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According to the Global Institute of Sport, running is experiencing a “massive resurgence in the UK”, including record-breaking entries for the London Marathon, with more than 840,000 people applying for a spot in the prestigious race in 2025.
More than a quarter of Britons now run at least one to three times a week, with trail running gaining in popularity. And chances are you know somebody who likes to lace up their running shoes, whether for a social jog at parkrun, to get fit via couch to 5k, or to add to their ultrarun medal collection.
Whatever level the runner in your life, we have quizzed other keen pavement – or trail – pounders to uncover what kit, clothing, gadgetry and running paraphernalia is getting them excited this year.
The best gifts for runners in 2025
Stick to the trails
Trail running shoes
Jo Harley, who runs the Cornish coastal path three times a week and has taken part in various races and events, rates Hoka Mafate Speed 4 trainers “for grip on the slippy trails. I got them for my birthday in September and ran the Rosemullion 10k in them.”
Highly visible
Women’s hooded run jacket
As the winter nights draw in, Harley recommends her Higher State Allover Reflect hi-vis jacket “to be seen and dry – this jacket is good value and is very visible, for safer night running”.
Keep heated
Multifunctional neckwear
Harley also wants “a decent buff to keep the wind out my ears because they hurt when it’s cold. It can act like a neck- and ear-warmer; when it’s cold I wear two: one round my neck and one like a headband over my ears. My Merino Move one is best for the extra cold days.”
Light the way
Rechargeable head torch
Denise Roach, of Black Girls Do Run UK, has been running for more than 20 years. “It has definitely helped me navigate the ups and downs,” she says. This Christmas she’d love a rechargeable head torch, such as the Fenix HP35R: “I’ve got some long winter runs ahead in preparation for my next ultra, so visibility is essential.”
On the run
Running shoes
When it comes to treads, Roach is eyeing up these Saucony Guide 18 shoes in coral red “for great winter visibility and all-round comfort. I tried them for the first time this year and they immediately felt great; comfortable with the right level of cushioning for those long urban runs. With winter training ahead of a January ultra, I’ll need something to see me through. The colour is just to give me a welcome boost!”
Heat those hands
Wind-block gloves
Similarly essential for winter runs, Roach wants winter running gloves because “there’s nothing worse than cold hands on a long run”. She describes these Ronhill wind-block gloves as “cosy and practical. They were recommended by an experienced running friend as the perfect hand protectors. Ronhill has always produced proper kit for ‘proper’ runners.”
Running vest
A teammate of Roach, Sheryne Shillingford-Reed is “on a mission to run all the majors and the SuperHalfs, along with closer -to-home series, like Great Runs, fundraising to give back to communities and good causes”. To help with these endeavours, she’s after this Salomon Pulse 2 running vest, which is “lightweight and designed to showcase your team or charity”.
Tech-savvy steps
Garmin Forerunner 55 watch
Garmin Forerunner 570 watch
For Shillingford-Reed, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is “a great entry-level watch, perfect for the not-so-casual runner who is ready to start upping their game. Only noted your parkrun stats before? Now you can check out all your stats and not have to wait for that email!” She also dreams of a Garmin Forerunner 570. “It’s not a top-of-the-range model, but a step up from a basic running watch. This will get you from half-marathon- to ultramarathon-level running.”
Words of inspiration
The Power Within
Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
Lisa Jackson, author of Still Running After All These Tears: A Runner’s Journey Through Grief, would love a copy of ultrarunner Sophie Power’s book, The Power Within. “Best known for breastfeeding her baby during the 106-mile Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, Sophie has set two world records, and campaigns to dismantle the barriers that prevent women from entering races. I’m keen to learn more about the mental tricks that enabled her to run 230.46 miles on a treadmill for 48 hours,” says Jackson. “I’d also love Ultra Women by Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson. It celebrates athletes such as Jasmin Paris, who have completed unbelievable endurance challenges,” she says.
Hit the road
“Gear I’ve got my eye on includes a new pair of Hoka Skyflows as my current ones are starting to wear out and I’m training for the 2026 Brighton Marathon,” says Jackson. “The owner of Run, my local running shop, recommended them to me. They’re so fantastically cushioned that it’s like running on pillows and I credit them with successfully getting me through this year’s Brighton event.”
Pockets aplenty
Five-litre race vest
Jackson is also coveting a Harrier Curbar race vest. “It has nine pockets to stash all my bits and bobs, and even loops for carrying foldable trail-running poles. Harrier is well respected in trail circles – there was a queue round the block at its stand at the National Running Show.”
Choc-ful
Race-day chocolate, box of 21 110g bars
“I always break out a bar of Dairy Milk at the 18-mile (30km) mark of a marathon, and it goes down a storm with my fellow competitors,” says Jackson. “It’s not evidence-based nutrition, but it lifts my spirits – and my blood sugar – like nothing else.”
Hot digits
Run gloves
“I’m generally warm on a run as long as my hands are warm,” says David Atherton, Bake Off winner and keen runner, who ran the London Marathon two years ago and has two half-marathons lined up for 2026. “My current running gloves are rubbish, so I want a pair of these Hoka Airolite ones!”
Post-run rescue
Massage bar
When you’re clocking up the miles, you need a treat when you get home. “I used these Lush Wiccy Magic Muscles bars when I was preparing for the London Marathon and I loved the smell,” says Atherton.
A salt and bath-ery
Bath salts
“These Neal’s Yard aromatic bath salts are also particularly good after a long run,” says Atherton. “The rich, spicy scent turned recovery into a small ritual I actually looked forward to.”
Compact cover
Running gilet
“I have an older iteration of Nike’s Therma-FIT ADV Repel AeroLoft running gilet and I love it,” says Atherton. “It’s so light and if you get too warm it packs down so you can carry it in your hand.”
Muscle soothing
Massage gun
“I love my massage gun – it’s an easy way to recover when you’re feeling tired. Stretching takes a lot more effort,” says Atherton. “This Theragun Mini travels easily when doing races in other countries, and it can be hidden from family members who try to steal it.”
Balm me up, Scotty
Anti-chafe balm
“This is a great alternative to Vaseline; it’s smooth and glides on for those areas that rub or chafe,” says Wong. A great stocking filler.
Keep things sweet
Post-run treat
For a cheeky stocking filler, Wong suggests a bag of festive sweets, such as Haribo Merry Mix. “I wake up on Christmas Day, go for a run and then enjoy some festive candy – it’s OK to eat some highly processed, sugary food – it’s Christmas!”
Well gel
Energy gels, pack of three
Patrick Lee, who is running his first marathon next year, in London, is keen for some energy gels to get through gruelling training runs. “These PF 30 caffeine gels are easy to carry and will fuel me with carbs as well as caffeine,” he says.
Vested interest
Water bottle
“Carrying a water bottle in your hand can mess with your technique, so I prefer a running vest,” says Lee. “This one is a great all-rounder and has lots of pockets for your keys, phone and gels. I follow quite a few running experts on YouTube, and the Salomon ADV Skin 5 and 12s are the ones that people always mention and benchmark other vests against. The Skin 12 is more for ultra-runners while the Skin 5 is for road-runners.”
Ready to be steady
Tempo-building shoes
Designed for tempo running, they also work for long, steady training runs. “These nylon plated shoes – Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 – are a great addition. I’d like to use them for interval sessions and tempo runs, allowing me to pick up the pace and have fun while doing so,” says Lee.
Super support
Supportive underwear
Vicky Camy has been running for 16 years, completing 10 half-marathons and one marathon, and is a member of the social running group Run 2 Drink. She rates the M&S running bra.
Getting shirty
Sweat-wicking T-shirt
Camy has plenty of free T-shirts from events, but if she’s buying, she chooses this Under Armour option because it’s “sweat-wicking and I never have any problems with seam rubbing”.
Legs and go
Weather-proof leggings
“These M&S Stormwear walking leggings are a bargain, and I cannot recommend them enough,” says Camy. “They’re high-waisted and feel secure with no rubbing. There’s a zip pocket, plus a deep pocket on the leg that will hold a phone, a gel or both.”
Glow on
Magnetic light
Safety first. “These Ronhill magnetic lights clip to your clothing so that you can be seen on night runs in the winter months,” says Camy.
Appy days
Subscription for explorers
Ultra-runner Sophie Power’s top pick is an Ordnance Survey app subscription, as “it helps you find trails and paths wherever you are”.
Patching things up
Shoe savers
Power would love someone to buy her these self-adhesive patches, which prevent or repair holes in your running shoes.
Band on the run
Wearable ID
For families, Power rates parkrun ID wristbands. “They’re amazing for kids as you put your phone number on them – we use them out and about all the time,” she says.
Poling results
Balance support
BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth has completed 20 marathons and taken part in more than 200 parkruns. Now she’s doing more trail running, she’s a fan of “trekking poles to get me up the steep climbs”.
Perfect posture
Running-style assessment
Debbie Parker, a disability sports coach in London, recommends a gift voucher for a gait analysis. “As a coach working with disabled people, I see lots of problems with hypermobility and low muscle tone. A well-fitted, supportive trainer is key to a stable footing and race comfort.” She loves Up and Running in East Sheen, London.
Safe and dry
Protective holdall
Luke Douglas-Home, AKA The Coastline Runner, ran 480 miles (770km) from Lowestoft to Leith, collecting more than 750kg of plastic waste along the way. He says Finisterre waterproof bags top the list, “so I have dry clothes and a computer to work on”. M&S do something similar for £55.
Safer sounds
Headphones
Matt Whiting, director of the Runners’ Retreat running shop, who has coached runners from club to international level, says the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 “are one of the few headphones approved by England Athletics to race in [on roads]. They sit on the jawbone and mean you can hear outside noise while listening to your music or a podcast.”
