This month we...

…gifted ourselves With the very best leggings from

We couldn’t have done it without…

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys Sabrina is an ultrarunner, activist,

THE TEAM

SENIOR EDITOR Esther Newman SENIOR ART EDITOR Alex

Hello!

ISSUE 192 || DECEMBER 2025

Holly Wootten sets record at the Dragon’s Back Race

HEADLINES

GIRLS MISSING OUT ON SPORTS SKILLS

Research shows that girls who play after-school

This month we love...

GOODIE BY CANNUMO £39.99, CANNUMO.CO.UK Boost

Fuel my winter runs with gels?

If you’re unsure about your winter fuelling strategy, including how you’ll be affected by lower temperatures and the ingredients that will help, we’ve got the solutions to keep you on track. Brrr!

HEALTH

The latest nutrition, beauty and health headlines. Because running doesn’t end at your feet

Charlotte and Sophie Wilson

Sisters Charlotte and Sophie did a charity fundraiser throughout March of this year, both running 150K to raise money for the NHS, following their dad being diagnosed with tonsil and prostate cancer

FUEL

The latest nutrition to nourish your body and fuel your running

EAT WELL

How can I elevate my diet this December?

DRESS FOR THE RACE YOU WANT TO HAVE

LIFE COACH Laura Fountain is a running coach,

This month’s wise women

LESSONS FROM A DEFAULT PARENT: SURVIVING THE FRONT

INJURY CLINIC

Can’t run? Do this…

MY BEST RACE

PERU

Events

DRAGON’S BACK RACE Every year, hundreds of

Should runners take electrolytes in the winter?

Running in winter means less sweating and more shivering! How does this affect your hydration requirements, particularly with regard to electrolytes?

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS…

Trail running

“I want us to get to a place where It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, everyone is welcome in this space of running that we all love.”

Denise Stephenson

DENISE’S ESSENTIAL KIT

Must-haves for when Denise is out running

RACISM, HARASSMENT AND THE FIGHT FOR SAFE STREETS

We talk to women runners, predominantly from a South Asian background, about the racial harassment and abuse they experience while out running

Your ultimate recovery toolkit

Yoga is an all-round exercise; it builds strength and increases your flexibility and mobility. Best of all, it’s an ace in the pack when it comes to recovery

WE HANG OUT WITH Debs Lambert

Debs , 46, is a marketing manager from Huddersfield

Your questions answered

Spice up your speed sessions, backache-beathing tips and nutrition during your period. Plus, the pros and cons of creatine supplements

THE EXPERTS

Lisa Jackson is a clinical hypnotherapist and the

GDANSK HALF MARATHON

Laura Fountain goes to Poland for the first time and enjoys a half-marathon stadium finish

GREAT MANCHESTER RUN HALF MARATHON

It’s a busy issue for Laura Fountain as she recalls another half marathon from 2025; this time in Manchester

DIARY

Winter is a great time to train for a race, and a race is great motivation to keep you running through winter days! We’re thinking cold, crisp sunny days with a frosty crunch underfoot, warm hearts and cold noses. We’re not thinking endless rainy days and winds to blow you off the path! See you on the start line!

ANNA TROUP

British ultrarunner Anna is an inspiration for us all, achieving incredible success in her 50s

COACH

Tackle your first race || Christmas training ||

Training for your first race

Whether you’ve signed up to your first 5K or your first half marathon, there’s a lot to think about ahead of your big day – and happily, lots of lessons that apply no matter what distance you’re doing!

CHRISTMAS ON THE MOVE

Shopping, wrapping, cooking, eating, laughing, talking… Every moment is accounted for for those who celebrate Christmas, but if you’re really canny you can carve out some time for a few festive runs too

Lydia Oldham

HOW I TRAIN

How we test

Our kit is tested by real runners: passionate women with diverse running experiences, from dedicated marathoners to happy plodders. We wear the clothes, run in the shoes and use the tech on our usual runs to see if they go the distance. We then give each piece of kit our star rating. Prices are RRP and correct at time of printing.

ESSENTIAL KIT

NEW RELEASE SHOES

ESSENTIAL LEGGINGS

Who doesn’t love the feeling of folding up their shorts and pulling on the cosy tights that will see them through winter?

GROUP TEST JACKETS

A perfect run coat is a tricky ask, but here’s a bunch of contenders

ESSENTIAL HEAPHONES

You can take a call if you want to, but we’ll stick an 80s playlist on and lose ourselves in some Lionel Ritchie

ESSENTIAL TECH

Tick tock, it’s time to test a trio of new smartwatches for looks and functionality

TEST

Laura has been in love with her Rockets for months

The Best Apparel of 2025

Rachel Ifans sits down with our product testing panel to assess the clothing that impressed us all this year

BOOTCAMP

Gym classes for runners ||Workout|| Perfect form

Best in class

We all know we need to do more strength work to support our running, and fitness classes may well offer an accessible route into your local gym. But there are so many to choose from, it’s hard to know where you start. We set out to investigate five of the best classes for runners, available at a gym near you

Christmas GIFT GUIDE

Christmas list looking a bit empty? We’re here to lend a helping hand with the very best running accessories to kit you out from top to toe. Circle your favourites, leave this mag open on this page in an obvious place, and cross your fingers Santa is paying attention…

Festive super circuit

We say this circuit is Christmassy but it’s the gift that keeps on giving, so don’t just do it while the tree is up. Keep it in reserve for a quick blast of cardio and strength when the weather is bad or you need to be home for kid/pet/mail delivery duty. Your glutes, hips, abs and core will thank you…

Stability ball sit-ups

If the thought of sit-ups takes you straight back to the school sports hall, shake it up with this ball-assisted move

Your yoga flow

A daily yoga practice doesn’t have to be faffy or performative. Keep it simple and get to know your body in different ways