Newsflash: Running is hard. Unless you’re one of those rare and confusing individuals who just gets up and runs for miles, the act of hauling yourself up from the sofa and pounding the pavement for more than a few minutes is tough.
This is why those who commit to this torturous hobby do everything they can to make it more bearable. Runners will often spend big on the comfiest trainers and snazziest leggings, all in the pursuit of a less painful experience.
SEE ALSO: 10 of the best smart scales in the UK for 2020
We’re not going to pretend that splashing out on all the best gear is going to instantly transform you into an elite athlete, but it could make a real difference. Take running watches for example: These clever little devices are designed to optimise and personalise your training to improve your performance. Sounds helpful, right? Read more…
More about Tech, Wearables, Running, Consumer Tech, and Uk Deals
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR MULTIPLE SPORTS
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The multisport feature provides a seamless transition as you move between activities.
- Battery life: 5 days
- Weight: 45.4 grams
- GPS: Yes
- Water resistant: Yes
£299.99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR SLEEP TRACKING
Polar Ignite
Follow your sleep stages and get detailed insights into your bedtime behaviour.
- Battery life: 5 days
- Weight: 35 grams
- GPS: Yes
- Water-resistant: Yes
£199.50 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR APPS
Apple Watch Series 5
The Apple Watch offers a wide range of dedicated running apps.
- Battery life: 18 hours
- Weight: 36.7 grams
- GPS: Yes
- Water-resistant: Yes
£399 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR PERFORMANCE DATA
Garmin Fenix 6
Performance data includes training load balance, training status, and running and cycling dynamics.
- Battery life: 120 days
- Weight: 81.6 grams
- GPS: Yes
- Water-resistant: Yes
£475 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR SERIOUS ATHLETES
Suunto 9 Baro
Offers support for over 80 sports, including swimming, cycling, and running.
- Battery life: 120 hours
- Weight: 81 grams
- GPS: Yes
- Water-resistant: Yes
£519 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Garmin Forerunner 35
Lightweight and easy-to-use running watch is perfect for beginners.
- Battery life: 9 days
- Weight: 36.3 grams
- GPS: Yes
- Water-resistant: Yes
£129.99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR MUSIC
Fitbit Ionic
Store and play over 300 songs without your phone.
- Battery life: 4 days
- Weight: 49.9 grams
- GPS: Yes
- Water-resistant: Yes
£249.99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR COACHING
Garmin Forerunner 245
Adaptive training plans feature guidance from expert coaches and free training plans.
- Battery life: 7 days
- Weight: 38.5 grams
- GPS: Yes
- Water-resistant: Yes
£260.95 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR WEIGHT
Huawei Band 3 Pro
Reliable and lightweight fitness tracker for daily use.
- Battery life: 12 days
- Weight: 27.2 grams
- GPS: Yes
- Water-resistant: Yes
£79.99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR VALUE
Amazfit Bip
Packing a powerful battery that’s capable of lasting up to 45 days on a single charge.
- Battery life: 45 days
- Weight: 32 grams
- GPS: No
- Water-resistant: Yes
£51 from Amazon
