Running
13 awesome Christmas present ideas for runners
Get your festive shopping off to a running start with this blockbuster gift guide.
Running out of present ideas for Christmas? Whether it's for yourself, a friend or a family member, this handy gift guide caters for every type of runner, from casual joggers to die-hard racers. And with price points to suit every budget you'll find something here, whether you're after a stocking filler or a more extravagant offering...
1. Garmin Forerunner 245, £219.99
The battery life on the Garmin Forerunner 245 will last for up to 7 days
© Garmin
For something on the higher end of the budget scale, you can’t beat a Forerunner. These watches from Garmin have become a must-have for serious runners, thanks to their ability to do everything from measure your heart rate to track your training history.
The 245 is a good option, with features that include built-in GPS, training plans from expert coaches and technology that measures cadence, stride length and balance while you run. There’s even a wrist-based sensor that estimates how your body is absorbing oxygen while you sleep.
To splash out even more, pick up the Forerunner 945 (£519.99), which has even more features.
Check it out here
2. Wings For Life World Run race entry, £25
At the WFLWR, the finish line chases you!
© Richie Hopson for Wings for Life World Run
What better incentive to lace up your trainers this New Year than an entry into the Wings For Life World Run – a race that raises millions of pounds to help fund research into spinal cord injury. The race takes place on May 3, 2020 at 11am UTC, and UK participants can head to Cambridge to take part. Runners and wheelchair participants race simultaneously in locations all over the world, all attempting to stay ahead of the moving finish line. With 100 percent of every entry fee going directly to the Wings For Life Foundation, you can part with your cash safe the knowledge it's going straight to a much-need cause: finding a cause for spinal cord injury.
Check it out here
3. Inov-8 Roclite G 290 with Graphene-Grip, £120
From slippery rock to tricky tarmac, these will give you life-saving grip
© inov-8
Good grip is vital for tackling tricky, off-road terrain – and it doesn’t get much better than the aggressive traction provided by these Roclites from Inov-8.
Made with super tough graphene, the soles are grippy on even the slipperiest and muddiest of terrain, while the midsole is beautifully cushioned and is said to deliver 10 percent better shock absorption than standard midsoles.
Available in a men’s and women’s version, these are surprisingly light, super stable – and a good bet for any trail runner.
Check it out here
4. New Balance 860v10, £120
New Balance's cushioning will provide you with long-lasting comfort
© New Balance
If it’s a road runner you’re buying for, these latest kicks from New Balance offer support, stability and cushioning for pounding the tarmac. The soles feature a slight ramp, designed to offer a more natural feeling when you run, while the mesh upper fits snugly to your foot.
Choose from a men’s and women’s version, with two colours in each range. Though you'd struggle to beat this Twilight Rose shade.
Check it out here
5. Jack Wolfskin Crosstrail 6 Sports Pack, £110
The Crosstrail's honeycomb structure makes it waterproof and durable
© Jack Wolfskin
Keeping hydrated should be a priority for every runner. This comfy sports pack from Jack Wolfskin is ideal for longer trail runs and events.
It features an integrated 2l hydration system with some unique features, such as a fill level indicator so you can monitor your fluid intake. There’s also a nifty magnetic fastener on the shoulder strap that holds the tube firmly in place, so it doesn’t wobble about as you run. Chest and shoulder straps will also hold the pack in place, and there’s an in-built whistle and lots of handy pockets for stashing snacks and your phone.
Check it out here
6. Lululemon Enlite Bra Zip Front, £44
The front zip makes this sports bra super easy to take on and off
© Lululemon
Check any female runner’s Christmas wish list and it’s likely that something from Canadian brand Lululemon will be on there.
This running bra not only offers great support, but also has an easy-to-use front zipper, making it much easier to put on and take off than regular sports bras. The back features an attractive cross strap design and you can choose from four colours – white, black and two camo greys.
Check it out here
7. Wild Running, £16.99
Graded from beginner to challenging, Wild Running has a trail for everyone
© Wild Things Publishing
There’s nothing like flicking through a book dedicated to off-road running to plan your next adventure on the trails.
This new version of the popular Wild Running book contains inspiration from Britain’s top 200 trail runs. From Cornwall to the Cairngorms, the routes have been chosen based on their awesome terrain, epic beauty and ease of navigation. Perfect for beginners and experts alike, the book contains lots of handy info, maps of the runs, fitness tips and advice on how to stay safe while wild running.
Check it out here
8. AfterShokz Aeropex Bone Conduction Headphones, £134.95
Sweat and waterproof, Aeropex are perfect for all running conditions
© AfterShokz
These aren’t just any old headphones. Instead of plugging them into your ears and blocking out all external sounds, they transmit audio waves to the inner ear through the skull – bypassing the eardrums completely. It means you can hear your music (they wirelessly connect to your phone) while also remaining alert to the noise of traffic or your running buddy.
An upgrade on the brand’s Air model (£69.95), they are completely sweat and rainproof, and waterproof (up to one meter of water for 30 minutes). You can also rely on them to stay in place when running – even during high-intensity sessions. But if it's long, slow runs you need them for, they've got a solid battery life of eight hours.
Check them out here
9. Gore R7 Partial Gore-Tex Infinium Hooded Jacket, £169.99
With lightweight tech, Gore R7's jacket offers ultimate freedom of movement
© Gore
For a lightweight, breathable men’s running jacket, this number from Gore does the job nicely. Designed for runners in cool weather, it protects you from the wind and is water resistant. The integrated hood offers extra warmth on those chilly days, with an elasticated cord so you can fit it snugly.
Available in black or bright green and blue, it has reflective detailing which is great to keep you visible during night runs, while the shape is fitted to allow your body to move beneath it.
Check it out here
10. Salomon Lightning WP Jacket, £120
The Salomon jacket's reflective details are ideal for night time
© Salomon
Style and functionality are rolled into one in this great women’s running jacket from Salomon. It’s lightweight yet super tough, with a rip-resistant layer and superb waterproof protection.
Your body will also be able to breathe in this jacket – extra ventilation under the arms and in the back is ideal for when you work up a sweat. The sleek design allows you to adjust it at the waist and there’s a discrete pocket for stashing your phone and keys in.
Check it out here
11. Runderwear Men's Running Boxer Shorts, £20
With no side seams or labels, these boxer shorts won't irritate your skin
© Runderwear
Friction in unfortunate areas is no laughing matter for runners. Thankfully help is at hand in the form of Runderwear.
This run-specific range of undies is designed to be chafe-free, comfortable, sweat-wicking and super breathable. They may not be the most romantic of Christmas presents, but they are money well spent if you want to help banish the dreaded chafe forever.
The company makes briefs for men and women, as well as sports bras.
Check them out here
12. Icebreaker Tech Trainer Hybrid Pants, £130
Naturally biodegradable, Icebreaker's ethical pants are worth the price tag
© Icebreaker
Running in freezing wintry conditions may not sound appealing – but slip on a pair of these cosy running tights and you’ll feel snug as a bug, and ready to take on the cold.
Made with a merino wool blend, they will keep your legs warm without sacrificing technical performance. As well as being toasty, merino helps regulate body temperature (so you shouldn’t overheat in them) and is naturally odor-resistant – perfect for smelling fresher between washes.
Available in a men’s looser style and a women’s more fitted style, they should make any runner’s winter kit list.
Check them out here
13. Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Ankle Length Sock, £24
With three layers of construction, these will keep your feet dry and warm
© Sealskinz
Forget running shoes that promise to keep water out – what you need to keep your tootsies dry are a pair of waterproof socks.
This unizex ankle length design is suitable for both hot and cold climates. Made from a merino wool blend, they offer 100 percent waterproof protection while also being breathable and helping to prevent blisters with non-rub seams. Additional padding helps reduce pressure and absorb shock.
At £24 a pop they aren’t cheap, but for feet that stay comfortable and dry on even the soggiest of runs, it’s money well spent.
Check them out here
