My DH thinks a comfort quilt in remembrance of the race would be the way to go. He has run several marathons and will run a half marathon trail run with our son in VA on the 10th of April. Unless the runner has support people in the crowd who are willing to carry duffle bags etc. they may get lost, tossed or stolen. She will have the lap quilt forever.

I've made shoe bags to carry those 'special running shoes' the runners have. Keeps the rest of their belongings clean in their carry-all when the shoes come off after the race

I'm a marathon runner and we do not carry water bottles, we are handed them along the way and toss them aside after guzzling the water. Our bib number is our ID, some do carry a dog tag type ID or medical ID. Most do not use music/ear buds. We need to hear the approaching runners. Many people do not have a team of support people to with them to hold their stuff. With that being said, I suggest a small quilted tote bag with some lotion, water, protein bar and soft socks, and any other goodies your friend likes. Give it to her a few days before the race and wish her the best.

Maybe buy a BM tee shirt with the date on it then fussycut the relevant portion, layer it and quilt it into a wallhanging. It would be a great momento without possibly interfering with her race day mojo!

I ended up with a rice bag... she probably won't take it with her.... cause it weighs a lot, but it will be a memory. I think this is the color of the official jacket and the unicorn is the symbol.....thanks for all your suggestions... May do a lap robe when she comes home....

That is so cute, and very useful.

Rice bag! Great idea!

Nan