As a lifelong runner (@challengehollyberry) with double-digit marathons and ultras behind me, there’s always a running gift I’m hoping turns up on the doorstep!
So I’ve made it simple: the best ultimate gift guide for female runners , from beginners to marathon addicts, tested, loved, and approved by real women who actually run, sweat, freeze, faff with head torches, and know what actually works in with the British weather
What to buy for the runner in your life?
Between winter gear, recovery essentials, joint-friendly upgrades and the never-ending hunt for leggings that actually stay up, the list can get… extensive!
Which means shopping for the female runner in your life isn’t about finding something to buy it’s about narrowing down the kit she’ll genuinely use, love and thank you for (possibly mid-run, possibly through tears of gratitude).
With that in mind, here are our Top 10 gift ideas for midlife runners. Ready, set… shop.
A High-Support Running Bra Zero Bounce, Zero Digging
Lets face it running is high impact whether your grinding out a 5K or running your first marathon. Finding a bra that not only is supportive but also doesn’t rub or become uncomfortable mid run is harder than it should be! I have tired and tested many bra’s over the year and both the Runderwear Power Bra (read our full review) and Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra have been superb bras for me. Both bra’s offer a good size curve, super comfy and non of the dreaded bra rub. They have both been lab tested and proven to significantly reduces breast movement by 72%.
Enertor Ultimate Running Insoles For Shock Absorption, Joint Relief & Muscle Support
It’s easy to fall out of love with running at any age. As a perimenopausal runner, I feel every lump, bump and foot strike. Join pain and impact absorption has become a real feature of every run long or short. When I discovered the Enertor PX1 Running Insoles, my running (and walking) experience changed overnight. I kid you not! The marketing says they absorb 51% of the force from each foot strike, distributes the pressure and claims to deliver up to 89% more absorption than other brands. A rare moment where the reality lives up to the marketing hype. I now wear them in all my walking and running shoes.
Trails and Tribulations -The Running Adventures of Susie Chan From non-runner to ultra runner and everything in between.
I’m always drawn to stories of women who’ve faced down adversity and come out stronger, so I picked up Trails and Tribulations Running Adventures by Susie Chan with mild curiosity. I knew her from Peloton run coaching and her outrageous Badwater 135 mile run through Death Valley in 40°C heat, but I wasn’t convinced I needed another running book in my life.
Turns out, I absolutely did. This is my top running read for 2026. You can read my full review here.
If you’re looking for one of the best running books for women to gift, Running Adventures by Susie Chan is an absolute belter. From earning minimum wage at the British Museum to losing her home, leaving a dysfunctional marriage, raising a child alone and undergoing cancer treatment, Susie’s life could have broken her many times over.
Packed with grit, humour and jaw-dropping endurance stories, it’s the perfect motivator for any female runner whether she’s a Parkrun regular or dreaming of her first ultra. A guaranteed page-turner and a brilliant gift for a friend or family member.
GPS Running Watch – Garmin Forerunner 970Easy to navigate with incredible 26 hours GPS battery life.
If you didn’t track it, did it even happen? While not entirely true, most runners love their data — and the Garmin Forerunner 970 delivers it brilliantly. With up to 15 days of battery life in smart watch mode and 26 hours in GPS mode, a bright AMOLED display, a built-in LED flashlight and full-colour maps, it’s designed for runners who want simple, reliable insights without the faff. Advanced metrics like running economy and running tolerance (HRM 600 required) help you understand how your body is coping with training so you can avoid overload and stay injury-free.
Personalised Garmin Coach plans adapt to your performance, multi-band GPS keeps you confidently on route, and the built-in mic and speaker let you take calls on the run. I have owned many Garmin’s (and tested a fair few others) over the years and they have always been high quality, easy to navigate and packed with good stats. Whether she’s training for a milestone race or loves tracking every mile, the Forerunner 570 is one of the smartest, most future-proof gifts you can wrap up for birthdays and celebration gifts.
Running Poles – Harrier Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 Outstanding value, ultra light poles for trail and ultra runners.
If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that will seriously level up a trail runner’s adventures, the Harrier Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 (Read my full review) are a winner. Ultra-light, comfortable, and foldable down to a compact 38cm, they make climbs easier, descents steadier, and long days in the hills far more enjoyable. The EVA foam grips and fleece-lined straps feel luxe, and the slick Z-fold design snaps open with a pro-level click.
For value, they’re unbeatable carbon performance at a fraction of big-brand prices, making them an affordable but premium-feeling gift. Designed by female founded, British brand Harrier, with women in mind, these poles are perfect for anyone training for ultras, mountain races or simply wanting a confidence boost on steeper terrain. Light, strong and adventure-ready, they’re a brilliant upgrade to wrap up for present to self!
Running Jacket – Proviz Lumina Women’s Reflective Jacket Waterproof and breathable fabric that you can be seen in.
Running through the winter months brings a whole new set of challenges from staying warm, staying dry, and most importantly, staying visible and safe. Finding a jacket that ticks all those boxes without blowing the budget can feel impossible, especially when dark mornings and early nights make safety a real concern. That’s why a high-performance waterproof running jacket makes such a thoughtful gift. It’s practical, confidence-boosting and encourages the runner in your life to keep moving through the toughest season of the year.
The Proviz Lumina Women’s Reflective Waterproof Running Jacket is built for winter running, with a 15k/15k waterproof and breathable fabric, fully sealed seams, and waterproof zips to keep you dry in any weather. High-visibility reflective prints and logos ensure you’re seen in low light, while under-arm and back ventilation prevent overheating. With an adjustable hood, secure waistband, and a handy chest pocket, it’s a practical, protective and reliable jacket for dark, wet and chilly runs.
Full Length Running Tights – Bimble and Bolt Super StriderFinally a pair of running tights that stay up!
If you want to give a runner something they’ll actually use , the Bimble & Bolt Super Strider Full Length Tights (Read our full review) are a guaranteed hit. Tested on steep climbs and rugged descents, these leggings stay put, feel secure, and move beautifully with every stride with no slipping, no chafing, no mid-run faff. The recycled nylon–spandex blend gives that perfect second-skin feel, the waistband stays locked in place, and the compression manages to be sculpting without feeling restrictive. Add in deep, bounce-free pockets (finally!) and subtle reflective detailing, and you’ve got leggings designed by a woman who runs and knows exactly what matters.
These tights also offer impressive sizing consistency, a flattering fit from XXS–2XL, and proper full-length coverage even for taller runners and 7 colours to choose from. The fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, squat-proof, and durable enough to outlast cheaper high-street options, making them a smart investment piece. Whether the runner in your life is training for a 10K, hitting the trails, or living in leggings for gym days, the Super Striders are a stylish, sustainable and performance-driven upgrade and a gift they’ll wear on repeat.
Kit bag – Kitbrix Extra Large Tote Bag Waterproof moulded bottom to keep your kit dry
If you’re hunting for a gift that’s got a multi purpose use, the KitBrix Extra Large Tote Bag is a standout. This bag is made for race mornings, training days, pool sessions, gym classes, and everything in between. The magic is in the BaseBrix™ waterproof moulded bottom, which keeps everything dry and protected even when it’s set down on wet grass, puddles, changing-room floors or muddy race fields. It’s big enough to carry shoes, clothing, snacks, warm layers, and race essentials without becoming a black hole, and its structured shape means it stands upright and stays organised. Add in a padded shoulder strap, lightweight build, and plenty of inside pockets, and it’s instantly more practical than your average tote.
Whether the runner in your life juggles training, work, errands, or all three, this tote makes life easier, drier, and far more organised. It’s stylish, durable, and built for busy women who move and the perfect all-rounder.
Running Socks – Absolute 360 Super soft, anti blister fabric, ideal for training sessions.
If you want a small but incredibly useful gift for a runner, the Absolute360 Performance Running Socks are a perfect pick. Made in Italy with premium materials, they deliver exceptional comfort on training runs thanks to their anatomical left/right fit, soft cushioning and moisture-wicking fabric that keeps feet dry mile after mile. I’ve tried and tested these over many months, they feel amazing, I’ve run blister-free, and they’ve become my staple socks for weekly training runs. They are the kind of stocking filler every female runner will love. Plus you can get 15% of by clicking the button below.
Last minute giftsFrom technical running caps to soft bottles and cups
Runr Technical Running Cap Crafted from ultra-light, moisture-wicking fabric, it keeps you cool on the hottest runs, while laser-cut side ventilation boosts breathability where it matters most. – Shop Runr (£22.99)
Soft bottles in multiple colours – Keep hydrated with smaller size soft bottles that fit race vests or belts. – Shop Harrier (£9.99)
The super versatile soft cup – Stash it in the smallest pocket and say no to single use plastic! – Shop Harrier – Shop Harrier (£7.99)
