The global fitness apparel industry is worth a whopping $20bn dollars so it’s safe to say there’s something out there for everyone,” says Kerry McCarthy. “You definitely get what you pay for – and you can pay anything up to £400 for a running jacket for example – but when you’re taking your first steps there’s no need to as far as that. For around £120-£150 you can get a head-to- toe outfit that’ll stay the course, feel comfortable, and won’t smell so bad you other half won’t let you back in the house.”

Salomon XA Cap

£19, salomon.com.uk

An adjustable cap which is highly wicking (it moves the sweat to the outside, where it evaporates). Mesh panels and ventilation holes make sure you don’t overheat. In 10 colours.

Saucony Endorphin Singlet (men’s)

£28, upandrunning.co.uk

If you want to go straight in and rock the club runner look, this gossamer-light vest is just the ticket with reflective detailing and oversized arm holes for freedom of movement.

Nike Breathe running top (M)

£31.95, nike.com

A bit steep for a T-shirt, but what price chafe-free nipples and not having your sweaty top cling to you like a marmoset to a tree? This has thousands of laser-cut holes to keep you cool.

Zaazee Ella Vest (Women’s)

£38, zaazee.co.uk

This open-back vest top is cut to give a flattering look around the chest while hiding any bumps around the waist; the weave is both soft and stretchy and won’t bobble in the wash.

Puma NightCat Tee (W)

£21, prodirectrunning.com

Raglan sleeves mean this won’t gather up around the armpits while the seams are flatlocked (sewn down) to avoid chafing or scratching. Reflective detailing front and back.

DHB run lightweight packable jacket

£12.99, wiggle.co.uk

This jacket (in men’s and women’s versions), is wind- and shower-resistant, non-rustly and packs down into its own pocket so you can easily store it on the run if you need to take it off.

Saucony Scott Mini Capri (W)

£23, prodirectrunning.com

The waistband here is great at dispersing pressure, a gusseted crotch means there’ll be no rubbing and ruching on the knees allows you to get into your stride without the material pulling.

Under Armour HeatGear Ankle Crop (W)

£24.49, wiggle.co.uk

A four-way stretch in the weave means this will move smoothly with your body; it wicks sweat quickly and is mildly compressive, which promotes better blood flow to the muscles.

Buff Scarves

From £15, buffwear.co.uk

These are versatile tubes of material that have more uses than Donald Trump’s Big Books of Fibs. Fantastic for protecting your head or neck from the elements, whatever the weather.

Ronhill Momentum twin shorts (M)

£32, ronhill.com

A 5in inner seam means these give you full coverage without being too long and baggy. The outer fabric is quick-drying and durable; the inner brief is soft, sustainable bamboo.

Flipbelt

£25, flipbelt.co.uk

A comfy, elasticated belt to store keys, phone, snacks and other bits and bobs you might need. There are four entry points so you can get at your stuff easily on the move.

Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab

£14, wiggle.co.uk

Considering how light and small they are, these socks provide an impressive extra little quota of cushioning for your feet, as well as being naturally anti-bacterial to ward off nasty niffs.

Stance Socks

From £12, stance.com

Bet you never thought there was such a thing as a cool sock company, but Stance is the toewear brand of choice for running hipsters. They have a massive range of quirky designs.

Inov-8 trail shorts (M)

£40, inov-8.com

Tough-but- super-comfy shorts that will last you at least a couple of years. They have an anti-odour inner brief and three elasticated pockets across the rear waistband.

Nike Pegasus 34

£100, nike.com/uk

Expect to spend anywhere between £80-£120 on trainers. This might sound like a lot (and it is) but running shoes are designed to ward off blisters, regulate the temperature of your feet to stop them overheating, provide cushioning and biomechanical support. The 34th iteration of the Pegasus is the biggest-selling running shoe in the world. Runners of all shapes, sizes and abilities love it for pillowy cushioning, moderate weight and durability.