10 gifts for every runner on your list

The holidays are underway, and if you’ve been tasked with purchasing something special for a runner, here are 10 gifts that are sure to hit the mark. 

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For the technology obsessed runner

The technology obsessed runner wants to know their spits, heart rate, and cadence. They also want to know how far they ran, where they ran and how their run stacks up against other runners in their city. For the connected runner, consider the Polar Vantage M or Garmin Forerunner 35 watches. The Polar Vantage retails for $390 CAD and is an all-round multisport and running GPS watch for anyone who loves setting new records. The Garmin retails for $200 and is everything you need, and nothing you don’t. This is an ideal training watch for the runner who’s getting into smart watches and GPS technology. 

RELATED: Holiday gift idea for runners: the Kudos race medal coaster

For the long, long distance runner 

This vest and headlamp are for runners looking to go the distance. Ideal for the trail or ultra runner on your list, both the Osprey Duro 6 Hydration Pack and the Black Diamond Stride Headlamp will support your runner however long the run. The hydration pack retails for $160 and accommodates enough gear for miles and miles of running. The headlamp is $39 CAD and so light you’ll forget it’s there and so bright you can’t miss it. 

For the cold weather runner

A good running jacket can make or break a runner’s workout. The Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket and New Balance Radiant Heat Bonded Jacket do the job.  The Norvan Jacket retails for $400 CAD and is ultra waterproof and breathable. Made from Gore-Tex material, it’s ideal for activities in wet, windy weather. The New Balance jacket runs for $270 CAD and incorporates radiant heat technology to keep your runner warm on the coldest days. 

For the hungry runner

Runners love food, but not everything is ideal for mid-run or post-workout. If you’re buying for someone who likes to fuel during their workout, consider something portable like a gel or chew. The Clif Bloks Energy Chews, or Endurance Tap gels will do the trick. Clif Bloks are $2.55 per tube, chewable and 35 calories per cube. Endurance tap on the other hand is a 100 calorie -per-pouch gel that’s all-natural and contains only three ingredients: maple syrup, sea salt and and ginger. They retail for $3.25 per gel. 

For every runner

Hats and mitts are something that every runner needs, and the Smartwool Merino 250 Cuffed Beanie along with the Saucony Utili-Mitt will do the trick. The beanie retails for $36 CAD and is ideal for winter weather. The Saucony mitts are everything your hands need: wind and water protected, touch screen capable, with soft fleece nose wipes. They retail for $50 CAD.