History

Although established in 2003, the beginnings of Criterion were laid down in 1988 and the ownership of independent outdoor retail shop in Warrington called the Adventure Centre. In the early 2000s the then shop manager and MD, dissatisfied with the quality of down sleeping bags on offer decided to investigate the possibility of manufacturing their own, which resulted in Criterion. The outdoor shop has sadly gone, but Criterion has become known for its standards of quality in both production and materials.

Product Offering

Currently Criterion offer five sleeping bags in two ranges, for different budgets,  designed specifically for ultralight weight outdoor adventurers. The Quantum range, uses 850FP goose down covering temperatures 0°C (530g), -6° (695g) and -10°C (800g). With the Ultralight range using 700FP goose down +3°C (620g) and -3°C (765g).  They also offer some accessories such as storage bags and stuffsacks.

RunUltra members get 10% off all products (excluding postage and import fees if outside the UK) with a discount code and Criterion would be grateful that if you took them up on the offer you could send them some images of the bag in use for social media.  They are also willing to give a bigger discount on a case-by-case basis if people are intending to take on epic ultra challenges, such as the Marathon des Sables email Gareth here.

Introductory Prices (before discount):

Ultralight 200 – £225
Ultralight 350 – £255
Quantum 200 – £300
Quantum 350 – £350
Qauntum 450 – £400

The post Criterion Sleeping Bags appeared first on Run Ultra.

Established in 1975 Sidas have always been a leader in comfort and well-being for your feet. Working closely with some of the world’s best sports scientists, podiatrists, physiotherapists, and athletes. 

Sidas have developed solutions for the running market, alongside international athletes, and a network of experts to provide global 360 ° foot and lower limb comfort. Sidas products work in a ‘symbiotic union’ with your footwear to provide greater value, comfort, and performance from your shoes. 

AT OUR CORE 

TECHNICAL, ADAPTIVE & EASY TO USE INSOLES. 

Our insole ranges integrate our specialist materials, multi layered technology to offer quick, effective & quality solutions adapted to all feet and all sports. Which results in our customers benefiting from: Cushioning where it counts. Support where it’s need. Guaranteed, next level added comfort. This means athletes can experience enhanced performance, injury prevention, movement and ultimately, enjoyment! 

TRAIL RUNNING SOCKS FOR ENHANCED PROTECTION, GRIP & BREATHABILITY 

Our Sidas Trail Socks are designed to provide protection and comfort when running on trails and in the mountains. These technical socks have optimal breathability for chafe-free comfort throughout your trail run. Thanks to their technical nature, you can be sure to keep your feet dry throughout your outing, even in hot weather, to avoid blisters and other unpleasant rubbing. Sidas trail socks keep your feet in place in your shoes, reducing excessive movement & friction, so that they work in perfect synergy with insoles and the your footwear. 

FOOTCARE & PROTECTION… FEET ARE YOUR TOOLS TO SUCCESS, TAKE CARE OF THEM! 

Taking care of your feet can be the difference between finishing your race or enjoying a run. 

Sidas footcare products have helped athletes with a combination of care and protection to ‘break free of their limitations’ and achieve their goals. 

Sidas, Your Foot Company 

The post SIDAS, Your Foot Company appeared first on Run Ultra.

The Active Kollection was born out of frustration with the same old stuff. As keen runners, we wanted a better clothing choice than either the well-known high street brands or cheap rubbish from retailers – we knew there had to be better, more original running gear.

We first found a number of European brands who were pushing the boundaries so much further than the brands we knew – and that opened up a whole world of opportunities. We have since made it our mission to source exciting brands from every continent on earth that match the ideals of what we look for.

We’ve grown to stock running clothing from some of the best independent brands around the globe. Showcasing them to our community and helping to bring the excitement of discovering a favourite new brand.

The post active Kollection appeared first on Run Ultra.

With over 13,000 products, including running shoes, running clothing and outdoor gear, you’ll struggle to find a better selection. We are very proud to bring you the very latest products and technologies from the top sports and fitness brands, including adidas, Asics, Inov8 and many more.

At Sportsshoes.com we are always trying to get better, pushing ourselves to keep you up to speed.

Why? Because it’s no fun standing still.

The post sportsshoes appeared first on Run Ultra.

The post VÅGA appeared first on Run Ultra.

Sundried activewear features the most advanced technology on the planet, including anti-odour, UV protection, and temperature control, all created ethically and sustainably and sold at a fair price, direct from us to you.

As part of the Sundried tribe, you will receive unbeatable customer service from our dedicated team who are on hand to help with any query no matter how big or small.

The post sundried appeared first on Run Ultra.

WHAT MAKES ZAAZEE DIFFERENT

ZAAZEE was founded by Deborah Todd in Ancoats, Manchester. Driven by a passion for sports, Deborah believes that wearing awesome kit makes you feel great and helps you achieve more.

ZAAZEE uses only amazing technical fabrics which have been sourced based on their performance, stretch, vibrancy and durability. The fabrics and products have been specifically sourced for purpose, tested, developed and tested again. We want our customers to enjoy sport and feel fantastic wearing ZAAZEE.

MANUFACTURED IN EUROPE and in the UK 

A great deal of time was spent researching where to produce ZAAZEE. Originally the idea was to produce ZAAZEE in the UK. Having a family background in retail and sewing, (my aunt was a seamstress.) and living in Ancoats, Manchester, it’s an area that was once home to huge Cotton Mills and has a history of manufacturing. I honestly believe you can feel the energy from early days gone by. 

After exploring the factories of many manufacturers in the UK and trying to find the correct machinery and expert cutters and materials, I made a choice to make with our neighbours in Europe. It has a great reputation for quality textile manufacturing and huge brands who I respect all manufacture there. 

The factories we work with are small who have been working in the trade for years.  We feel good to be helping these small businesses too.

Last year the brand launched the first piece of menswear, a top called the ZION, which received rave reviews from Runners World.

The post ZAAZEE appeared first on Run Ultra.

For race organisers, the default is to offer a finisher’s t-shirt, often with a race to the bottom on quality and price. Race t-shirts, in particular those of low quality, are fast fashion at its most detrimental. Producing a single cotton t-shirt uses up the same amount of water a human would drink over 2.5 years, and creates 2kg of ECO2. Wicking tops are even worse. On top of this, the cheaper the t-shirt, the higher the probability of exploitation in the supply chain.

For race organisers there is no additional cost, they simply add a ‘tree not tee’ option in registration and commit to Trees not Tees the unit price they would have paid for the t-shirt by the number of participants who choose the tree option. For races where t-shirts are given at the end, organisers include a ‘tree’ logo on the race number to tell who should receive a t-shirt.

Each participant then receives an e-certificate from Trees not Tees with a photo of their tree, the tree type and what3words geolocation, so they can even pay it a visit!

Find out more

Trees not Tees

The post Trees Not Tees appeared first on Run Ultra.

Founded in 1964 by a passionate and visionary mountaineer, CIMALP has built its reputation by equipping pioneering adventurers and explorers such as Laurence de La Ferrière, who crossed the Antarctic solo in 1996. 

More than a brand: a family of mountain and nature lovers Our brand is built on a team of mountain and nature lovers. We’re a passionate, creative, ambitious, attentive and caring bunch. Every day we challenge ourselves and each other to raise performance even further.

From the technical capabilities, availability and comfort of our products, to accessibility, sustainability and customer service, we’re determined to be the best. When you buy a CIMALP product, you join a tightly knit family of true mountain enthusiasts.

The post CIMALP appeared first on Run Ultra.

The manta foam roller’s unique design combines function and style empowering you and your body to reach it’s true potential.

Designed by a sports osteopath the unique contours allow for light, medium or deep tissue massage depending on what your body needs, helping your muscles to recover faster after exercise. The central ridges penetrate deep into the muscle fibres improving circulation, reducing trigger points and providing myofascial release. The outer grooves provide lighter massage, perfect for integrating into your pre run routine.

The spinal groove allows the manta roller to be the only foam roller that is safe and effective to use on the lower back. It targets the most important postural muscles in the body, the erector spinae. These muscles run either side of the spine from your pelvis to the base of the skull and have a huge impact on running biomechanics, spinal health and injury. Regular use of the manta roller keeps muscles loose, joints mobile and promotes better spinal and body biomechanics.

Endurance athletes always need a balance between mobility and strength to help reduce the risk of injury, improve running form and to maximise their training so they can go further than they ever realised. The manta foam roller provides the mobility, the strength and determination we leave to you.

The post Manta appeared first on Run Ultra.