If you grew up with a dad who runs, you probably have him to thank for getting you into this crazy sport, too. Maybe he stood in the stands at every one of your high school track meets, clocking your splits and shouting encouragements—no matter how fast or slow you were moving—and now you cheer him on in his training. Or maybe you’re married to a runner who somehow manages to fit in his miles and still spend time with your kids. Whoever the running dad is in your life, here are a few gifts he’s sure to love.
If cargo shorts were turned sleek and runner-friendly, this is what they would look like. Made with soft, sweat-wicking material and featuring three secure zip pockets—plus an extra one for keys—these shorts hit the sweet spot between comfort and performance wear. Plus, with a seven-inch inseam, they’re not too short or too long for pops.
We included these super-plush shoes from Brooks in our lineup of the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever run in, so it only makes sense to treat dad to a pair. The shoe’s new DNA Loft foam promises a pillowy ride—and hopefully less aches and pains—on training runs.
For guys who like to train in all conditions—rain, sleet, wind, you name it—this lightweight rain jacket from Gore Wear, which got a thumb’s up from Runner’s World’s resident ultrarunner, is the perfect outerwear companion. The waterproof material keeps him dry in the wettest weather, while a roomy zip pouch has room for all of his training fuel.
Socks get a bad rap for being a lame present, but for runners, they’re golden. Balega’s ankle-length socks are padded in all the right places, like the toe box and heel, while the thin mesh on the tops of the feet offers breathability.
The problem: Dad wants to jam out to Bruce Springsteen on the run, but doesn’t want to lug around his phone or other bulky music player. The answer: Mighty, an iPod shuffle-esque device that stores Spotify playlists and podcasts, lasts for four hours, and works with both wired and wireless headphones.
Trust us—this jogging stroller is worth the splurge. New dads will love the smooth ride of this lightweight (just 23 pounds) stroller that is as easy to maneuver in the neighborhood as it is on the city sidewalks. Thanks to an extra-padded seat and a dual-suspension system that absorbs impact, you can rest assured your kid will ride smoothly too.
This one’s for all the Boston marathon finisher dads out there: a map of the racecourse—complete with landmarks—to hang up on his bedroom or office wall. It might even serve as motivation to qualify for the 2020 marathon.
For the dads who are stats nerds and are curious about pushing their own boundaries in running, Endure offers a fascinating look at the amazing endurance performances in history—from Eliud Kipchoge’s attempt to run a sub-two hour marathon in Nike’s Breaking 2 project to feats in free-diving and mountaineering—and how the athletes accomplished them. Consider this a fireside read that fires up his own competitiveness.
When he kicks off his running shoes, he’ll want something more comfy to slip into: These sheepskin-lined slippers are so soft and warm, he’ll never want to take them off. And he may not need to—the molded rubber outsole is suitable for outdoor wear, too.
The Garmin 945 is just about everything he could want in a running watch, with multi-sport, music, heart rate, and colored maps. The watch is also a top pick for triathletes thanks to its long-lasting battery life and accurate swim and bike tracking.
What’s a better New Year’s resolution than getting out there and running? Whether your dad is a long-time runner or just getting started, this tee is perfect to slip into after a hot shower.
He will never believe how long a pair of $25 shades can last. Not to mention that they have every style and color that you could possibly desire. These glasses are also polarized and stay put.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below treadmill taps into the iFit programming platform, where he can get guided video lessons from coaches like elite runner Tommy Rivers Puzey or take scenic runs in exotic destinations around the globe.
The ember mug will keep Dad’s coffee hot even if he heads out for a quick 3-miler before he’s finished. It can be adjusted to the perfect temperature, so it will be ready to drink when he gets back.
Is your dad a slave to the 4:30 a.m. wakeup? Make it a little easier with some sunshine. The clock uses gradually increasing light to help wake you up more naturally, giving a better start to the day.
Rather than collecting dust, your dad’s well-earned medals can easily and neatly be displayed on this wall mount, which also holds race bibs and protects them in plastic sleeves.
If your dad likes visual cues and reminders or just penciling in workouts, grab our 2020 calendar. Each month has a beautiful photo, motivational quotes, and running tips. Just another reason to look forward to next year.
Hailey MiddlebrookDigital EditorHailey first got hooked on running news as an intern with Running Times, and now she reports on elite runners and cyclists, feel-good stories, and training pieces for Runner's World and Bicycling magazines.
Gabrielle HondorpBefore joining Runner's World as an Editor in 2019, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe.
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