of the event” threads.
TIA!
I’ll chime in:
The dry bag backpacks. I’ve gotten 3. My ex girlfriend liked one so much that she kept it when we broke up.
Good socks that I can use. I got a pair of Wigwam socks at Eagleman in 2004 that got me hooked on their socks until they stopped making them.
Edit: Rev3 gave out Gatorade towels that I still use today, small enough to fit in a swim gear bag but big enough to actually dry yourself off with.
I like the flags that Ironman gives. I can hang them in my garage and everytime I walk out there can think, yeah, I did that.
I run with a cap on, so the caps are always good as I wear them out quickly. Good socks are excellent, whether they’re for running, cycling or both. Maybe compression socks or arm warmers/sun protectors would be good. Elastic laces?
I like the flags that Ironman gives. I can hang them in my garage and everytime I walk out there can think, yeah, I did that.
Flags always sell out super quick, I wanted one from Wales but no chance!
Challenge Almere in 2021 gave away a really great branded backpack (very high quality) and…
a “40 Years of Triathlon” book that was the complete history of the event, featuring all the race winners, full color, great images, etc.
My best event swag wise was HyVee 5150 event where I got a bike Jersey, Backpack and something else, maybe compression socks.
But they had really good sponsorships, money to give Pro’s etc. so maybe those days are gone for Age Group athletes.
I do appreciate things I can actually use like the aforementioned backpacks. I also like pint glasses, coffee mugs and cool bottle openers (bottle opener doubling as a finsher’s medal is a cool idea).
Small cotton towel from IM Lanzarote 2004. It’s the perfect size for indoor training.
An orca cap.
Recently from non branded races, a neck buff.
Just please, no more technical fabric t shirts. If RDs want to do a t shirt, then standard cotton would be good, with discreet race logo, and no sign of the word “finisher”.
Good socks that I can use. I got a pair of Wigwam socks at Eagleman in 2004 that got me hooked on their socks until they stopped making them.
This. Great socks. I still have a couple of pair left I “save for best†so I don’t wear them for fear of wearing them out and then not having any…Doesn’t make sense to me either but we all have our eccentricities.
Visor and pint mug round out the podium.
My favorite has always been towels. Use for transition and for trainer rides.
Waterproof branded backpack, 40L.
Quickdry Towel.
Large plastic bag, nothing special, just useful.
Finish line towel (great for gym, trainer rides, etc.)
Finisher hat (can never have too many running hats!)
Decent sunglasses (Goodr or Knockaround–I can’t remember which–again, can never have too many running sunglasses!)
So I guess the theme for me is “Stuff I can use in training for my next race”.
One year Ironman Western Australia was sponsored by a tool company. As swag we received a hammer, one side was a normal hammer, the other side was a bottle opener. Very unusual swag for an IM. It is still sitting in my tool box.
Finisher pajama pants at Beach2Battleship
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I covet my Wildflower towels and grocery bags.
I got a wood ball on a wooden/stick tripod that had the race burned into it. About the size of a Lacross Ball.
Socks are excellent. Especially bike socks.
Mugs are cool, as long as they aren’t useless mugs. Similarly, tall glass with the race etched in. Screen printed glasses just wash off.
Most of my daily wear Ts are free Tech Fabric tshirts. Also love the good laptop holder backpacks.
Small cotton towel from IM Lanzarote 2004. It’s the perfect size for indoor training.
An orca cap.
Recently from non branded races, a neck buff.
Just please, no more technical fabric t shirts. If RDs want to do a t shirt, then standard cotton would be good, with discreet race logo, and no sign of the word “finisher”.
I agree with this. I’ll wear a decent cotton t shirt regularly. A technical fabric “finisher†t shirt goes in the drawer and never comes out.