Best Running Watches 2020

A good running watch is far more than just a basic fitness tracker for the wrist, but a high-tech wearable filled with remarkable running-based functionality. From advanced performance metrics that provide running dynamics, heat and altitude adjusted VO2 max and recovery advisors, to grade adjusted guidance that keeps you on pace on every route and innovative GPS popularity routing that discovers all the best trails in your area for you, the best running watches of 2020 do far more than you could imagine.

Whether you’re just starting your running journey or you’re already a hardcore runner ready to take on a marathon or triathlon, there’s no denying that when it comes to training, knowledge is power. In the past, elite athletes would have determined their entire performance on just the number on a stopwatch, but now, thanks to the incredible smartwatch technology on the market, modern-day athletes can gain remarkable insight into their performances.

Finding the right running smartwatch for you can be a tricky task, not only because there are so many fantastic models saturating the market, but we are spoilt with varying budgets, styles, and levels of technology. As official stockists of a wide range of luxury smartwatch brands and specialists in wearable technology, the team at Jura Watches has carefully selected their best running watches of 2020 to help make your buying experience all the easier.

You can get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or at help@jurawatches.co.uk for any assistance and advice on the incredible interest free finance and free next day delivery available on many of our running smartwatches.

Garmin MARQ Athlete

In first place is the extraordinary Garmin MARQ Athlete smartwatch. We could not leave this watch out of the top spot; it is a high-end wearable specifically designed for athletes including runners, cyclists and swimmers and is equipped with all of Garmin’s most advanced technology. The advanced training metrics include running dynamics, heat and altitude adjusted VO2 max, recovery advisor and more while the integrated maps and Trendline popularity routing make finding your next running route even easier.

The Garmin MARQ Athlete is one of the first to feature the new PacePro function, something that many runners will benefit from. The remarkable technology allows users to enter custom start and finish points and a target competition times and tell you exactly how fast you should be aiming to run to complete each mile and reach your goal. The feature even takes into account hills and slopes! The watch also boasts a Pulse Ox sensor, wrist based heart rate monitor that works underwater, ABC sensors, multi GNSS systems, respiration and hydration tracking and a battery life of up to 12 days.

Learn more about the Garmin MARQ Athlete

.

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar

Next up is the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, a fairly new addition to the Garmin collections and one perfectly timed for joining you on your marathon adventures. The key feature with this watch is its remarkable solar capability, something that an outdoor runner will really benefit from. It works by using a very thin 1mm wide strip just on the inside of the bezel which absorbs energy from the sun and converts it into battery life. The default dial displays a sun icon with a total of 10 rays around its circumference with each ray indicating 10% of intensity so you can see how intense the sun is where you are. Its solar technology means you can gain up to 16 days of battery life.

Similarly to the Garmin MARQ Athlete, the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar watch comes equipped with the innovative Pace Pro technology to help you keep pace with grade-adjusted guidance, a wrist based heart rate monitor, Pulse Ox sensor, advanced sleep monitoring, hydration tracking and advanced training metrics that include running dynamics and a recovery advisor. The Round Trip Routing feature allows you to enter a distance you want to travel and get suggested routes that will bring you back to your starting point, perfect for those marathon runners that like to vary their adventures.

Learn more about the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar

.

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a fantastic marathon running watch for those working with a budget. Its compact, lightweight, looks great and remains packed with some of the brand’s best features for runners.  It still boasts a wrist based heart rate monitor (but not one that works underwater), a Pulse Ox sensor, built in GPS so you can track where you run, get accurate stats, including distance, pace and intervals and running dynamics when used with a compatible accessory.

Similarly, to the PacePro feature, just slightly less advanced, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music comes with its own Garmin Coach with provides you with adaptive training plans and guidance from expert coaches and free training plans that adapt to you and your goals. This feature is perfect for those just getting started with running and searching for advice on where to begin. For those that love listening to music while training, you can sync your playlists from select music streaming services right to your watch and store up to 500 songs.

Learn more about the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

.

Suunto 5 GPS

In fourth place is the Suunto 5 GPS smartwatch, a fantastic choice for those working with a budget but still in need of essential fitness training tools. Renowned for its long battery life, this sports watch has intelligent battery modes that will remind you to charge before training while its sleek, lightweight design makes it comfortable for everyday use. It’s 24/7 tracking also includes your heart rate, stress and sleep so, like your watch, you can make sure you are fully recharged and recovered before starting your next activity.

The Suunto 5 GPS watch continues to impress with over 80 sports modes, GPS navigation, an adaptive 7-day training plan for reaching your fitness goal and fitness level tracking with VO2, all viewable on the Suunto app. Whether you prefer to train on the road, in the gym or on an indoor track, this GPS running watch will give you relevant statistics regardless of your sport. You can also connect to your favourite sports apps and services from the Suunto app to get more out of your experience. Share your activities with your sports communities and tap into specific training analysis and guidance. 

Learn more about the Suunto 5 GPS Smartwatch 

.

Garmin Vivomove Luxe

Last but not least, another fantastic marathon running watch for those on a budget is the Garmin Vivomove Luxe. This cheaper alternative is perfect for someone just getting into the sport and in need of a wearable that can go effortlessly from a morning out on the trail to a day at the office. It showcases an elegant hybrid design that combines the traditional look of an analog watch but with smart features you can count on for getting you through the day and keeping up with your fitness routine.

The Garmin Vivomove Luxe has a wrist based heart rate monitor, Body Battery Energy monitor, stress, hydration and menstrual tracking, advanced sleep monitoring and preloaded sports apps for yoga, strength, cardio, pool swimming and more. It also showcases connected GPS so you can connect your watch to your compatible smartphone's GPS to get accurate tracking during outdoor walks, rides and runs and advanced fitness tracking so you can monitor your step count, floors climbed and intensity minutes.

Learn more about the Garmin Vivomove Luxe