1Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS running watch, 43mm
Garmin built the Forerunner 165 for runners who want to train with proper data. It tracks pace, distance and wrist-based heart rate, and it suggests daily workouts that adapt as they train. The 1.2-inch AMOLED screen is easy to read on the move, and the battery lasts up to 11 days as a smartwatch or 19 hours with GPS on. It's the big present on this list.
Pros
- Up to 19 hours of GPS tracking.
- Daily suggested workouts that adapt as they train.
- Covers cycling, swimming and strength training too.
Cons
- Music needs the separate Forerunner 165 Music version.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Garmin product page ↗
2Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 open-ear headphones, black
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 leave the ears open, so runners can listen to music and still hear what's around them. They mix bone conduction with air conduction speakers, weigh 30.3g and are rated IP55 for sweat and rain. A full charge gives up to 12 hours of listening, and five minutes on USB-C gives 2.5 hours.
Pros
- Open-ear design keeps them aware of traffic.
- Five minutes of charging gives 2.5 hours.
Cons
- Not made for swimming.
- A full charge takes about an hour.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Shokz UK product page ↗
3Petzl Actik Core rechargeable head torch
Winter training usually means some runs in the dark. Petzl's Actik Core is a rechargeable head torch with a red light mode, so they won't dazzle other people, and a reflective headband that helps them stay visible. It runs on Petzl's Core rechargeable battery and suits anyone who runs before or after work.
Pros
- Red light won't dazzle other runners.
- Reflective headband helps them stay visible.
Cons
- Made for several sports, so it isn't a running-specific design.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Petzl product page ↗
4Theragun Mini 3rd Gen massage gun, black
A massage gun lets them work on tight legs at home after a long run. The Theragun Mini 3rd Gen weighs 0.40kg, so it fits in a gym bag, and it has three speeds and three attachments. A charge lasts 150 minutes, it charges by USB-C and it comes with a soft travel case.
Pros
- Weighs 0.40kg, so it's easy to pack.
- Three speeds and three attachments.
- Comes with a soft travel case.
Cons
- Three speeds only, so there's less fine-tuning.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Therabody product page ↗
5FlipBelt Classic running belt
The FlipBelt Classic is a stretchy tube that sits flat on the hips, with openings all the way round for a phone, keys and cards. They load it up, flip it inward to close the openings and head out with their hands free. There's an internal hook for keys, and it goes in the wash at 30°C.
Pros
- Holds a large smartphone, keys and cards.
- Machine washable at 30°C.
Cons
- Comes in sizes, so you'll need their waist size.
- FlipBelt says this style runs a full size small.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
FlipBelt product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves running
Most runners already own good shoes and a drawer full of running tops. The best gifts for runners make a regular run easier, like carrying a phone without a bag or staying visible after dark. Check whether they run early or late, and whether they listen to anything on the way round. Running presents that help with recovery suit anyone training for a race.
How we picked these gifts for runners
We picked each product for what runners enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
