RUNNING WATCHES 101: A GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS
Published on: 03/11/2025, by: Jasmin Bodman
You’ve got your shoes laced, your running vest on, and that familiar itch to hit the road – but it feels like something’s missing. Maybe it’s time to find the perfect running watch. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the one that suits you best – whether you’re chasing a new PB, building up to your first race, or just heading out for your regular run. From the key features worth knowing about to options that fit different budgets, you’ll find everything you need to get started.
Tracking your run isn’t just extremely useful – it’s motivating, too. Seeing your stats improve, your distance increase, or your recovery times shorten can give you that extra push to keep going. It’s all about turning the data into drive and making every run count.
Running and fitness watches have come a long way, making it easier than ever to bring a little tech along on your run. Whether you’re opting for a basic watch to monitor your stride or going all out with one that tracks your oxygen levels, recovery stats, and more right on your wrist, there’s plenty on the market to choose from.
Many reliable brands have started creating running and smartwatches that you can use to track your physical activity, whether it’s a quick run after work, a walk around the block or you’re weeks deep into marathon training. Garmin and Apple are just two examples of brands that are trusted by runners and fitness fanatics everywhere, thanks to their sleek designs, broad range of stats available and just overall seriously good tech.
Let’s dive into why running watches are a great investment, whatever your budget, and how they can enhance your run so you can keep clocking miles like a pro.
SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS A RUNNING WATCH AND WHY SHOULD I GET ONE?
We’ll be the first to say it – you don’t need a fancy running watch to call yourself a runner. Running is free, fun, and accessible to just about anyone (just ask our running ambassadors!). All you really need is a solid pair of running shoes, some sweat-wicking gear, and a bit of motivation. That said, if you’re looking to take your running to the next level, a running watch can be a real game-changer. It’s not essential, but it can give you the insights and encouragement you need to keep improving and enjoying every run.
Running watches tend to be small (it’s for your wrist, after all!) – but mighty. Depending on which one you get, they tend to offer a means to track your run, from steps to distance to heart rate. However, with technology progressing constantly, many smartwatches offer the same benefits as a running watch and can be used for both daily activities like texting and calling, as well as tracking your run.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS OF OWNING A RUNNING WATCH?
Whether you're fully decided on getting a running watch or you still on the fence, it's important to consider the benefits. How will a new running watch impact my workout?
- Firstly, they're great for tracking your performance. A small yet nifty device, a running watch can track a plethora of different stats, from heart rate to oxygen levels (just make sure to check the specs of the one you're looking at if you're after a specific monitor)
- They're generally able to connect to your phone. Sometimes, you want to go on a run and leave the phone at home. There are plenty of watches on the market that allow for smartphone integration
- You can find many running watches that offer exceptional durability and are even water resistant
- Some watches allow you to set goals for your workouts, so you can work towards PBs and new distances
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RUNNING WATCH AND A SMARTWATCH?
As mentioned above, sometimes there’s not much difference between the smartwatch you own right now and the running watch sat in your basket online, so you may choose to use the same device for both uses. However, depending on what make, model or even series of watch you have, the differences can be quite big.
Battery, GPS function and even sturdiness and durability can differ between a running watch and a smartwatch. Running watches tend to have the ability to provide a variety of health metrics, focusing on tracking your sessions and giving runners the metrics they need to get better. A smartwatch can do some of these things, but most are built for everyday use, and therefore, the everyday person – not just with runners in mind.
- A heart rate monitor does exactly what it says on the tin; it monitors your heart rate! It measures how hard your heart is beating, which can be crucial information while you're working out
- A running watch tends to track distance, steps, pace and other features related t your run. Running watches can vary, and some can also give you health-related data like heart rate
- A multi-sport watch can track multiple sports, like swimming, cycling, running and more, all on the same device. This is great if you're into triathlons
What a watch can do really depends on the device, and running watches often come with features tailored specifically for runners. That said, if you’re just starting out, you might not need a ton of bells and whistles. Starting simple but efficient is a smart move – just be sure to check out all the features and read the instructions before making your pick!
WHAT FEATURES SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
The features you look for when buying a running watch depend on a few different factors, such as the reason for wanting a running watch and how much you’re willing to spend.
With so many options out there, it can be tricky to figure out which watch is right for you. If you’re a casual or beginner runner, you might want to start by just tracking distance and steps instead of getting lost in all the detailed stats – it keeps things simple and avoids feeling overwhelmed. On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned runner, pounding out marathon after marathon, having access to in-depth metrics can help you fine-tune your performance and keep building on your progress.
Overall, there are a few basic features to look for when buying your first running watch – ones that will make you feel comfortable using it, whether you’re chasing new PBs or covering new distances:
- A good battery life: The last thing you want is your watch dying mid-run. A long-lasting battery means less time charging and more time running. It’s especially handy if you’re doing long-distance training or back-to-back sessions, letting you focus on the miles, not the battery bar
- Pace and distance stats: These are the bread and butter of running data. Tracking your pace helps you understand how fast you’re going and whether you’re improving over time, while distance keeps you motivated to go that little bit further each run. Perfect for setting goals and chasing new PBs
- An easy-to-use display: Mid-run, you don’t want to be squinting at tiny numbers or fumbling through menus. A clear, well-lit display makes it easy to check your stats at a glance, no matter the weather or time of day. It’s all about convenience and keeping your focus on the road ahead
- Heart rate monitoring: Your heart rate is a key indicator of effort and recovery. Monitoring it helps you train smarter – staying in the right zones for endurance, speed, or recovery runs. It’s also a great way to keep an eye on your overall fitness and make sure you’re not overdoing it
There’s plenty of specialist watches that offer tailored statistics, but if you’re just searching for something simple to start, then these features are ideal.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON A RUNNING WATCH?
How much you spend on a running watch depends on your personal budget and what you want the watch for. You don't need the latest, most expensive watch if that's not your thing - everyone's preferences are different.
It's important to note that factors like watch features can depend on your budget, which is why it's important to read specifications before you purchase to ensure your chosen watch has what you're searching for.
Budgets can range anywhere between £30 and £200+, with some running watches being over £500. While you'll probably get a wide variety of features with newer models, you don't need to spend a small fortune to grab yourself a running watch; basic models still get the job done!
YOUR QUICK HELP HUB
Is it important if my running watch is waterproof?
Water resistant features are definitely beneficial, especially if you’re someone who goes out in all weathers (we get it, there’s something about running in the rain that makes you feel as if you’re in a moody music video) . When purchasing your first watch, read the specs and features carefully to see if it’s water resistant or not. Some may be more so than others and it’s vital to check exactly how water resistant it is to avoid damage.
Will my running watch connect to my mobile phone?
There are lots of options on the market that offer compatibility with your phone. Make sure to read the specs when buying your watch to ensure it can connect with your mobile device if this is a feature you’d like.
Do I need a watch with an offline map function and can I buy a running watch that has offline maps?
Following a specific route can make running a bit easier if you’re a newbie, as well as enabling you to hit a certain distance goal, if you have one. Having a watch with GPS and an offline map function can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you have poor signal. Check the specs of the watch you’d like before you buy to ensure it can provide maps offline!
I don’t want to take my phone out on my run - will my watch work without it?
Again, this is dependent on the watch but with today’s exciting technology and forward-thinking watches, there are plenty on the market that allow you to leave the phone at home and focus wholeheartedly on the run.
For example, some Garmin and Apple watches allow you to run without your mobile phone present thanks to built-in GPS. Make sure to check your watch’s features first to see if this applies to yours.
Can I use my running watch to listen to music?
There' plenty of options on the market that offer the ability to listen to your music while out on your run using your watch instead of your phone, making it much easier to have your favourite soundtracks, audiobooks or podcasts on on repeat while clocking miles. Check the features when buying your watch if this is a feature you want your watch to have!
What sort of features should I look for in a running watch if I'm training for a marathon or other long-distance run?
When training for a marathon or other long-distance run, look for features like: long battery life, durability, comfort when wearing and tracking metrics (such as heart rate, distance and pace).
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