The Bull Runner running belts Archives

Running Belts: Carry Your Essentials While Running

Wednesday, 15 January 2014 | Gear + Gadgets

You’ve trained well for the upcoming race and you’ve got your brand spankin’ new apparel all laid out. But, have you thought of how you’re going to carry your gels, car keys, and cash? Nope, I don’t think your new running shorts can hold all those in its hidden pockets. And, don’t you know that those safety pins punch tiny holes into your running tops that tend to ruin the fabric in the long run? Most importantly, have you figured out how you’re going to carry your iPhone during the race? You must capture that perfect running selfie as you cross the finish line, right? Aack, running problems! Haha!

Enter the RUNNING BELT. There’s a wide array of running belts available in the market nowadays from light race belts that will hold your race bib to larger ones that can hold anything from your car keys to your smartphone to a Chihuahua (okay, maybe not the latter but you get the point.)

Below are four running belts that I currently have in my possession. Three of them I received during the Holidays: one as a gift and the other two for road testing. The last one, the Spibelt, is one of my favourite products. (No, I’m not their endorser, just a huge fan who has used their belts and armbands during my last 4 marathons.)

Tune Belt – Sport Belt for iPhone 5

The Sport Belt for iphone 5 holds the iphone 5 horizontally and protects it from perspiration, bumps, scratches, or drops. The belt is made of a lightweight and super comfortable neoprene material, which stretches easily and snugly across the waist. It has an extra pocket in the back to hold keys, cash, and other thin items.

I like the fact that you can see your iPhone through the plastic, but I found the belt too long and too thick for my size. Perhaps the size would be more appropriate for a man.

– Front of Sport Belt with my iPhone 5 inside –

– Back pocket can hold essentials but items can’t be too bulky –

– Back of Sport Belt –

Price: To follow.

Available at Planet Sports, Runnr, Toby’s, Chris Sports, Riovana, The Athlete’s Foot, R.O.X.

SPIbelt Endurance

SPIbelt is sleek, expandable, secure and does not bounce. SPIbelt Endurance Series features a larger neoprene pocket compared with the Original SPIbelt. The new Endurance Series can hold an iPhone, keys, energy gels, and other essentials. It also comes with a larger elastic (1.5″) so it’s more stable with heavier loads. It even has holsters for energy gels and adjustable race bib toggles. It also has a reflective trim for increased visibility. Pockets expands to 6″ x 3″ x 2″. Fits waist size 29″ through 50″.

The inside of the SPIbelt has a special, water-resistant lining to protect your items, but this is not completely waterproof. I would keep my iphone in an Otterbox Preserver or a ziplock bag.

This is probably perfect for the runner who doesn’t mind carrying the extra weight as long as he/she has all his essentials along for the run.

Price: P1,690

– Front of SPIbelt Endurance –

– Back of SPIbelt Endurance –

While the SPIbelt Endurance can hold more items, I still prefer my Original SPIbelt. It’s thinner, lighter, and can expand enough to hold my iPhone, a couple gels, and tissue. It’s perfect for the marathon where you need a number of items, but you don’t want to be dragged down by the load during the last 10 kms. I used my SPIbelt together with the SPI Wrist Pocket. Okay, the Wrist Pocket isn’t a belt but I might as well mention it. I reviewed both items HERE.

– Original SPIbelt –

– My Original SPIbelt. He was with me for 4 marathons and probably in the next one too. A friend purchased the race bib toggles for me separately –

– SPIbelt Wrist Pocket. A convenient way to carry gels and cash for me –

Available at Splash Underwater Imaging, Inc. Level B, Store # 2003 Shoppesville Arcade. Phone. 7249803

Website: http://www.spibeltph.com/

i-Fitness Race Number Belt

i-Fitness Race Number Belt has an ultra soft dual-adjust waistbelt so there won’t be any extra elastic bands sticking out. It holds your race belt and has 6 loops for your gels. It’s simple and perfect for a runner or triathlete who doesn’t want the bulk nor extra weight but needs a belt to conveniently hold his essentials. It also has high visibility reflectors.

– Front of i-Fitness Race Belt –