Holiday gifts for the runners on your list – 2017 edition

What do you get for the runner who has everything?

Obviously that’s a trick question—runners are always looking for cool new toys to help them run farther, faster and more comfortably (especially in winter). And the world of running gear is always happy to provide.

From gear to books and stocking stuffers, our favourite local shops told us what’s flying off their shelves this holiday season.

Running Room

Unless they’re a frostbite enthusiast, winter running means layering up, and the Running Room has a couple of fantastic new jackets to keep runners feeling cozy.

The Running Room RRX Extreme Balaclava Jacket has a balaclava built into the hood for when the wind starts to bite your face, as well as laminate fabric for protection from all those other nasty elements.

Looking for more flexibility? The Running Room RRX Extreme Element 3-in-1 Jacket features a wind and water resistant exterior shell with a detachable zip off primaloft vest that will be great for warmer temperatures if and when they ever return.

Bushtukah

Bushtukah knows Ottawa, and they know local runners need some special gear to cope with the ice and snow.

The Saucony Peregrine 7 ICE+ is a shoe designed to help runners take on the worst of winter. With Vibram Arctic Grip in high contact areas for extra grip on icy surfaces, this shoe will keep your running enthusiast up-right and chugging along when things get slick.

Already have a pair? Soup them up with the Yaktrax Run. These spiky little guys slip over shoes to provide excellent traction across snow and ice. Bring on winter.

Sports4

You know what, socks have gotten way too  bad a rap as a holiday gift.

Sure, they may be a disappointment when you’re a kid, but for the runner, high quality socks mean staying warm, dry and looking fly.

Sports4 has a deal this holiday with SmartWool and Darn Tough socks, two of the best brands in the sock game, where you can buy two pairs and then get the third for half price! Trust us, your giftee’s/runner’s feet will thank you.  

Last minute stocking stuffers? Food products are always a safe bet GU Gel, Power Bars, and Roctane are 3 best sellers and come in a whole bunch of different flavours.

Perfect Books

If you’re looking for something different  for the runner on your list, there’s no shortage of great books on running  

Michael Varty, a long distance runner, at Perfect Books on Elgin street recommends Two Hours by Ed Caesar, which is the story about the human quest to finally break the 2 hour marathon barrier.

“It’s a thrilling book about trying to obtain an impossible goal,” Michael said. “Human drive, science, culture are all part of this compelling narrative. Entertaining and fascinating, this is a great read for anyone who has run any distance.”

If your runner followed Nike’s Breaking 2 quest earlier this year, or has been following the science behind Nike’s Vaporfly 4%, this book offers some of the important background on why this goal pushes human physiology to its absolute limit.

Give the gift of a race registration

To round things out, we have one thing runners are sure to love: a ticket to run Ottawa!

Purchase a spot at any of the six races at the 2018 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend as a gift and help them add a medal to their collection (and bragging rights!).

Purchase a gift race registration now

(P.S. This could also be a perfect way to finally get your giftee to come running with you!)

So if you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, or want to give your mom some helpful hints, you’re off to the races.