Running with ‘Jack Frost’ this Christmas

To see runners at Christmas alongside the personification of all things wintry ‘Jack Frost’ is a joy to behold. Winter for many is a time to hibernate, stay indoors on those cold dark evenings and give those running shoes a much-needed rest, right? You can, but you’d be missing out on some of the best magical winter landscapes that are a delight to run through.

Below are 5 gifts for your partner or relative to embrace this year’s Christmas run rather than resist it. 

In drawing up the list we are unreservedly looking at bargain basement ‘value for money’ gifts, so we add the caveat of ‘while stocks last‘.

The first item we feel would be a great addition to any long-distance runners’ accessories.

 Eurohike Cactus 3 Litre Hydration Pack

When you need to stay fast, light and hydrated when adventuring outdoors this pack will allow you to disappear for the day. 

The Cactus 3 is a compact, sleek 3-litre hydration pack designed for long-distance runners and endurance triathletes. This streamlined pack has space to fit essential fluids and energy bars to keep you going, while the webbed front is ideal for stashing essentials like a rain shell. Both the back and straps have been designed to provide airflow for a more comfortable fit.

An ideal accessory for endurance races like the Helvellyn Triathlon where a vest pack is required because the run course is so severe the organisers make it compulsory that each athlete takes adequate kit for a safe fell run including full body cover, map and whistle. Verdict 7/10:This is an amazingly good value entry pack. Yes, there are other top brands out there with more whistle and bells but also come with a costly price tag. For a day’s outing we think the Cactus 3does the trick perfectly well and at the right price.

The Cactus 3 Litre Hydration Pack can be brought on-line from Millets.  Bargain Price £12

Item two makes a great gift no matter who is on you Christmas list.

Tile Pro (2020) – Item Finder Tracking Device

Do you know a runner who is constantly losing their keys on the trail (or phoning you when they’re locked out of the house or can’t get into the car). We’ve found a tracking device that’ll make their life a lot easier.

The ‘Tile Pro’ is a little gizmo that connects to your smartphone, allowing you to find your keys on a map and ring the Tile Pro to give of a loud ring tone to help you locate the keys. You can even share the map with your friends to increase finding power. There is also an alert function set up to remind you when you’ve left your keys behind on the trial. The Tile Pro’s compact, lightweight and innovative design means you can easily attach it to most objects that you’re worried could disappear from where you last left them. For example, it easily hooks onto your car or house keys, but can also be attached to your bike or kitbag. If your pet dog goes running with you then you can attach it to his collar in case he runs off. If it’s one of those days where you misplace your phone you can use the Tile Pro to locate it. Just double tap the button on the Tile Pro and your phone will ring (even if it’s on silent) as long as it’s within 400-foot Bluetooth range.

Verdict 9/10:A fantastic way to keep track of your easy-to-lose belonging. Durable, water-resistance, replaceable battery, long Bluetooth range, and a loud alarm makes the Tile Pro one of the best tracking devices on the market. This item can be purchased on-line from: John Lewis.  Price £24.99

With the onset of winter, the days are getting shorter and the evenings start earlier, our next gift is to make sure, your runner is staying safe and seen by cars, bikes and other pedestrians as they run in poorer light and weather conditions.

Petzl Tikkina Headtorch

The Tikkina is clearly the best value in small headlamps we have seen and offers performance that will meet or exceed most people’s needs. For under £20 you get a very capable headlamp with and impressive 250 lumens spot beam. It is super easy to use with a single button and only three modes to click through (low, medium and high). The Tikkina comes with AAA batteries with a claimed 120-hour use at low lumen. It is also compatible with a Petzl CORE rechargeable battery.

Verdict 7/10: If you’re seeking a reliable, high-quality head torch for a good price, look no further than the long-standing and much-loved Petzl Tikkina. The Tikkina is well thought out, functional and a good performing headlamp for the runner who just wants something simple. The Petzl Tikkina Headtorch can be brought on-line from Millets. 

Price £16

Sometimes price isn’t everything. When we search for ‘value for money’ we also factor in that quality must match or exceed expectations. The next gift on the list does just that, Get their winter wardrobe ready with a great pair of quality gloves

The North Face Etip Gloves

The weather outside is bone-shivering cold and the chill factor doesn’t help either but that does not stop the runner wanting to use their iPhone or other touch screen running gadget. The Etip functionality of these gloves allows the runner to use their touchscreen device without removing their gloves and allowing ‘Jack Frost’ to freeze their hands and fingers. The Etip gloves are not knit style, these are fleece and keep the wind out much better, thus keeping your hands nice and warm. The gloves have special capacitive tips on two of the fingers of each hand that let you use your touch screen devices without removing your gloves. The gloves come in a range of sizes for both men and women, so you don’t have to worry about them being too big or small.

Verdict 8/10:The price tag might sound steep compared to a pair of £10 gloves you could buy, but let’s be honest: You’ve probably purchased those kinds of gloves a handful of times because they wore out quickly or you lost them (they weren’t special enough to keep track of). These gloves are not for Antarctic conditions and you should not expect to type out your e-mails, but under normal winter nippy conditions, you’ll have full mobility and plenty of dexterity to use all your tech gadgets at a basic level.

You can purchase the North Face Etip Gloves on-line in both men and women sizes using the links below:

Mens: North Face Etip Gloves from John Lewis

Womens: North Face Etip Gloves from John Lewis

Price:£35

The final item is a wonderful present for the runner in your life. 

A year’s subscription of Runner’s World

We’re pretty sure this is a perfect present for the runner in your life. In a year of Runner’s World, they’ll get expert training tips, reviews of the latest running gear, inspirational features from running pros and learn about upcoming events.

This will give the runner in your life the motivation to achieve your health and fitness goals? No matter your age or ability, from beginners taking their first steps, to seasoned runners, you’ll receive expert advice and running tips suited to your ability. There is a saving of up to 66% if you subscribe on-line to Runner’s World magazine today. 

You can get instant digital access to the latest issue by choosing your special offer on-line at Runner’s World magazine here.

PRICE here