Summer runs might mean a whole lot of sweat, getting covered in flies and reaching for the nearest ice bucket but there’s also plenty to enjoy about movement in the warmer months. Whether you’re just starting a running journey or working towards your next treadmill target, editor Sophie Ritchie shares her favourite running-led products to help keep you motivated and ready for the miles ahead
“2026 hasn’t quite been the year I anticipated for running. First off, the end of January brought a nice little hamstring injury – followed by the resurgence of an old calf tear. Finding a thoroughly fabulous physio sorted that physically, but mentally this year has not been what I’d planned at all for running.
If you’re new to my running diaries, you might not know that I had a fairly awful accident with a drain back in September 2023 which left me needing nine stitches in my shin all before 6am on a Monday morning. This was bad enough, but not being able to walk for six weeks without using two poles afterwards was also a bit of a kicker. I get VERY nervous when I run new routes, downhills or trails, but I’ve been pushing through these fears to build back my confidence. I’ve also moved recently, which means 90% of the routes I’m heading out on I’ve never taken before. Oh boy.
When I first ventured out, it was completely humbling to see myself giving max effort on very easy laps and seeing the speed completely diminished compared to my home outings. The psychology of running is so interesting – when my brain feels safe, my runs are entirely different. When I don’t, it’s like the brakes get switched on.
However, like everything in life – it won’t get any better from simply complaining about it – so back out we go. I’ve been putting in the miles and finally starting to feel an improvement both mentally and physically – hallelujah. For every faster run, there’s been five full of struggle behind it – but I’m accepting that it’s all part of the process.
I’ve tried to source products for this Running Edit that I personally really believe in and enjoy using – because I need all the help I can get at the moment! These finds are things I use in my daily life or find so helpful. They’ll keep you cooler in the warmer weather, more energised for a session, safer on the paths and hopefully (for those who care enough about it), faster too.
Outside of normal sessions, I’ve been enjoying some social run outings recently. Part of which has involved meeting and chatting with lots of fellow runners, all who run at different abilities and for different motivations. I always find it so interesting to see what matters to a different runner. One thing always does tend to remain the same though, and that’s the headspace that running brings. Mental health was one of the main reasons I started running in the first place and it continues to be now. Just get out there and move it.”
Sophie x
1 True Dates Sour Watermelon
Ideal for pre-run fuel, these naturally sweet dates with sour watermelon flavour make an incredible snacking alternative to typical sweets or chocolate. The natural sweetness of dates pairs perfectly with the zesty burst of watermelon, creating a refreshing, guilt-free treat that’s both sweet and sour in every bite. If you like ordinary caramel-like dates, you probably won’t be a fan. But for anyone with a sweet tooth seeking quick energy pre-outings… you’ll love them. I’m hooked.
£1.99, shop via amazon.co.uk
2 Dr. Bronner’s All-One Magic Soap (Peppermint scent)
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint All-One Magic Soap is a long distance runner’s true friend. With race day fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to spotlight products that support runners before and after a big event. Infused with organic peppermint oil, this cult-favourite soap delivers a cooling, revitalising boost, ideal for energising pre-run routines and soothing tired muscles post-race. Peppermint oil awakens the senses with a refreshing tingle whilst also helping to soothe overheated, tired skin after endurance exercise. Made with organic ingredients and certified fair trade practices, fire up the bubble bath and away you go.
£9.99, shop via drbronner.co.uk
3 ARTILECT’s Womens Sprint Tee
With the warmer weather starting to creep in, getting the gear right becomes more important by the day. The Sprint Tee is the ultimate base layer for active pursuits, summer adventures, and everything in between. Its Nuyarn Speed-Lite spun fabric combines a superior 115gsm Nuyarn Merino wool and Nylon that offers extra loft, 5x faster drying time, and outstanding long-term durability.
Perfect for early-morning runs or hikes, its reflective tape embedded in the side seams increases visibility during low-light adventures. The no-chafe flatlock seams enhance mobility and increase comfort during more active pursuits. This technical tee is finished with Artilect subtle branding for a clean, on-trend look. Environmentally friendly, performance-enhancing, and easy to care for, it can also easily be machine washed.
£70.00, shop via artilectperformance.com
4 Salomon’s Women’s Shorts Shakeout Core 4″
Shake up your routine, shake out and give it a go. With a secure zippered pocket system, these women’s Shakeout Core 4″ are designed for empowering runs and seamlessly adapt to support you through everyday training.
RRP £55.00, shop via salomon.com
4 Enertor Recovery Slides
Trusted by elite athletes to achieve peak performance, these sliders have been proven to help relieve pain and soreness to support a quicker recovery. A post-run essential for serious runners, they’ve been engineered to give your legs the break they need post training. Wear them around the house post-outing and enjoy the knowledge that you’re giving your legs a dose of recovery with every step.
£65.00, shop via enertor.com
5 Skullcandy’s Push Active earbuds
For those that run better with music, you’ll understand how important having a good pair of headphones can be. Push Active is Skullcandy’s true wireless earbud with a fit that won’t fall out. With hands-free voice control, flexible over-ear hooks and superior water/sweat-resistance, they are the ultimate audio partner for any active adventure. Fire them up and take to the trails.
£69.99, shop via skullcandy.co.uk
6 Puresport Orange Lemonade Electrolytes
When life gives you lemons, it’s time to make lemonade. That’s the philosophy behind Puresport’s latest launch, and it’s one the brand believes sits at the heart of every runner’s journey.
Running – as with life – rarely delivers perfect conditions. Runners manage injury, miss sessions, face bad weather, illness, life stresses and the kind of emotional weight that doesn’t show up in any training plan. The athletes who perform aren’t always the ones with the most talent or the loudest voices – they’re the ones who show up regardless, those who turn adversities into opportunities and find a way through.
And that’s exactly who the new Orange Lemonade Ultra Electrolytes celebrates. First launched in May 2024, the Ultra Electrolytes range quickly became one of Puresport’s top-selling products; a clean, science-backed alternative to the overly sweet, over-complicated hydration drinks that dominate the market.
Available in convenient no-added-sugar sachets, each serving delivers a precise dose of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium to support fluid retention, muscle function, and performance when conditions demand it most.
When: The new Orange Lemonade Ultra Electrolytes are available from 22nd April 2026 at puresport.co,
Wallet: Priced at £33.00 for a pack of 30.
7 Mylee Gel Polish – Marie Antoinette
With a fresh set of talons, a runner girl can do anything. Newly launched, this is a soft, powdery blue with a refined metallic sheen for gel fans. The Marie Antoinette shade is whimsical, regal, and reminiscent of macaron boxes and satin ribbons. Pure pastel perfection. Each of Mylee’s shades cure in 60 seconds and stays glossy, chip-free, and salon-fresh for up to 3 weeks.
£9.99, shop via mylee.co.uk
8 Hermosa’s Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder 420G Jar – Chocolate
Protein, protein, protein. We all know it’s a buzzword at the moment, but when you’re racking up the kilometres every week, it’s important to fuel your body in the right way too. HERMOSA was founded by Erika Tamayo with its mission to create the smoothest, best-tasting protein powder. Its award-winning and responsibly sourced grass fed whey and vegan protein products are rich in essential amino acids and use only the best non-GMO ingredients.
Ideal for post-session recovery, make a shake with HERMOSA’s award-winning grass-fed whey protein, packaged in a beautiful refillable jar. It’s a high-quality blend of whey protein sustainably sourced from grass-fed British cows that roam the Lake District. This grass-fed whey is gluten-free, soy-free, vegetarian, suitable for halal, non-GMO and sweetened with 100% natural stevia.
The brand’s journey originated in 2013 when global fitness phenomenon Barry’s opened its first UK studio in London. At the time, there was no protein that could meet the high end service and expectations that Barry’s demanded for its clients. A best-in-class formula focused on taste was created in partnership with Barry’s, born out of a necessity to service the brand’s Fuel Bars.
The formula became a runaway success with people coming into the studios purely to buy its protein shakes – even if they weren’t doing the class. Erika had her lightbulb moment and saw the opportunity to launch this as a standalone brand – and HERMOSA was born. The brand has now established itself as the protein powder of choice at some of the UK’s leading health and fitness studios including Barry’s, Frame, Psycle, Soulcycle and Kobox. It is now available to buy both in store and online at Selfridges.
£38.00, shop via livehermosa.com
9 HOKA’s Clifton 10 – Lilac Cream / Tangerine Glow
A trusted trainer for daily maintenance miles, Hoka’s Clifton has been the keystone of their cushioned styles for 10 years and counting. Ushering in a new era of plush performance, this next-generation update delivers a revitalized underfoot experience with an additional 3mm in heel-to-toe drop.
Delivering the same ultralight cushioning that made the Clifton a fan favourite, they’ve fine-tuned the fit and added a breathable jacquard upper with double-lace lock to mitigate tongue migration. I’m a big fan of this cute new Lilac Cream / Tangerine Glow colour way too.
£140.00, shop via hoka.com
10 CocoCoast
CocoCoast is a taste-led coconut water designed to be enjoyed, not endured. Clean, smooth and naturally refreshing, made from young green coconuts and never from concentrate. After a run, when something cold and easy to drink matters most, CocoCoast offers a lighter, more refreshing option. It’s clean, balanced and genuinely enjoyable — often the difference between something you finish and something you don’t.
Deliberately smooth and balanced, with a clean finish that works just as well in a glass as it does straight from the can. With flavours ranging from Natural, Watermelon, Sparkling Lemon through to Passionfruit and Sparkling Raspberry, this is an excellent choice for anyone partial to fizzy drinks looking for a healthier alternative to their usual sugary drink of choice.
Find out more and make a purchase via marketplace.cococoast.com.au
11 SALTE’s Watermelon electrolytes
SALTE, the clean Scandinavian electrolyte brand, has recently expanded its range with the launch of two new flavours –Watermelon and Pineapple. The launch builds on SALTE’s science-backed approach to hydration, introducing lighter, more refreshing options without compromising on formulation.
As demand grows for electrolyte solutions that support both performance and everyday hydration, SALTE continues to focus on delivering simple, effective products that fit seamlessly into daily routines. The new vegan-friendly flavours are designed to make consistent hydration easier – whether during training, travel, or throughout the day.
My favourite of the duo, watermelon delivers a clean, subtle sweetness with a highly refreshing finish, suited to everyday use. Pineapple offers a sharper profile, designed to feel more energising while maintaining the same balanced electrolyte delivery. Both flavours have been developed to support regular use – not just during exercise, but across a range of everyday hydration occasions.
Each SALTE sachet contains:
- 800 mg sodium to replace key losses from sweat
- 400 mg potassium to support muscle contraction, blood pressure, and fluid balance
- 60 mg magnesium to aid energy production and reduce fatigue
How: £39.99 for a 30-pack. Find out more and make a purchase via drinksalte.com
12 lululemon’s Swiftly Tech Scoopneck Tank Top 2.0 Waist Length Wash – Ombre Dye Strawberry Multi
Think pink. When it comes to well-fitting, breathable and comfortable run tops, lululemon absolutely nail it. I’m not ashamed to admit I have the Swiftly Tech Scoopneck in over five colour ways. This ombre shade is particularly gorgeous – featuring a shortened length that won’t ride up on long runs or race day. The brand’s seamless knitting technique uses fewer seams to engineer targeted texture and breathability into the garment for minimal chafe and maximum comfort, letting you cruise around in style.
£45.00, shop via lululemon.co.uk
