Cyber Monday sales can be an overwhelming prospect for both beginners and expert runners, with so many products boasting discounted prices.
So, as managing editor here at BBC Countryfile Magazine, I’ve sniffed out some of the top bargains to snaffle this Cyber Monday, the last chance to grab deals over the Black Friday weekend.
As an avid runner, I spend my work and free time thinking about running. Over the years, I've picked up some great gear that I rely on to become a better runner, and a number of my favourite products have turned up Black Friday sales across the web.
Be sure to check out these discounts before they’re gone!
Top five running products in the Cyber Monday 2024 sale
1. Scott Kinabalu Ultra RC Trail Running Shoes - £159.99 £39.99 (75% off)
They may have an ‘ultra’ billing, but the Kinabalu RC from Scott are so much more versatile than that. I’ve used them for everything from 5km parkruns to 10km off-road triathlon run legs and the Eden Project Marathon in 2023 (they performed better than my fitness did). That’s due to how they’ve achieved the sweetspot between responsiveness and comfort, due to the lean (for a trail running shoe) 270g weight, wedge of midsole foam (heel height is 29mm) and quality internal construction.
They don’t shirk from the rough stuff either, with the aggressive outsole offering traction and an internal rock plate providing protection, but the breathable mesh areas aren’t for the filthiest of conditions. Overall, though, the fact that, after nearly 20 years of trail running shoe testing, this is a pair I regularly buy myself speaks volumes about the Kinabalu RC’s quality.
Shop the Scott Kinabalu Ultra RC Trail Running Shoes for 75% off here
2. Inov8 Race Elite Men's Tights - £65 £45.50 (30% off)
The Lake District-based Inov-8’s trail running heritage shines in the details featured in the Race Elite Tights, chiefly the calf areas’ abrasion-resistant panels and the gripper tape inside the waistband.
The construction is top quality, too, suggesting they should last multiple seasons, both for rugged fell runs and road-based loops. All of which makes them the best all-round running tight contender. They’re not the lightest or leanest, but the upshot of that is the added warmth they provide in winter.
Shop the Inov8 Race Elite Men's Tights for under £50 here
3. Inov8 Race Elite Headband AW24 - £9.99 £7.99 (20% off)
Need some encouragement getting out of the door on chilly days? Inov-8’s Race Elite Headband has regularly been the savour of my early morning runs, the soft-on-the-skin construction and warmth they offer thwarting icy blasts of air.
The 94% Meryl Hydrogen/6% elastane material composition is stretchy but not saggy, with further benefits being both breathability and a light overall weight (14g). It also acts as a neck buff when the temperature rises. The only issue is how much I lose it in the wash….
Shop the Inov8 headband for 20% off here
4. Montane Mens Dart Lite Long Sleeve T-Shirt - £49.99 £39.99 (20% off)
Montane bill the Dart Lite Long Sleeve T-Shirt as a base layer, but I’ve happily been wearing it as a standalone running top in the UK autumn. I’ve regularly relished its lightness, with the Dart Lite coming in at a lithe 120g for a men’s medium.
The internal flatlock seams are irritation-free, the 100% recycled polyester is soft on the skin and the crew neck is comfortable. Eco points are scored due to the Dart Lite being constructed from recycled bottles, while breathability is impressive when worn both as a base-layer or standalone running tee.
Shop the Montane Dart Lite Long Sleeve T-Shirt for £10 less here
5. Columbia Konos Trs Outdry Mid Hiker in Green - £115 £92 (20% off)
The Konos TRS look and feel like a standard pair of mid-height trainers, but the impressive, titular Outdry waterproof membrane in the upper really is an impressive piece of tech that helps take these off the tarmac and onto the trails (they do also work well as daily trainers). The grip has continually been reliable on wet, muddy and stony trails, and internal comfort is excellent.
The sizeable midsole offers plenty of cushioning but might be a little squishy for some hikers, however, while the ‘deflection domes’ in the heel and forefoot don’t offer the same protection as a dedicated rock plate on jagged terrains. But there’s little else to doubt in these versatile, lightweight (338g for a men’s UK7) and stylish shoes.
Shop the Konos TRS Outdry Mid Hiker Shoes for under £100 here
