Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Kate Carter

Watches, monitors and lights – seven of the best gadgets for runners

The launch of the Apple Watch with Nike+ during a media event in San Francisco.
The launch of the Apple Watch with Nike+ during a media event in San Francisco. Photograph: Beck Diefenbach/Reuters

Garmin Forerunner 935

The Garmin Forerunner 935.

For the serious runner, this is an exceptional bit of kit. Of course it does the basics, but it also monitors workouts to advise on performance levels and recommends recovery times. The battery life is also superb.

Apple Watch, Series 2, from £369

This doesn’t have the running-specific data or functions of a specialised GPS, but you can store 2GB worth of music and download apps galore, from cross-training programmes to fitness tests.

Polar’s impressive M200 GPS watch.
Polar’s impressive M200 GPS watch.

Polar M200, £129.50

The Polar watch has an impressive array of features for the price. As well as GPS, it functions as an all-day activity tracker, gives basic phone notifications and it has a wrist-based heart rate monitor.

The AfterShokz Trekz Runner.
The AfterShokz Trekz Runner.

Aftershokz Trekz Titanium

Music can distract you from your surroundings, but Aftershokz sit on your cheekbones and use bone conduction to send sound waves directly into your head, leaving your ears free to listen out for hazards.

The Panasonic Ergo Fit earbuds.

Panasonic Ergo Fit

You can spend a fortune on running-specific headphones - then lose them. These super-cheap options stay in your ears, are robust and have a decent sound. For the price, what more do you need?

Petzl Tikka headlamp.

Petzl Tikka head torch

For those of us who regularly run in the dark or in areas with uneven footing, then Petzl’s superlight, rechargable and robust head torches could help protect your ankles from inevitable twists.


The Ronhill Clip On light.

Ronhill clip-on light

As well as seeing, you want to be seen. You can get LED lights that clip to your shoes, as armbands or built into backpacks. This light (19g) and weatherproof model can be moved to wherever it is needed.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.