Runners are notoriously hard to buy for: they already own the shoes, and they're fussy about everything else. These are the bits of kit they'll actually use in the dark, cold weeks after Christmas.
We've sorted them from cheapest up, so you can grab a stocking filler or go big.
Race number belt
No more safety-pinning panic on race morning.
Marathon · Ultra-running · OCR · Ultra-cycling
Sports massage ball
Pocket-sized recovery.
Marathon · Fitness racing · OCR · Ultra-running
Reflective glow armband
Makes a dark-evening runner visible from car lights away.
Marathon · Ultra-running
Shoe deodoriser balls
For the shoes that live by the door.
Marathon · Ultra-running · Fitness racing
Blister plasters kit
The gift they'll thank you for at mile 20.
Marathon · Ultra-running · OCR
Anti-chafe balm
The unsung hero of every long day.
Marathon · Ultra-running · Open water · Ultra-cycling
Sports bath salts tin
A long, hot soak after Boxing Day miles — a stocking filler that gets used.
Marathon · Ultra-running · Open water
Energy gel variety pack
Let them find their flavour before race day.
Marathon · Ultra-running · Ultra-cycling
Sleep kit: eye mask and earplugs
For race weekends away from home and getting a real night of sleep.
Marathon · Ultra-cycling · Bike touring
LED safety clip light
Be seen on dark winter miles.
Ultra-running · Marathon · Bike touring
Hydration tablets multipack
Electrolytes in every flavour they'll need.
Marathon · Ultra-running · Ultra-cycling
Merino running socks
Blister-free miles.
Marathon · Ultra-running · OCR