First Time Marathon Gift Ideas Needed!

Socks that say 26.2. That way they are practical, thoughtful, and can remind them of their accomplishment.

If you are giving it to them before the marathon. My husband loved what looked like deodorant (Body glide) but you put it on areas to prevent chaffing.

I agree with Alysson - I have run only one marathon (which is enough in one lifetime) and what meant the most to me is that people came and cheered me on...go watch it and cheer...if possible at two different locations one near the beginning (first 4 to 5 miles) and then again around mile 20-23! Specially near the end, you presents will be greatly appreciated.

One More Mile has really funny running shirts...there are like 10 that I want, here is their website.

http://www.onemoremilerunning.com

Shirts are 24-26 bucks each, which is more than you said you wanted to spend, but keep in mind they are technical shirts, which your friends will appreciate (light, breathable, moisture wicking, fast drying) for future training. Otherwise, they have hats that are 15 bucks each that have the same sayings. Also, stickers, magnets, etc. which are cheaper.

Some examples of sayings are:

running is my happy hour
running is cheaper than therapy
26.2 miles and still smiling
will run for beer (also have chocolate, wine,ice cream, margaritas, etc.)
26.2 miles: been there, run that
Does this shirt make my butt look fast?
Slow is the new fast
In my dreams, I am a Kenyan
Toenails are for sissies
I know I run like a girl, try to keep up
My sport is your sports punishment
(front) one more mile logo (back) Dear God let someone be behind me to read this
I'm only doing this so I can post a picture on facebook
I thought they said "rum"
I'm not slow, I'm getting my moneys worth out of the entry fee
You think I run funny? Wait till you see me walk tomorrow

And my personal favorite:
If you see me collapse, pause my Garmin

Hope your friends have a great race! Yay running!!!!

Maybe a personalized water bottle?

I don't have any suggestions, since everyone has different favorite items, but I think it is great that you want to give a little gift to show you think they are awesome. I have never been given anything, didn't expect it, for any of my races, my longest being a half ironman, but I like when people acknowledge that I did something that was really freaking hard. My husband has been at every single one of my races, usually with our young son, and four family members plus husband and son were there for the big race. Just having them there supporting me, and with a poster or two as well, was great. I think doing that is even better than a gift, if you can make it to the race.

I'm sure you have running, biking, or outdoor enthusiasm stores in your area. I live in a suburb of Dallas, TX and am frequently at Luke's Locker, Run On, and several bike/triathlon stores, and those places always have little add-ons near their registers. Also, REI is a great place to look for this type of thing. You could google these stores websites for ideas.

I never have enough Gu (an electrolyte gel that is commonly used in training and racing), so if someone gave me a box of Gu, I'd be thrilled. Also, I've seen men using this Sweat Gutter headband, and it might be something your cousin might like.

For a sport that just requires a pair of good shoes, there are a lot of expensive little things you can add... gift certs for a running store would always be good too.

really good running socks. they are going to be 10 bux each.

or just a really great heartfelt letter, and an invite to come over for dinner to celebrate. not the same day....

Will you be around to watch them run the race? This wouldn't be an immediate gift, but maybe you can make them a shutterfly photobook as a keepsake. You could be a photographer for the day and take pics pre-race, checking in, on the route, afterwards, holding up race shirt, etc... you can get creative and take shots of just their shoe, their hand holding a water bottle in the sunlight, close-ups of their ipod, etc... This is a big moment for them being their first marathon and they might appreciate looking back on it from time to time. You can add quotes or phrases about running in the book too.

Hi :) a foot massage at your local Nail Shop

I know the marathoners in my life enjoy some specific products during their race. Cute t-shirts and all are fun but are they practical. Will they wear them again. Memorabilia from the race sure, but not too sure about general marathon shirts.
I will private message you about the particular products my friends like. One of my friends, ran his first 1/2 marathon on a Sunday and had almost no recovery time necessary and was back to work Monday full of life. These products are great.

B.
Family Success Coach

Well for the female, maybe a charm to go on a necklace? Here in Texas we have www.jamesavery.com (silver jewelry). I know they have had two running type charms in the past. If you click on the website and click on charms and search 'runner' a shoe will come up. It's $39, so perhaps not quite very economical. But maybe something LIKE that would be nice.

they sell stickers for your car that say 26.2 at athletic stores; that's what I would appreciate if it were me.

I have only run the 1/2 (13.1), but afterward all I wanted to do was eat and relax. I would have loved a gift cert to a great burger place.

Maybe something that they could use on their next run....are they running someplace that it will be hot? How about one of those cooling necklaces? I know I have made them before myself...and you can find them at Ace Hardware...I am sure they are available other places too. (Here is the website for how to make them yourself... http://www.coolneckbands.com/make_your_own.htm )

My daughter loves the runners wicking socks...not very thick...no seams to irritate tender feet and they sort of "suck" the moisture away from your feet.

She also really appreciated a white cooling hat that I got her with a nice brim to protect her eyes...and vented on the top to allow the heat to dissipate.
The best gift you could give them would be to just be there to cheer them on...and meet them at the finish line with a nice cold bottle of water and some cold fresh fruit!!!

A nice picture frame; Micheals, Target, K-Mart all carry nice, inexpensive frames.

I loved all the keepsakes available for the marathons I did. Check out the merchandise for each race and see what's in your price range. You can visit the official site for each race and find the link for merchandise.

You can get a small george foreman grill for about $16. They are a great quick way to get lean protein for a training diet.

A reusable water bottle!