WOMEN’S RUNNING PRODUCT AWARDS 2018

After a month of rigorous testing, the results are in! Read on to discover which products came out on top, with our comprehensive rundown of the best running gear of the year

While we all love getting our hands on shiny new kit, here at Women’s Running we realise picking the right gear is often far from simple. With so many products and brands on offer, the choice can seem endless – and it can become a tad overwhelming.

Which is why we’re here to help! Each summer, we put a huge array of running-related products through their paces, giving you our honest and unbiased verdict, so you can make an informed decision before parting with your cash.

This year, our awards have been our biggest yet. Our team of 50-strong testers, based in London and Warrington, have trialled over 800 products, in 28 different categories – the largest range ever tested in the history of the WR awards.

THE JUDGING PROCESS

Each of the products had multiple testers, and each runner had a month to put their products through their paces. Testers rated their products out of 10, based on practicality, value for money, quality and ease of use/fit for purpose (nutrition products were also rated on taste). Winners were then decided, based on which got the highest average scores in each category.

MEET THE TESTERS

Our testing panel includes runners of all ages, ability and experience. While we don’t have room to profile all 50, here are six for you to say hello to…

KYLIE MAGUIRE

“I hated sports at school but I found a passion for long distance running after university. I joined a gym to lose weight and did a couple of Race For Life 5K runs. I entered a local 10K in 2013 and haven’t looked back. I joined St Helens Striders running club in 2014. My greatest achievement was completing the London Marathon in 2016, but my favourite distance by far is 10K and I also love cross-country in the winter! I have completed over 100 parkruns and absolutely love the community spirit of these events.”

CAT D’ACENDIS

“I started running in 2013 to help to lose weight. Being a single working mum of two children, running seemed like something I could easily fit into my schedule. Since then I have lost five stone in weight and have raised a lot of money for charity. Some of my highlights include holding two world records and winning first lady in the Ultra Great Britain 200-mile race in 2016.”

LAURA HUTCHINSON

“I’ve been running for about three years. It started out as a way to keep fit and keep my weight down (I like to eat). I then signed up for Chester Half and have since done several 10Ks and half marathons, including the Disney Princess Half in Florida. I recently completed Manchester Marathon and am currently training for my first ultra, The Pennine Barrier. I’m discovering I prefer trail running over road running as I find it more exciting and love the scenery.”

CAROLYN ARBER

“I began running 10 years ago aged 50 while experiencing a midlife crisis and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I have met some lovely people who have become real friends. I run for therapy. It’s my me time and helps cope with the stresses and strains of life. I feel fitter than I ever have and really enjoyed testing some of the running kit.”

JO MERCER

“After a 4.5-stone weight-loss, I started running in August 2017 at parkrun. I walked most of it and finished in just over 42mins. I really enjoyed it and have now completed 23 events, with a PB of 29mins 25secs. In January 2018, I joined my local club, St Helens Striders. I completed my first 10K in April 2018, loved it, and am looking forward to several more throughout the year. I’ve suffered chronic knee pain and was wary of taking up running, but it’s helped me tremendously, both with muscle development and weight control.”

KATIE TAGGART

“I’m a dedicated but not particularly competitive runner. I recently completed a 400 day running streak. As a parkrun event director and run leader, I enjoy encouraging others to get started and reach their goals.”