Having the best running accessories to hand can help make those dreaded sprint sessions and long-distance weekend runs far more enjoyable.
And whether you’re in need of a race day essential, or a progress-tracking wearable, we’ve got you covered.
There are loads of running must-haves to choose from, including summer essentials such as sunglasses and caps, to tempting gadgets like sport earbuds and running watches.
We’ve rounded up nine of our favourite running accessories so you can stay hydrated, play your favourite tunes and keep your snacks close by, all while looking the part too.
Buying for someone else? Take a look at our list of the best running gifts and surprise the running enthusiasts in your life with a practical gift they’ll love.
Best running accessories to buy in 2022
Bose Sport Earbuds
Wireless Bluetooth earphones
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If you rely on an upbeat playlist for motivation, running earphones are likely to be top of your running accessory wish list. These Bose Sport Earbuds scored an impressive rating of 92% in our running earphones review so they’re a solid choice.
It was their epic audio quality that earned them such a top score, and they quickly connect via Bluetooth so you can effortlessly crack on with your training.
The noise-isolating audio was a welcomed feature, as was the simplicity of answering calls and switching tracks while on the move. It’s worth noting they’re a tad bulkier than other models available, but comfortable nonetheless.
The blue colour is a fun choice if you’re bored of black and white tech. They don’t have the longest battery life, though, with up to five hours of run time, but its enough to see you through an intense training session.
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Inov-8 Race Elite Waist Pack
Running belt
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Keep energy bars, jangly keys and water all within reach on race day with a convenient running belt.
This Inov-8 design features up to three litres of storage, so you should have enough room for a waterproof if it’s pouring down on your long runs. There are side stash pockets, too, so you can store your race day essentials.
This running must-have has been designed with comfort and stability in mind in order to reduce unwanted bounce and movement for a comfortable run.
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On Running Lightweight Cap
Running cap
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An essential running accessory for a sunny day, this lightweight running cap is designed to keep the sun and sweat out of your eyes.
The adjustable rear strap and soft sweatband is designed to provide a comfortable fit, and it’s available in grey, black and navy.
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- For more running head gear, check out the best running headbands
Salomon Active Handheld
Running water bottle
- Buy now from SportsShoes
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- £21.99
If you don’t want the faff of carrying a rucksack or running belt, this water bottle features a handy adjustable strap which wraps around your hand.
The model shrinks as you drink so it shouldn’t be too much of a distraction when you’re running.
Lightweight, and featuring a twist-locking system to help prevent spillages on the move, it’s a nifty and useful running accessory. It can hold half a litre, so it’s best suited to shorter runs.
- Stay hydrated with our pick of the best cycling water bottles.
Garmin Forerunner 245
Running watch
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With so many Garmin running watches on the market, it can be tricky knowing which one to go for. The Garmin Forerunner 245 is a popular choice, and it’s more affordable than the Forerunner 745 and 945.
To help you get the most out of a training session, the 245 tracks your performance and running form so it can let you know if you’re overdoing it. It promises a battery life of seven days on smartwatch mode, and 24 hours whilst using GPS.
As a welcomed safety feature, there’s a tracking function that lets you share your location with chosen contacts. We like the design of this running accessory too, as it’s got a fairly slim and neat strap, so would work well for daily wear.
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BioLite Headlamp 750
Running headlamp
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If you’re looking to increase your visibility on dark wintry runs, a trusty headlamp is key. The comfortable, stable fit and impressive short-burst lighting feature justified the Biolite Headlamp 750’s hefty price tag when we tested it.
The burst mode provides 30 seconds of 750 lumen light which lights up an impressive 150m of your path ahead. Other features include flood, flashing and spot light.
It’s on the heavier side, but offers a great battery life of seven hours on high.
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Montane VIA Gecko Vest
Hydration pack
- Buy now from SportsShoes
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- £69.99
This hydration pack is an ideal running accessory for both single-discipline race days and long training runs.
Scoring 92% in our group test, it’s packed with desirable features and provides a comfortable fit. There are a number of attachment points which allow you to customise the pack, and it’s compatible with Montane’s soft flasks.
It’s big enough for the essentials and there’s even room for a waterproof running jacket in the flat backstretch sleeve pocket. In the case of an emergency, you can make use of the removable whistle.
Ronhill Phone Armband
Running phone holder
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Whether you’re tracking your progress, listening to a podcast, or using GPS, a phone armband is a running must-have.
This affordable choice from Ronhill offers three exit points for easy removal, and it’s said to work with the majority of smartphones.
There’s space for your headphone wires, while the adjustable strap is said to help you find the perfect fit.
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Julbo Aerospeed
Running sunglasses
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Reliable running sunglasses are essential for summer training sessions and this pair offered great clarity, and a neat design, on test.
Featuring Reactiv lenses, the sunglasses are designed to adjust to the lightness or darkness of your surroundings. On test, this feature worked well, but perhaps a darker lens would be more suitable for particularly bright conditions.
While the arms didn’t provide the most secure of fits, the adjustable nose pads went down well.