As autumn arrives and darker nights greet us opt for bright berry tones, cobalt blues and apple greens. Layering is the best option at this time of year and a lightweight running jacket becomes your new best friend.

1. Gore Running System Lady Jacket (right)

Price: £249.99 Colour: Golden Green, Black, Blue (shown),

Stockists: www.gorerunningwear.co.uk ^[1]

The System Jacket is completely waterproof, windproof and breathable meaning you don’t have to miss out on your usual running session when it is raining, snowing or temperatures hit rock bottom. The inner lining works with your body, the specific warmth, comfort and vent sections ensure you get the right level of performance exactly where you need it.

2. Gore Running System Lady Pants (above)

Price: £159.99 Colour: Black

Stockists: www.gorerunningwear.co.uk ^[1]

The System Lady Pants offer an excellent fit for running in extremely bad weather. Being waterproof and breathable means you can brave the elements, staying dry and warm without overheating. They can also be used as overpants for warming up or after a run.

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Related features:

This month (September) Sportsister loves… ^[2]

Tried and tested: trail shoes ^[3]

Sportsister tests the new Nike+ GPS App for iPhone ^[4]

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3. Brooks Equilibrium Long Sleeve Tee (below left)

Price: £24.00 Colours: Brite Green/Brite White (shown) and Nightlife

Stockists: www.brooksrunning.co.uk ^[5]

This running shirt is made from a particularly light-weight material, besides being extremely soft and elastic. Ideal for autumn runs. The body-hugging cut also renders it suitable as functional underwear. It is wind and water repellent and also boasts 3M Scotchlite reflectors.

4. Brooks LSD Lite Jacket (below centre)

Price: £50.00 Colours: Brite White/Brite Green (shown), Nightlife and Winter Poppy

Stockists: www.brooksrunning.co.uk ^[5]

The LSD LITE JACKET is the textile light-weight from Brooks, weighing in, or rather floating in, at no more than 120 g. Wind- and water-repellent training jacket. Perfect for autumn, as well as winter.

5. Salomon XT Wings II Softshell Jacket (above right)

Price: £100.00 Colour: Green Bean (shown), Black, Blue and White

Stockists: www.salomon.com/uk ^[6]

Our best selling SOFTSHELL jacket, updated with more ventilation. SMART SKIN™ TECHNOLOGY puts windproof fabric in front and very breathable stretch fabric in back, to create a jacket that keeps you warm without overheating. Ideal for running or cycling in cold, windy weather.

6. Nike+ GPS App for iPhone

This new app for the iPhone is a runner’s dream; you can visually map every run while tracking pace, distance, time and calories burned. The GPS technology allows runners to keep track of all their routes including a breakdown of pace and distance at different points during a run. You can even tap the screen during a run to see your current location - perfect if your inner compass is a bit off and you’ve been known to get lost. The “Challenge Me” feature on the Nike+ GPS App allows runners to challenge themselves to run farther, faster, or longer than a previous run already logged. The app will also track run history to be able to personalize challenges.

The new iPod touch (4^th generation) is compatible, too, joining the iPod touch (2^nd and 3^rd generations), iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 – all running iOS 4.0 or later. The iPhone is required for mapping functionality.

Price: The Nike+ GPS App will be available in English on the Apple iTunes App Store for £1.19.

7. Shock Absorber RUN Sports Bra (above left)

Price: £36.00 Colour: Black/Silver (shown) and White/Silver

Stockists: www.shockabsorber.co.uk/focus ^[7]

The Infinity-8 support system designed for the RUN sports bra offers enhanced support to target excessive breast movement. The seam-free inner and concealed elastic under arms reduces any rubbing or chafing. During testing, we calculated a reduction of up to 78%* bounce, giving you a more focused running bra for a more focused performance.

8. adidas adiStar Split Shorts (above right)

Price: £30.00 Colour: Black

Stockists: www.adidas.com ^[8]

Running shorts that move the way a runner’s body does? Brilliant! The adidas adiZERO™ Split Shorts are designed to improve both your muscle efficiency, and your comfort. Lightweight with breathable CLIMACOOL®, these are true performance running shorts for women.

9. NikeWomen Determination Bra (above centre)

Price: £25.00 Colours: Pink (shown), Black, White, Blue and Green

Stockists: nikestore.com

Get the fit you need to stay focused in the Nike Determination-Vent Mobility Women’s Sports Bra, a supportive design that helps keep sweat at bay with premium ventilation.

10. Go Lite Black Mountain Thermal Wind Vest (above centre)

Price: £90.00 Colour: Granite/Plum (shown), Sky Blue/Deep Water, Black and Bright Rose/Granite

Stockists: www.golite.com ^[9]

A necessity for any winter runner; designed with an athletic cut, windproof front and a quick-drying Minerale™ back panel.

11. Sugoi Convector Zip (above left)

Price: £36.00 Colours: Magenta (shown), Apple and Laguna

Stockists: http://sugoi.com ^[10]

A run-specific full zip top made for the passionate athlete, designed with the latest technology to help you push yourself to perform like never before.

12. The North Face Stormy Trail Jacket (above right)

Price: £149.00

Colours: Purple (shown) and Black

Stockists: www.thenorthface.com/eu ^[11]

For runners and endurance athletes, The Women’s Stormy Trail Jacket is built from ultra breathable HyVent® Alpha.

13. Sugoi MidZero ZapKnicker (above left)

Price: £50.00 Colour: Black

Stockists: http://sugoi.com ^[10]

SUGOI’s RS franchise expands with this versatile RS Knicker. The knicker features pro-level RS performance, using an excellent Ultra Aero fabric. With no inseam for reduced bulk, the knicker is flattering, and our signature leg grip keeps the standard high. The extra coverage provided by the RS Knicker is perfect for cool mornings and transitional seasons.

14. Ronhill Vizion Winter Tight (above right)

Price: £45.00 Colour: Black/FluoPink

Stockists: www.ronhill.com ^[12]

A great value winter running tight made from Powerlite™ fabric with a brushed inner surface for extra comfort.

15. New Balance 760 (above, bottom centre)

Price: £80.00 Colour: White/Silver/Blue (shown) and Black/Pink

Stockists: www.newbalance.co.uk ^[13]

A versatile road running shoe built for the runner who needs a balance between cushioning, provided by N-ERGY, and support, provided by a TS2® post. Selected to meet the specific demands of your sport. The technologies in our products function together as a system that produces seamless fit and top-level performance including a lock down liner, acteva lite, and keeps you dry during any activity.

16. Asics GEL Cumulus (above top centre)

Price: £85.00 Colour: White/Orchid

Stockists: www.asics.co.uk ^[14]

The GEL-CUMULUS 12 continues to set the bar for lightweight, cushioned trainers. This edition introduces a full-length Solyte 45 lasting to improve cushioning in the forefoot. Also new is the Double Personal Heel Fit, which increases overall heel fit and comfort. Its Gender Specific Cushioning ensures the correct midsole density to provide a cushioned platform feel in the forefoot. The women’s model features a lower density for improved cushioning and forefoot comfort.

Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine