Running poles are like a secret weapon for trail runners. They can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Save Your Legs:<\/strong> By engaging your upper body, poles help reduce the strain on your legs during climbs and descents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improve Balance:<\/strong> On technical terrain (think loose rocks or muddy slopes), poles help keep you upright and confident.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Boost Performance:<\/strong> Studies show they can improve efficiency, especially on steep climbs. Plus, they make you look like a pro!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGetting Started with Running Poles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When to Use Them<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Running poles shine on hilly or technical trails. If your race features a lot of elevation gain or uneven terrain, they\u2019re a game-changer. If your course is flat and smooth, you might not need them\u2014but they can still help reduce fatigue on long distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Use Them<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Get the Rhythm:<\/strong> Think of it like a walking pace, but faster. Plant the pole opposite to your leading foot (right pole with left foot, and vice versa). It might feel awkward at first, but you\u2019ll get into a flow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t Overgrip:<\/strong> Hold the poles lightly\u2014white knuckles waste energy. Trust the straps to help secure the poles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Practice, Practice, Practice:<\/strong> Take your poles out on a few training runs to build your technique and figure out what works for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nChoosing the Right Poles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When shopping for running poles, you\u2019ll encounter two main factors: materials<\/strong> and adjustability.<\/strong> Crib Goch Outdoor stocks some excellent options for beginners and intermediate runners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Carbon Fiber:<\/strong> Lightweight and stiff, making them ideal for long races. However, they can be pricier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Aluminium:<\/strong> A bit heavier but more durable, which is great if you\u2019re prone to bashing them against rocks (no judgment!).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Adjustable vs Fixed Length<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Fixed-Length Poles<\/strong> are lighter and more durable since they lack moving parts. However, they must match your height precisely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adjustable Poles<\/strong> let you tweak the length, which is handy if you share them with a partner or run varied terrain. They\u2019re slightly heavier but super versatile.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSizing Your Poles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To find the right size, stand with your arm at a 90-degree angle (imagine holding a cup of tea at a very posh party). Measure the distance from your hand to the ground. Most brands list pole sizes in centimeters, so convert accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Many runners prefer slightly shorter poles for steep ascents and slightly longer ones for flat terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTop Picks from Crib Goch Outdoor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Mountain King Trail Blaze<\/a><\/strong><\/strong>\n
- \n
- Made from strong yet lightweight aluminium.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Collapsible for easy storage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Available in a range of fixed lengths to suit all heights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Perfect for beginners and experienced runners alike, they offer a great balance of performance and durability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Made in the UK<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- LEKI Ultra Trail FX.One<\/a><\/strong>\n
- \n
- Lightweight carbon construction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Comfortable, glove-style straps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Collapsible for easy transport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z<\/a><\/strong>\n
- \n
- Superlight and compact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fixed length for simplicity and weight savings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Great for races with serious elevation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/01\/mountain-king-edited-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nA Few Final Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Train with Your Poles:<\/strong> Don\u2019t save them for race day. Using poles efficiently takes practice, and you don\u2019t want to be fiddling with straps at the starting line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be Polite on the Trail:<\/strong> If overtaking someone, call out to let them know. No one enjoys a surprise pole poke to the calf.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pack Smart:<\/strong> If the race doesn\u2019t allow poles the whole way, make sure yours are collapsible and fit snugly in your pack.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nRunning your first race is exciting, and using poles can give you an edge\u2014both physically and mentally. So, grab a pair, hit the trails, and let those poles do some of the work. Who knows? You might even find yourself setting your sights on a bigger challenge next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
See you at the finish line! \ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2642\ufe0f\ud83c\udf89<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explore running poles and more at Crib Goch Outdoor<\/a><\/strong> or read more The Ultimate Guide to Leki Hiking and Running Poles<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
So, you\u2019ve signed up for your first trail race\u2014congratulations! Whether it\u2019s a local 10K or the lung-busting Ultra Trail Snowdonia, it\u2019s a huge step. As you prepare for the big day, you might have noticed some runners using what look like ski poles. Don\u2019t worry, you haven\u2019t stumbled into a biathlon; those are running poles,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":157,"featured_media":816,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-810","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uncategorised"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/01\/Dan-Patitucci_California_22EN0070-copy-scaled.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"cribgochoutdoor","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/author\/cribgochoutdoorworld\/"},"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
- Be Polite on the Trail:<\/strong> If overtaking someone, call out to let them know. No one enjoys a surprise pole poke to the calf.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Train with Your Poles:<\/strong> Don\u2019t save them for race day. Using poles efficiently takes practice, and you don\u2019t want to be fiddling with straps at the starting line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adjustable Poles<\/strong> let you tweak the length, which is handy if you share them with a partner or run varied terrain. They\u2019re slightly heavier but super versatile.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Aluminium:<\/strong> A bit heavier but more durable, which is great if you\u2019re prone to bashing them against rocks (no judgment!).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t Overgrip:<\/strong> Hold the poles lightly\u2014white knuckles waste energy. Trust the straps to help secure the poles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improve Balance:<\/strong> On technical terrain (think loose rocks or muddy slopes), poles help keep you upright and confident.<\/li>\n\n\n\n