If you’ve ever found yourself on running Instagram or TikTok, you’ll no doubt have been inundated with posts showing off the latest running gear. From the carbon-plated race shoes and reflective wrap-around sunglasses, running’s had a massive, aspirational makeover.

The truth is that running is not a free sport. You might not need to spend hundreds, but it does require a certain amount of upfront expenditure. Decent running shoes can be expensive, race entries aren’t given away and to maintain energy and repair muscles, you need to eat a decent diet… and you only get hungrier once you start running regularly.

Beginner running essentials: the basic kit you need to start running for the first time