Blog

Finishing a 5K, half-marathon or a full marathon is a big deal, whether it’s your first time, or your 21^st time. Those miles are a testament to strength, endurance, commitment, and sheer willpower. It’s no wonder the friends and families of runners want to celebrate that! If you want to plan something special for your favorite runner, marathoner or triathlete, you might consider planning a Finish Line Surprise.

Step 1: Prep-Work

Pahk the Cah – as they say in Boston

The first order of business in planning a finish line surprise is to know the race route – where it begins, where it ends, and most importantly: where to park your car! Many a surprise has been foiled by lack of parking, especially in crowded urban areas.

Charge Your Batteries!

You want your smartphone in working order and your camera. Running a marathon, especially a first marathon, has been compared to weddings and the birth of a child. It’s a big deal! You’ll want to take lots of pictures (bring a backup SD card too).

Locate Post-Race Recovery Fuel

Your runner will be ravenous when he or she crosses the finish line, and knowing that there is an immediate plan for food will make your surprise that much sweeter. Do your research in advance and make reservations if necessary.

Pack Your Runner’s Finish Line Bag

Your runner will want a fresh change of clothes, comfortable shoes, a cold drink, maybe snacks, and definitely a massage when the race is over. This small act of care-taking will make it possible for her to enjoy your surprise even more.

Step 2: Plan Your Surprise

Timing

There are a few smartphone apps to help you track your runner’s progress, or you can predict their run time and calculate where they’ll most likely be at various points in the course. Knowing their location is vital to coordinating your surprise.

Signage

It’s no secret that runners love reading signs along the race course, so why not incorporate a string of signs into your surprise? Tell your runner to look out for signs in a specific, easy-to-spot color, so she’ll know which ones are for her. Then, write a series of short, fun hints about what she’ll find at the finish line.

Coordinated Clothing

It’s hard to see supporters in the crowds of well-wishers, so make it easier on your runner to find you in the crowd by coordinating your clothing, signs, and even balloons. You might even make your own Team T-Shirt as part of the surprise!

Step 3: The Surprise Itself

Faraway Friends

Of course, every runner wants to see her friends and family at the end of the race. Part of your surprise might be flying in a dear friend who lives far away.

Mini-Flash-Mob

Organize your team of supporters into a Finish Line Flash Mob by bringing a boom box and singing and dancing to your runner’s favorite song. We like “Footloose” and “Eye of the Tiger.” In the 2011 Boston Marathon, spectators brought small trampolines to the sidelines, jumping in the air to the tune of “Shout.”

Presents!

Everyone loves a present to commemorate a special event, like a lovely piece of jewelry for starters! We have fabulous gifts for the finisher, like Half-Marathon commemorative pendants, 13.1 sneaker charms, marathon earrings with 26.2 on them, and European beads for Boston, New York, and other major marathons. You can get them right here at Milestones Sports Jewelry! Check out our favorites. (Another appropriate present might be a gift certificate for a full-body massage!)

Popping The Question

Couples made headlines at the Boston Marathon and the El Paso Marathon this year by popping the question at their respective finish lines. One Boston fiancé chose to get down on one knee before the race began, giving his girlfriend a beautiful diamond which she wore throughout the race. In El Paso, a young woman was prepared with balloons and a sign asking her boyfriend for his hand at the finish line – but he ended up surprising her instead when he ran his final mile wearing a button-down shirt and tie, and carrying a bouquet of flowers. Popping the question is definitely one of the best surprises significant others can offer their runners!

What is your best Finish Line surprise? Tell us on Facebook!