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We've picked the best men's race day running kit
Races are starting up again! Time to give your kit drawer a refresh
Soon we'll all be venturing out to start lines, nervously pinning on our numbers, checking we have the right gels and wondering if we can remember where we left our race legs. To make sure you can run as fast as possible, you want to be in the lightest, most comfortable kit that you can get. Not only will feel great as you cruise to a new PB, but there is also definite psychological benefit when you wear new kit, it just makes you believe you're faster!
To help you choose the best clothes to run in, we've carefully chosen some of the best race kit on sale now. Just remember to try it before race day.
Worn by the fastest marathon runner of all time, the AeroSwift vest has been tested and refined over the years by Olympians and record breakers and although us mortals are perhaps no where near that level of performance, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the spoils of their hard work (at a price).
It might say ‘training’ in the name, but we use this tee for all sorts of sessions including tempo and threshold runs and it never lets us down which is why it’s one of Gear Editor Kerry McCarthy’s wardrobe staples. It feels heavy in the hand but luxuriant on, the fit is close but not restrictive, wicking is superb, it moves brilliantly with the body and is made from bamboo, which makes it naturally anti-niff.
The best thing about this standard cut tee is the breathability and ventilation. The weave wicks moisture away extremely quickly so there’s no clinginess when you start to sweat heavily. There are clusters of large laser-cut ventilation holes in key areas including across the chest, down the centre of the back and underneath the arm pits.
A premium piece of kit perfectly suited to competitive club runners who are looking for every advantage. It’s close fitting to be more aerodynamic; made from 100 percent recycled materials, has bonded seams to eliminate chafing, an open weave for high breathability, and a wider-than-normal cutaway section at the back to allow better freedom of movement with the arm swing.
Cons
Another year, another Brooks Distance Tee, and very glad we are about that. If you’ve not tried one before, these are like the Volvos of running tops. It’s a standard cut, which means it’ll have mass appeal, it’s made from 88 per cent recycled polyester and is supremely comfortable. A very efficient performer that allows you to get on with the business of catching the person in front of you.
The pin-dot mesh that features throughout this super-lightweight vest makes it extremely airy and quick drying. The arm holes are very much in the traditional ‘massive’ mould of race vests, and the seams are flat locked to cut down on any chafing – something you don’t often see on tops at this price point. A frills and risk-free option.
As the name hints, this tee is all about keeping you cool when you’re turning up the pace. It’s extremely breathable, and has two large ventilation holes at the rear on the sides, which will let air in and out without allowing anything else through. There are also reflective details on the chest and back of the neck to help with low light visibility.
We love this standard fit tee from West Yorkshire brand Tog24. They’ve made a bit of everything in their time, from footwear to skiwear to casual clothing. Now they make running kit, too, and it’s as reliable and no-nonsense as its provenance suggests. This tee is a standard cut, a tiny bit longer than average in the body and flows beautifully with your arm swing. It's also on sale.
These have a lovely retro look about them but the tech is definitely 21st century. The inner briefs are mesh, the waistband very stretchy; there are two pockets – one above each bum cheek – and since the shorts are part of the brand’s Eco Tech range, the material is 95 per cent recycled polyester.
If you’re one of those runners who likes to be as aerodynamic as possible, then these CEP short compression leggings will be perfect for you. At least half of each leg is made from durable mesh to offer breathability and there’s a non-zip pocket on each hip that will fit a gel each. The compressive material cuts down on muscle vibration that can lead to less post-race soreness.
These are a great short for the larger runner. They offer either a 5” or 7” inside seam, and have a highly elasticated and wide waistband to disperse pressure. The bottom of the thigh sections have large laser-cut ventilation hols and the silky soft inner brief is anti-microbial. There are two zipped pockets on the sides and the rear has a water-resistant, easy-access sheath for use if you’re running with your phone.
Out-and-out racing shorts with a 2inch in-seam and they’re an inch shorter at the front than the rear. The side slits are sufficient to allow for freedom of movement without being too revealing and there’s pin-dot mesh throughout for maximum ventilation. Shorts for a PB attempt.
Asics describes these as regular fit but we think they’re more on the skimpy side; however, the inner leggings stick out an inch or two out the bottom of the shorts so your modesty is secured. They’re among the fastest drying shorts we’ve come across and will keep you bone dry during even the toughest of outings. There’s a small flap pocket at the inside rear for lightweight items.
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