Targeted at the ambitious runner looking for comfort, the new adistar Salvation features active Formotion in the lateral upper midfoot, said to help support the foot in its natural running movement, while a 3D Formotion unit in the heel is designed to reduce pronation.

The latest generation of this flagship cushioning shoe features Impact Guidance System (IGS), with a view to enhancing the natural gait from heel strike to toe-off. Rear-foot and fore-foot gel cushioning systems are designed to accenuate shock absorption during impact and toe-off phases.

The first shoe in Nike’s Free series to be Nike+ enabled (a wireless ipod connection), the Free Run+ allows runners to record time, pace, distance and calories burnt. Nike says deep cuts (sipes) in the outsole allow for greater flexibility and movement, which stimulates muscles for stronger feet, creating the feel of bare-foot running.

Three-time Ironman champion Chrissie Wellington has teamed up with Greepers, and she is using the sports laces in her running shoes. Greeper Laces are made from 100% polyester and they are designed for quick and easy release and fastening, with a view to provide optimum shoe support during exercise.

K-Swiss has introduced the ‘super-light’ racing K-Ruuz, weighing only 6.5oz. Moisture management technology is intended to ensure the shoe finishes as light as it began with strategic drainage, and lightweight ‘super-foam’ under the sockliner is designed to enhance durability and support.

Providing all the cushioning of the company’s ProGrid Triumph, but weighing 100g less, the Kinvara incorporates ProGrid Lite in the heel. Saucony says the combination of EVA and rubber has been upgraded to improve cushioning. A monomesh upper is designed for maximum breathability.

Said to be 30% lighter than existing Puma EVA models, the Spectana support shoe is constructed in a special upper mesh material with a slow recovery heel construction, which Puma says gives increased flexibility and ride from heel to toe.

1000 Mile has launched a new insole designed to prevent Tendonitis, back pain and other complaints. Made from a composition of crystalline rubber micro cells and just 2mm thick, the Noene NO2 is said to dampen 94-98% of shock impact from ground contact.

Designed to make the runner’s feet feel barefoot, Newton says this performance neutral trainer is bio-mechanically efficient, for increased energy return and shock absorption. Action/Reaction technology in the forefoot is intended to enable the runner to land on the forefoot safely, with less chance to pronate or supinate.

GU says it has revolutionised endurance re-fuelling and its gels are now available in the UK through TCL Sports. With a 60% market share across the US run, bike and outdoor sector, six flavours are now available: Chocolate Outrage, Tri Berry, Vanilla Bean, Strawberry Banana, Lemon Sublime and Jet Blackberry.

The Glycerin 8 is designed to deliver a customised run for all sizes and speeds thanks to Brooks’ new DNA technology – individual molecules that react to the force placed on the foot. Working with new environmentally friendly BioMoGo, Brooks DNA is said to respond to every step, dispersing impact and providing optimum comfort and protection as the pace changes.

Physicool is offering a new, stretchy and reusable bandage that combines cooling with support and compression. Physicool says the bandage works by drawing out heat through rapid evaporation, as opposed to other products that work by trying to drive cold in. It comes in a re-sealable silver pouch, and Physicool coolant enables reuse.

Ron Hill’s new Advance Microlight Jacket is designed specifically for fell and adventure running. The Advance men’s jacket features a hood and is made from 100% polyester Activelite fabric, said to give a high standard of wind resistance and water repellence. It packs neatly into its own pocket and weighs only 144g.

New Balance describes the 1226 as a premium stability shoe for mild to moderate pronation. Technical details include N-Ergy, intended to improve shock absorption and support, while a full-length Abzorb midsole and Ortholite cushioned insole are designed to provide durability, breathability and cushioning.

The adistar Windstopper is designed to keep runners protected against the elements, while supporting muscles. Manufactured in two-layer 100% polyester, adidas says the Windstopper incorporates Climaproof for lightweight, breathable protection, and Formotion to support muscles for improved comfort and efficiency. 

Hilly has expanded its technical sock range to include the Mono Skin Sport and the Twin Skin anklet. The Mono skin is made from high-wicking Coolmax, while the Twin Skin anklet features a Meryl Skinlife inner sock to wick moisture away, as well as antimicrobial qualities, an arch grip section and flat, seamless toe construction to help prevent blisters.

Built for speed, the LunaElite+ is designed to be a cushioned and supportive race day shoe featuring Dynamic Support Technology – a system Nike says adapts while running to provide stability and cushioning as needed. Flywire construction is intended to make the shoe strong and lightweight.

Incorporating ultra-light cushioning technology through a series of blades aligned to the angle of impact, K-Swiss says the blades compress in proportion to the force applied during running. Weighing 8.9oz, the Blade Light is designed for road races or multi-sport events, and features an adjustable strap closure for easy on-and-off.

Built for runners requiring a neutral cushioned shoe with speed, the 759 from New Balance is designed to be highly cushioned and lightweight. Design features include N-Ergy and Abzorb cushioning with a view to providing greater shock absorption and stability.

Making an eco-statement, the Green Silence has been constructed using sustainable elements throughout, including Soy-based inks and recycled materials. The unisex shoes features Brooks’ BioMoGo and HPR Green, a durable outsole compound made from dispersed silica.

With a view to advancing compression fabric innovation, Amp Pro 2 running garments are made using Celliant fibre, which is infused with natural minerals that Saucony promises will increase oxygen levels in the body. The range includes Training and Recovery tops and tights, and a full-length recovery suit.

The neutral Ventis shoe is intended to combine cushioning with stability, and features a Sandwich mesh designed for improved breathability and reduction of blisters. High abrasion-resistant rubber in the outsole should add extra cushioning.

2XU claims its commitment to zoning the body with the right fabrications in the right anatomical regions is incorporated into this minimal-bulk, micro-climate Run Jacket.

The adistar Gore Wind Jacket represents the top of the adidas range. adidas promises that the jacket is made with 'formotion', for better fit and greater comfort while in motion. Climacool and mesh fabric are designed to combine for ventilation, and a breathable ClimaProof shell should keep wind, rain and snow out, so the runner stays dry and comfortable in even the harshest conditions.

The Brooks Nightlife jacket is designed to help cars see runners from every angle.  The jacket is made from technical fabrics to provide water resistance and breathability, and it comes in high-visibility, contrasting colours, which are accented with 360° of 3M Scotchlite. The Nightlife jacket comes in men’s and women’s models.

The Ultimate Runner’s Glove is designed to combine absolute wind protection with outstanding breathability. It is made from Windlocker material for high heat insulation and breathability. 1000 Mile says the gloves are anti-pilling, abrasion-resistant and have high moisture diffusion, while anti-bacterial fibre helps regulate body temperature and blocks odours.

The ARD Long sleeve top is designed with a feminine fit, and it comes with ultra lightweight mesh fabric for breathability. The top features discrete zippered valuables pockets, and it is finished with strategically positioned reflectivity for visibility in most weather conditions.

Intended to be fun, functional and versatile headwear, Reflective Buff is just like the Original Buff, but with the addition of two retro-reflective stripes of 3M Scotchlite. The wearer can be seen up to 150 metres away when light hits the stripes. There are  seven Reflective designs to choose from, and Buff is small enough to be comfortably worn underneath a helmet and to be kept in a pocket.

The Wildwood Trail long-sleeve run top from Go Lite weighs only 98 grams. Go Lite claims the lightweight fabrics provide the added benefit of extra fast dry times and a UPF of 50+. This long-sleeve top is built to help regulate body temperature in hot or cold conditions. It also features a secure pocket and reflective logos.

Hilly’s top of the range glove, the Elite, is made from MaxDry material for its high breathability, high moisture diffusion, quick drying time and anti-pilling capability. The towelling panel on the front of glove is designed to wipe away perspiration, and reflective trim and logo enhance visibility. Rubber thumb and forefinger grips even improve watch control.

Montane says its Featherlite Marathon Jacket is ultra-lightweight, highly breathable and water-resistant. Made from Pertex Microlight fabric, it also features 3M Scotchlite reflective trim visible through 360°. Even though it is designed for winter running, Montane claims the jacket is so light, runners will hardly notice they are wearing it. The Featherlite also fits into a stuff sac the size of a regular apple (as opposed to a ‘cooking’ apple).

The 1064 is a new model at the top of the New Balance range, made with cushioning that has been sculpted specifically for runners with a neutral gait. The shoe’s cushioning is designed to provide the optimum level of support for the foot whether it strikes the ground at the heel or mid-foot, and right through the step to the toe-off from the ground.

For Winter 2010-11, Odlo is introducing the Sapporo jacket. The Sapporo is designed to be breathable, windproof and water repellent, and it features 360° visibility with reflective stripes and logos positioned strategically on the sleeves and on the front and back of the torso. The zip and details on the cuffs are also reflective.

Result Performance claims it has created the “ultimate in lightweight, peak performance training jackets” in the Spiro Airstream. The jacket is made from Result Performance’s Hydra 5,000mm waterproof fabric, and it features a 5000mvp breathable moisture management system. The Spiro Airstream also features inset reflecting panels for extra visibility.

The women’s Vizion Windlite Jacket from Ronhill is made from Windlite fabric, which the company promises is windproof, water repellent, lightweight & breathable. Other features include 360° reflectivity with new graphics and reflective tape. The Vizion Windlite is finished with a small front security pocket, micro fleece lined collar, single hand operated draw cords in the hem and a lock down front zip.

Wigwam is a fourth generation family business that has been knitting socks in Sheboygan, USA since 1905. The Trek Trax Pro sock has a patented moisture control system, which is designed to keep feet dry and blister free. The Wool Dri-release fabric with Freshguard should keep feet insulated and comfortable and the sock is made with a seamless toe closure. Many colour options available.

Summer running is a different animal; common sense dictates that running in Autumn, Winter and Spring is preferable; temperature and humidity in the British Isles is more agreeable to such hot, sweaty work. But Summer is also when people's thoughts turn to how they'll look on the beach, and how best to shed those excess pounds - plus it's a hell of a lot easier to motivate yourself to get out on a sunny morning than on a cold, wet day.

During preparation for a race, a runner will gauge what suits them in terms of hydration; Gatorade recommend runners to hydrate two to three hours before exercise. "Active people should aim for at least 250ml of fluid at this time and an additional 125ml 10 to 20 minutes prior to exercising," they advise, adding: "Thirst is not a good indicator of hydration. If you wait until you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated."

Another interesting product which can be used to boost the body on a distance run is OxyShot. As we know, under stress and physical exertion, the body's requirement for oxygen increases substantially. Until recently it wasn't possible to supplement oxygen levels naturally or without the use of compressed gas cylinders. 

If you consider that for most amateur athletes a really repectable time to run 26.2 miles is under four hours, then they will need to take on food as well as hydration. When we eat even the most simple foods blood is re-directed to the stomach to process using vital time and energy. CarboSHOTZ Energy Gel is a complex carbohydrate liquid/gel that is designed to fuel active muscles during activity. The science behind these gels is to minimise the amount of time required to process a food into glycogen.

Ronhill is a name synonymous with good quality running gear. They aim to continually improve and enhance the protection of runners - the Vizion collection was specifically designed to help runners and athletes be seen by other road users which includes their LED technology (of which I'm a big fan!).

Shoes are of particular importance for the marathon runner - the right shoe can make the difference between finishing or not finishing a race. Most runners will have had a gait analysis test and the main brands cater for neutral and overpronaters.

New to the Brooks range is a neutral shoe called Ghost - this high-end performance shoe is built for the biomechanically efficient runner who wants to go fast. The Ghost's articulated hyper-flex contact rubber outsole provides a resilient experience with every step, while its sprung toe and modified arch give a secure mid-foot wrap and spectacular toe off. The shoe also benefits from an Ortholite sockliner and moisture managing Element Mesh. The Ghost has enough quality cushioning for long, slow training runs, as well as feeling ultra comfortable at high speeds. Men sizes are available from US 8 to 15 and Women's US 6 to 12.

Asics GEL- DS Trainer 14 has a new sole construction using particles of rice husks, which have sharp edges that work in the same way as a running spike, coupled with leather powder's outstanding water absorption. The leather powder breaks the water film on every foot strike creating a wet grip in damp conditions. International Marathon runner Mara Yamauchi says: "Distance running is a personal challenge, which tests you to the limit. The ASICS GEL- DS Trainer is a great shoe for distance runners."

Men's Arnuva 50 Boa from North Face is built for the athlete who runs road and trails it provides mechanical assistance to the midsole and support for overpronators. The UltrATAC all condition rubber outsole has excellent wet/dry traction for running on or off road. It offers the cutting edge Boa lacing system for a rapidly adjustable, secure fit. RRP £95 Mens sizes 7 -14.

adidas, the official partner of the Flora London Marathon, has developed an official London Marathon apparel  range with performance in mind, featuring the lightest and softest fabrics available and all of the latest adidas innovations. The Flora London Marathon is a gruelling enough challenge, so it's a priority to ensure that runners feel comfortable and cool as they make their way around the 26.2 course.

The introduction of Skins latest, revolutionary ‘ICE' styles will be of major interest to runners at all levels. These tops and tights create a cooling sensation over the body and help enable clearer thinking when under pressure.  This is made possible by Microencapsulation Technology (MET) - which embeds thousands of tiny menthol microcapsules into the garments.