Ronhill – celebrating more than five decades of running innovation, performance and a passion for helping runners go further.
Few running brands can claim a heritage as authentic as Ronhill. Born from the experience, expertise and relentless passion of one of the sport’s great pioneers, Ronhill has been dedicated to runners for more than five decades.
Today, the brand is recognised as one of the leading names in running, offering a comprehensive range of technical running apparel and accessories designed to meet the demands of runners at every level. More recently, Ronhill has taken its innovation from apparel to footwear, developing specific running shoes for off-road and trail running.
Yet while the products have evolved, the philosophy behind Ronhill remains remarkably consistent: understand what runners need, innovate with purpose and create products that help people enjoy running and perform at their best.
Born from a running legend, Ronhill’s story began with one man’s extraordinary passion for performance and innovation
Ronhill Sports was founded in 1970 by legendary runner Dr Ron Hill, MBE.
Ron was far more than the name behind the brand. He was one of the outstanding distance runners of his generation, as well as a scientist and innovator whose understanding of textiles helped transform the clothing worn by runners around the world.
His competitive achievements were exceptional. A former European, Boston and Commonwealth marathon champion, Ron recorded a personal best marathon time of 2:09:28 in 1970. He also held several world records during his career and ran in more than 100 countries.
Perhaps the statistic that best demonstrates his extraordinary commitment to running, however, is his famous running streak. Ron did not miss a single day of training for more than 52 years.
Running wasn’t simply something Ron did. It was central to his life.
That first-hand understanding of the sport gave him an invaluable perspective when developing products. He knew what runners experienced because he was one of them, training and competing at the highest level.
Where elite running met textile science, Ron Hill helped change the way generations of runners trained and raced
Alongside his elite sporting career, Ron Hill held a PhD in Textile Chemistry. It was this unusual combination of scientific knowledge and practical running experience that helped make him such an influential figure in the development of modern technical running apparel.
At a time when runners had far fewer specialist clothing options than they do today, Ron began looking at how garments could be made lighter, more comfortable and more practical.
His innovations became part of running history.
He pioneered the famous side-split Freedom Short, helping give runners greater freedom of movement. He developed the mesh running vest and created the world-famous Trackster training pant.
He was also the first to introduce reflective trim onto running apparel, recognising the importance of visibility for runners training in low-light conditions.
His work with lightweight synthetic fabrics was equally important. Ron understood how technical materials could help perspiration evaporate more effectively, improving comfort and performance during training and racing.
Many features that runners now take for granted were once genuinely innovative ideas.
More than 50 years later, that pioneering approach remains embedded in Ronhill. Technical fabrics, lightweight construction, freedom of movement, comfort and runner-focused design continue to influence the brand’s collections.
More than 50 years later, that same pioneering spirit continues to shape products created by runners, for runners
Running has changed enormously since Ronhill was established in 1970.
Participation has expanded, training has become increasingly sophisticated and runners now take part in everything from their local 5K to road marathons, mountain races and ultra-distance trail events.
Ronhill has evolved alongside them.
The modern range brings together technical running apparel, accessories and specialist footwear, designed for the varied conditions and challenges runners encounter throughout the year.
Whether the objective is a personal best, a first marathon, a long weekend trail run or simply enjoying a few miles after work, Ronhill continues to develop products around the needs of runners.
And that connection with the running community is particularly evident in Ireland.
From an iconic marathon heritage to the streets of Dublin, Ronhill continues to stand alongside runners on their biggest days
Ronhill is proud to be the official apparel partner of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, connecting a brand with more than half a century of running heritage to one of Ireland’s great sporting occasions.
The Dublin Marathon represents so much of what makes running special: commitment, preparation, ambition and community.
For some participants, race day is about chasing a personal best. For others, simply reaching the start line represents months of dedication. Thousands more run for charities, clubs, families and causes that matter deeply to them.
Whatever the motivation, every runner shares the experience of taking on 26.2 miles through the streets of Dublin.
Ronhill’s association with the event is a natural fit for a brand created by a marathon champion and built around the needs of runners.
As running moves beyond the road, Ronhill is taking decades of technical expertise onto the trails with the Freedom Ultra
Ronhill’s more recent move into specialist trail footwear represents another important chapter in the brand’s story.
At the forefront is the Freedom Ultra, a high-performance trail racing shoe designed for speed, efficiency and durability across medium to long distances.
Available for both men and women, the Freedom Ultra combines performance technology with the toughness required for demanding off-road running.
Featuring Matryx® and Outsoles by Michelin, it has been designed to deliver a fast, smooth ride while providing the durability required when the miles – and terrain – become challenging.
For runners moving beyond the road, taking on longer trail adventures or targeting an ultra-distance event, it represents Ronhill’s long-standing design philosophy translated into footwear.
Freedom Ultra – RRP: €170
Lightweight, streamlined and built for speed, the men’s collection brings Ronhill’s race-day thinking to every mile
Ronhill’s men’s technical collection combines lightweight materials and carefully considered construction with the freedom of movement needed when the pace increases.
The Tech Race S/S Tee has been created with race day firmly in mind.
Its bonded construction is designed to avoid unnecessary friction, while the highly lightweight and breathable material helps runners remain comfortable when effort levels rise.
Everything unnecessary has been stripped away. The objective is simple: allow the runner to concentrate on the race.
Tech Race S/S Tee – RRP: €70
Pair it with the Race Twin Short, a modern interpretation of an area in which Ronhill has genuine heritage.
From the creators of the original split short comes a two-in-one design for runners who want the freedom of a racing short combined with the additional support of a stretchy inner short.
Described as Ronhill’s latest, lightest and fastest two-in-one short, it has been created to work from the first training mile right through to the finish line. Bonded construction further supports its streamlined, performance-focused design.
Race Twin Short – RRP: €82
Technical fabrics meet comfort and freedom of movement in a women’s collection designed to perform from training run to race day
The women’s collection applies the same focus on technical performance while offering pieces designed to deliver comfort and freedom throughout the run.
The Women’s Tech Golden Hour Tee is designed to help runners stay cool and comfortable.
Made with Polartec® Delta™, the tee is highly breathable, permanently wicking and odour resistant. The Delta fabric also helps reduce cling, while the relaxed fit gives the garment an easy, comfortable feel.
It’s a technical running tee that balances performance technology with a versatile silhouette.
Women’s Tech Golden Hour Tee – RRP: €62
For runners looking for support without sacrificing movement, the Women’s Tech Stretch Short offers a lightweight and flexible option.
The fabric provides impressive stretch and freedom of movement while remaining supportive. Its tried-and-tested length has been designed to help prevent riding up and chafing when the runner is in full stride.
Practical storage has also been considered, with a secure back zip pocket complemented by a useful stash pocket on the thigh.
Women’s Tech Stretch Short – RRP: €63
For trail runners, the women’s Freedom Ultra completes the selection, bringing the same Matryx® construction, Michelin outsole technology and long-distance performance focus as the men’s model.
Women’s Freedom Ultra – RRP: €170
The innovation doesn’t stop at footwear and apparel – sister brand Hilly brings Ron Hill’s technical thinking right down to the runner’s feet
The Ron Hill story also extends to sister brand Hilly, founded by Ron in 1992.
Hilly specialises in technical running socks and offers a comprehensive range created specifically around the demands running places on the feet.
Among its best-known products is the Twin Skin range, which uses a double-layer construction designed to help reduce friction and combat blistering.
The collection also includes the Supreme and Marathon Fresh ranges, providing runners with specialist options for training and race day.
It’s another example of Ron’s approach to product development: identify a genuine problem experienced by runners and use technical expertise to find a practical solution.
From one runner’s determination to a global running brand, Ronhill’s original philosophy continues to inspire every new generation
The running world today looks very different from the one in which Ron Hill established his company in 1970.
But the fundamental requirements of runners remain familiar.
They want clothing that moves freely. They want fabrics that perform when they sweat. They need products that can cope with changing weather and demanding miles. And increasingly, they want footwear capable of taking them confidently beyond the road and onto the trails.
Ronhill’s ability to remain relevant comes from continuing to focus on those needs.
From an innovative pair of side-split shorts to technical race apparel and high-performance trail footwear, there is a clear thread connecting today’s collection with the philosophy of its founder.
Ron Hill was an athlete, scientist, innovator and lifelong runner who refused to accept that the equipment available to runners couldn’t be improved.
That desire to make running products better became the foundation of the brand that carries his name.
More than half a century later, runners around the world are still benefiting from it.
Find Ronhill in Ireland and discover technical running products built on more than five decades of innovation
Ronhill products are available in Ireland through specialist running and sports retailers, including:
The Run Hub – Dublin
www.therunhub.ie
The Edge Sports – Cork
www.theedge-sports.com
RONHILL – RUNNING HERITAGE. TECHNICAL INNOVATION. MADE FOR RUNNERS.