Some running kit can look intimidating, and snazzy racing shoes are a prime example. But there’s no mystery here: they’re simply a stripped-down shoe designed to make you go faster on race day. No matter what your size, shape or level of experience

tendrils round our toes, now's the time to turn your living room, spare room or garage into an elite (but cost effective) training facility.Here's our pick of the best stay-at-home kit - so you never have to choose between a good workout and EastEnders.

Over the last five years or so, you could not have failed to notice an increasing number of the world's elite runners sporting figure-hugging race apparel. Even in the world of running mortals, your eyebrow probably barely twitches when you pitch up

enjoys running in gale-force wind and non-stop rain, there are tights for every eventuality.Asics Women's 3000 series Wintertight Loneliness – £32.50These are definitely cold-weather kit. Asics' Duotech fabric is exceptionally warm, and even with lighter

Friday May 18The North Face trail apparel Carmel Proctor, Southport Craig Roberts, Loughborough Monday May 21Nike Air Vomero or Zoom Elite running shoes Steve Childerley, St. Neots Sarah Hawthorne, Cannock Tuesday May 22Merrell Moab Ventilator shoes

vote in each case. The winner of each individual award was simply the product, event or company that received the highest number of votes.Thousands of your votes were counted to give us the winners of 28 individual awards and six elite categories

's Gel DS Trainer performance shoe, change to the DS Racer and your marathon time could drop by up to 52 seconds.Nike Air Zoom Elite – £80Weight 290gWith plenty of cushioning, a big medial post for support, and a smooth, responsive ride, the Air Zoom

speed session up to long race. Contact 01925 423000; www.newbalance.co.ukNike Air Zoom Elite – £80Weight 290gThe shoe In the past, Nike made some decent performance trainers, but never really challenged the favourites from Asics, Mizuno and New Balance

A long-sleeved jacket could be the most expensive and under-utilised piece of kit in your running wardrobe. If it's fully waterproof, it doesn't breathe. If it really breathes, it isn't waterproof. Even if it does a good job of both, it's too warm

.mizunoeurope.com Nike Air Zoom Elite 4+, £85 Weight 292gOur tester – a long-term Air Zoom Elite wearer – deemed this the best version of the shoe yet. It is noticeably more responsive than its predecessor, the Elite 3, and despite a deceptively bulky-looking sole