Best gifts for runners: 18 treats to keep them training

Whether your loved one runs marathon distances every week or dabbles with shorter distances, there are plenty of gift ideas that can improve their workout.

These range from items that will keep them wrapped up on winter runs, headlamps to ensure they’re seen at night and monitors that will collect their stats.

We’ve also considered the all important recovery period, so there’s something here for every runner, whether they’re pounding the pavement or putting their feet up and taking a well deserved rest.

Best running gifts

Garmin Forerunner 245

• From £209.99

The Garmin Forerunner 245 is one of the most popular models of the Garmin range, covering all the basics and being available at more of an affordable price.

The GPS smartwatch is designed to track all your running stats, giving you real-time feedback on metrics such as cadence, stride length, balance, and more. The wrist-based heart rate monitor aims to inform data analysis, so you can get the most out of your run.

Data provided includes VO2 max, blood oxygen saturation, and training effect, including load and suggested recovery time.

Besides running, the 245 has hordes of additional activity profiles so you can keep track of your cross training, these include cycling, pool swimming, track and gym profiles.

For a more detailed breakdown of your latest run you can pair it with your smartphone and the Garmin Connect app, which is also handy for staying on top of any important messages and notifications on the go.

The 245 aims to be sleek and lightweight on your wrist, with a range of coloured, sweat-proof bands to choose from.

The Garmin Forerunner 245 is also available in a music version, so you can link up your headphones wirelessly without the need of a phone.

• Read our round up of the best triathlon watches reviewed

Proviz Reflective Running Vest

Want to boost your safety when out and about running? Look no further than this super reflective x-vest from Proviz.

This unisex layer is designed to be completely adjustable and lightweight, the technical fabric used is made from Proviz’s ‘Reflect360’ range.

The reflectivity works by using ‘millions of reflective beads’ that that take in and reflect back any light to improve visibility.

Online Running Technique Analysis and Consultation with an Expert Running Coach

Anyone interested in improving their running performance is sure to be grateful for the chance to get their technique assessed by an expert.

During this one-hour consultation, the coach will evaluate the runner’s personal technique and help create a plan for improvement, keeping in mind any previous injuries or experiences. At the end, they’ll provide a detailed report with all their recommendations.

Inov-8 Race Ultra Pro 5 Vest

If your loved one embarks on long training runs, make sure they stay hydrated with this vest from Inov-8. It’s an ergonomic bit of kit that allows the user to place both their 500ml water bottles at hip height thanks to it’s longer straws, so it should be a more comfortable fit when on the move.

There’s also plenty of additional storage for snacks and gels, with nine pockets in total, which includes a larger section on the back.

• Read our round up of best hydration packs

Sealskinz Acle Water-Repellent Fleece Gloves

Running in the winter can take a toll on your hands so it’s wise to invest in an extra layer. These run gloves from Sealskinz may be just the solution. Lightweight enough to stuff in a pocket out of the way, they should make a difference when you need them thanks to their fleecy fabric.

The thumb and index finger are compatible with a touchscreen so you can use your phone without removing the gloves, and there are reflective elements to help keep you visible at night too.

• Check out our other favourite running gloves

Petzl Actik Headlamp

With shorter days and less daylight thanks to the winter, it’s vital that runners can see (and can be seen) when they head out. This is where the Petzl Actik headlamp comes in handy.

Promising to deliver 350 lumens of light, it comes with a number of settings so you can choose the correct beam for your environment, ranging from a wide beam to a mixed effect. There’s also the option of a red light, which should help improve visibility without blinding fellow runners or anyone beside you.

Boasting a simple set-up, you should be able to choose your choice of light with minimum fuss thanks to a single button, with a lock function that stops you accidentally switching it on or off.

The headband itself features a reflective logo to help you be seen and is detachable, which means you can wash it after a particularly sweaty run.

• Read our round up of best running head torches

Hoka Rincon 3

The chances are the competitive runner in your life is wearing through their current pair of trainers, so why not gift them with a fresh set?

The Hoka Rincon 3s are perfect for both training and race day, and promise to deliver the best cushion-to-weight ratio, keeping the runner comfortable during long events without weighing them down.

Even the tongue has been streamlined to save on weight, but this doesn’t mean the shoe loses all its additional features, like the heel tab which helps them slip on with ease. In our review in issue 398, tester Matt Baird described the Rincon 3 as “Hoka’s best shoe yet”.

• Check out our other top Hoka running shoes, or browse our pick of the best running shoes overall

Out of Thin Air

It’s important to take rest days from running, so encourage your favourite runner to put their feet up with this book on running wisdom from author and marathon runner Michael Crawley.

Crawley spent 15 months training in Ethiopia alongside runners at all levels to understand some of their alternative preparation methods and the impressive outcomes they’ve achieved as a result.

For more reading inspiration check our our picks of the best triathlon books.

Nike Slim Waist Pack 2.0

Ideal for carrying essentials on longer runs without weighing yourself down, the Slim Waist Pack 2.0 from Nike has an expandable pocket to hold your phone, snacks or gel packs. It’s also been made with a stretchy belt to accommodate a range of waste sizes, with reflective elements to help keep you seen in low light.

• Read our round up of best running belts

North Wales Trail Running Camp with Two Night Stay and Dining

Buy from Virgin Experience Days (£485.00)

For a special gift, why not treat the runner in your life to an all-inclusive, two-night running holiday? They’ll stay at the luxurious Cwmalis Hall in North Wales, complete with a private hot tub and hot meals to enjoy after the intensive running sessions.

Expert trail running coach Tim Higginbottom is on hand to provide tips and training plans throughout the holiday.

Darn Tough Run Sock

It’s a cliché that socks are generally a bad gift, but you can make a runner’s day with a pair from Darn Tough. Fitted with additional cushioning, these are designed to keep blisters at bay on longer runs due to their moisture-wicking properties, which direct sweat away from the skin.

Aiming to be lightweight and to stay in place without budging, the runner in your life should be able to stay comfortably oblivious to all the work the sock is doing to keep out dirt, all the while remaining odour-resistant. They come with a lifetime guarantee, too.

You can also take a look at our round up of the best running socks.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds

If you know a runner who likes to blast music as they train, or listen to podcasts to see them through the longer events, it may be time to gift them with a fresh set of earbuds.

Made with the brand’s ShakeGrip technology, the Elite 8 Active earbuds should stay put even during intense exercise. They also claim to be both waterproof and sweatproof, perfect for runs whatever the weather.

Boasting up to 32 hours of battery life, the user can listen along to their favourite tunes, and even make phone calls on the go without worrying about them draining too quickly.

There’s even a variety of volume settings, which mean you can totally zone in on the audio, or select the HearThrough setting which will pick up on your surroundings alongside the music for increased safety.

Want to compare other running earphones? Check out our guide – we’ve reviewed popular models to see how they rank.

Hyperice Hypervolt Go massage gun

Recovery is a vital aspect of running, helping your body to regroup and relax ahead of the next session. A massage gun can be particularly helpful in this regard, aiming to get you back on the road in better shape faster.

The Hypervolt Go from Hyperice is a wireless massage gun designed to give a deep tissue massage to any part of the body that needs attention, with three different speeds allowing for a range of intensity.

It weighs in at just 0.7kg and claims to be exceptionally quiet, which means it can be the perfect travel companion without fear of bringing attention to yourself or disrupting others.

Compare other massage guns from our selection of favourites.

Gone For a Run Race Big and Medal Display

After all the work, training and sacrifice that can go into an event, it’s a shame to let the medals and bibs disappear in the back of a drawer or gather dust on a side table.

With the Gone For a Run medal display, you can highlight your runner’s achievements in an organised way, giving their hard-earned trophies pride of place.

The hanger comes with everything you need to install it on the wall, with enough sheets to display 12 bibs, and room for up to 24 medals on the lower bar.

Salomon Hydration belt

For the runners who prefer a bottle to a hydration vest, this belt from Salomon should help keep a sturdy grip on your drink, with room to hold a 600ml bottle. Designed to be lightweight and comfortable, it also has an extra pocket ideal for storing your keys and phone, or even a gel pack or two.

Wahoo Tickr HR monitor

If you know a runner who likes to keep on top of their metrics (who doesn’t?) this heart rate monitor from Wahoo could be the perfect present.

Designed to deliver accurate stats on their heart rate and calorie burn, it can link up to a smartphone or smartwatch for a closer look at your analytics. The strap itself is designed with an ergonomic fit to increase comfort and create a natural feel during their workout.

• Check out other heart rate monitors for running

Oakley Flight Jacket Prizm Sunglasses

For the runner who often trains in direct sunlight, these Flight Jacket Prizm sunglasses from Oakley may be just what they need to keep the glare from their eyes.

Made with a browless design, and making use of colour science research, the lenses have been built to ensure maximum vision.

They also shouldn’t slip or budge on the move thanks to their three-point fit system, while the positioning of the nosebridge is said to limit lens fogging.

Improve your Running with a 12 Month Virtual Running Club Membership

Buy from Virgin Experience Days (£70.00)

This one-year membership gives participants the chance to improve their technique and boost their fitness with on-demand guided run sessions, over 50 training plans and a weekly live session. Being part of this club also gives you access to its private Facebook group, putting you in touch with other runners and expert coaches.

Still searching for the perfect gift? You might find it in our round-up of the best running accessories for triathletes, full of must-have items.