If you’re looking for the best watch for ultra running, there are several factors you should consider before making your purchase. Ultra running is a sport that requires time, distance, pace, and heart rate monitoring. Therefore, it is crucial to find a watch that has features that can handle the unique demands of this sport.
First, consider the watch's battery life. Ultra running can last for hours or even days, so your watch needs to have a long battery life to keep up with your activities. Second, consider the watch's durability. Ultra running involves rough terrains and harsh weather conditions. Therefore, your watch should be able to withstand the elements and the wear and tear of the challenges you will face.
Before buying a watch for ultra running, ask yourself the following questions: Does the watch have GPS tracking for navigation? Can it monitor heart rate? How accurate is its pace calculation? Does it have a comfortable fit? How easy is it to use? The answers to these questions will help you choose the best watch that suits your needs.
In conclusion, the best watch for ultra running is one that can handle distances for hours, has GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring, is durable and has a comfortable fit. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision to help you achieve your goals during your next ultra running challenge.
10 Best Watch For Ultra Running
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Ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want a sleek smartwatch with GPS, music, health monitoring, and animated workouts.
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The product is ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want a small-sized GPS smartwatch with features like music, body energy monitoring, and pulse ox sensors.
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Ideal for endurance athletes seeking a durable GPS watch with long battery life and solar charging capabilities.
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Ideal for tracking multisport activities with GPS, advanced training features, and personalized insights for enhanced performance.
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The product is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a durable and reliable watch with useful features.
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The product is ideal for people who want a cellular-enabled smartwatch with fitness and health tracking features at a lower price point.
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This product is ideal for runners who want an easy-to-use GPS watch for tracking their workouts.
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Ideal for tracking exercise, fitness and running activities, with a durable and water-resistant design suitable for men and women.
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Ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want a GPS running smartwatch with music and advanced dynamics.
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Ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts who want advanced GPS tracking, music streaming, and health monitoring features in a durable watch.
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1. Garmin Venu: Smartwatch With Music & Workouts.
The Venu Smartwatch boasts a sleek design with a 43mm watch case size and fits wrists with a circumference of 125-190 mm. The watch features a stunning, high-quality AMOLED display that provides clear and bright visuals. Additionally, the smartwatch has an impressive battery life of up to five days in smartwatch mode and up to six hours in GPS and music mode.
One of the most notable features of the Venu is its all-day health monitoring capabilities. The watch offers a broad range of health tracking options that includes monitoring energy levels, respiration, menstrual cycle, stress, sleep, and estimated heart rate. With this smartwatch, users can easily keep track of their overall health and wellness.
For music lovers, the Venu provides a convenient way to download songs directly to the watch. Users can download playlists from popular music providers such as Spotify, Amazon music, or Deezer, though a premium subscription may be required with third-party music providers. Once downloaded, users can connect headphones (sold separately) to the watch for phone-free listening.
The Venu also offers over 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, including yoga, running, pool swimming, and more. Users can easily record all of their activities and track their progress with detailed metrics. Additionally, the watch provides easy-to-follow, animated workouts for cardio, strength, yoga, and Pilates right on the watch screen.
In the box, users can expect to find the Venu smartwatch, a charging or data cable, and documentation. With its impressive features and capabilities, the Venu is the perfect smartwatch for anyone looking to take control of their health and fitness.
2. Rose Gold Smartwatch With Animated Workouts
Looking for a smartwatch that can do it all? Look no further than this multi-functional Garmin model. With features that track everything from your energy levels to your menstrual cycle, this watch is perfect for anyone looking to get a better handle on their overall health.
The watch offers a variety of features for fitness enthusiasts, including more than 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps such as yoga, running, and swimming. The watch also provides animated workouts right on the screen for easy-to-follow strength, cardio, yoga, and Pilates sessions.
For those who like to take their music with them wherever they go, this watch easily downloads songs, including playlists from popular music providers like Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer (premium subscriptions may be required). Headphones can be connected (sold separately) for phone-free listening.
Additionally, this watch offers personalization options with thousands of free watch faces, apps, and widgets available from the Connect IQ store. The watch also includes Garmin Pay, a contactless payment solution (not available in all countries and payment networks), allowing for easy payment straight from the watch.
Safety and tracking features include incident detection during select activities and assistance when paired with a compatible device. These features send your real-time location to emergency contacts in case of an emergency.
Stay connected with smart notifications when paired with a compatible device. This feature gives you incoming call, text message, and calendar reminder notifications, so you never miss an important update.
If you're a runner looking to improve your race times, the Garmin Coach feature provides free 5K, 10K, and half-marathon training plans that adjust based on your performance in the plan.
With a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 5 hours in GPS and music mode, this watch is perfect for those on the go who want to stay connected while managing their health and fitness. The watch fits wrists with a circumference of 110-175 millimeters, making it a great option for a wide range of wearers.
3. Solar Multisport Gps Watch With 80-Hour Battery
Introducing the Power Glass solar charging lens, a game-changing technology that enables you to stay connected without worrying about your device's battery life. This innovative lens harnesses the sun's energy, providing you with more power and longer battery life, so you can focus on your activities without interruptions.
The device features power manager and battery saver modes, which allow you to toggle sensors on and off to extend battery life on the go. Its rugged and lightweight design is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with an always-on 1.4” display and a sturdy steel or DLC-coated titanium bezel, buttons, and rear case.
Trail runners will appreciate the VO2 max tracker, which monitors and adjusts your cardiovascular fitness level based on trail conditions. The Ultrarun activity with rest timer feature logs your time spent at aid stations, making it easier to track your progress. Additionally, the ClimbPro trail enhancements provide you with valuable information for descents and flats, ensuring your safety and awareness.
The run/walk detection feature is a handy tool for reviewing your training sessions or races, especially when you need to identify where on the course you walked, such as steep climbs. You can also view your recovery time and your next recommended workout based on your sleep and wellness data.
With multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) and a barometric altimeter and compass, you can navigate even the most challenging environments with ease. This device is the perfect companion for any outdoor enthusiast who wants to stay connected while on the go.
4. Polar Vantage V2 – Premium Multisport Smartwatch With Gps
Introducing the multisport smartwatch that's perfect for all your fitness needs – the Polar Vantage V2. With its full aluminium body, this watch is incredibly lightweight, weighing just 52g. It's equipped with advanced wrist-based HR tracking, GPS, and ultra-long battery life, making it the perfect companion for all your workouts.
The Polar Vantage V2 is packed with features that will help you optimize your training and avoid overtraining. Its training load and recovery tracking tools allow you to monitor your progress and adjust your workouts accordingly. You can also personalize your heart rate, speed, and power zones with the running and cycling performance tests.
This watch is compatible with Polar Flow – a free online tool that allows you to plan and track your workouts, analyze your activity progress, and monitor your sleep. It's available on both desktop and mobile, so you can access it wherever you are.
If you're part of an online sports community, the Polar Vantage V2 makes it easy to connect with others. Whether you're into road running, swimming, cycling, cardio, or triathlon, you can easily connect with others using popular apps such as MyFitnessPal, Endomondo, Nike+ Run Club, Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Adidas Running by Runtastic.
In addition to its fitness-focused features, the Polar Vantage V2 also comes with essential smartwatch features such as music controls, weather updates, and phone notifications. Whether you're hitting the gym or going for a run, this watch has everything you need to stay connected and on track.
5. Suunto Core, Outdoor Sports Watch
The Suunto Core outdoor sports watch is the ultimate companion for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts a multitude of intelligent features, including a Storm Alarm, Altimeter, Barometer, and compass, to keep you informed of conditions while you hike, bike, or camp.
This watch is essential for adventure and is equipped with dual times, a date display, and alarm, plus predicted times for sunrise and sunset to help maximize your daylight hours. It also features a depth meter accurate up to 30 feet, making it ideal for water activities.
Suunto sports watches are versatile and durable, making them great for running, swimming, cycling, gym workouts, hiking, and other outdoor sports. Whatever your needs, Suunto has a watch for you.
The adventure starts here with Suunto. Combining Scandinavian design with ultra-durable materials, our watches track your sports, daily activity, and sleep to help you keep life, training, and recovery in balance.
Suunto is an authentic heritage brand with a rich history. Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high-quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products. Trust Suunto to be your ultimate outdoor companion.
6. Apple Watch Se (Gps + Cellular, 44mm) – Space Gray Aluminum Case With Black Sport Band (Renewed)
The Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular LTE Model is a game-changer for those who want to leave their phones behind. With the ability to call, text, and get directions without a phone present, this watch offers a variety of connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and 4G LTE. The bright LTPO OLED Retina display is both clear and easy to read, and a variety of watch faces are available to provide essential information for specific activities.
When paired with an iPhone, the Apple Watch SE allows users to make calls and send texts from their wrist, navigate with Maps, buy items with Apple Pay, and activate Siri with voice commands. This watch is built to last in almost any weather, as it is water-resistant up to 164'.
The Apple Watch SE is perfect for those who love to work out. It can measure a variety of activities including cycling, yoga, swimming, and high-intensity interval training. Users can set workout-specific goals, see full summaries when they're done, and track how they're trending over time in the Activity app on their iPhone.
For those who love music, the Apple Watch SE has Apple Music on the wrist, providing access to over 60 million tracks. Users can also catch up on the latest podcasts or listen to an audiobook. With the ability to stream everything right from the watch, users can enjoy their favorite tunes without their phone.
7. Garmin 010-01689-00 Forerunner 35; Easy-To-Use Gps Running Watch, Black
The GPS running watch is a simple and efficient device that tracks your running progress. With its easy-to-use interface, you can easily track your distance, speed, and location as you run. The watch features a special Bluetooth capability that allows it to connect to other devices for even more functionality.
One of the watch's most impressive features is its ability to estimate heart rate at the wrist, all day and night. This is made possible by Garmin elevate wrist heart rate technology, which provides accurate and reliable data. The watch also offers connected features such as smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking, and music controls (when paired with a compatible smartphone).
In addition to its running capabilities, the watch also tracks your all-day activity, estimating your steps taken, calories burned, and intensity minutes. It even reminds you when it's time to move, making it an excellent tool for those looking to stay active and healthy throughout the day.
When you're finished with your workout, the watch automatically uploads your data to Garmin Connect, a free online fitness community where you can join challenges, receive insights, and share your progress as you meet your goals. The watch is also water-resistant, making it durable enough to withstand the elements and any weather conditions.
8. Heatsport: Unisex 100m Digital Exercise Watch
Looking for a wristwatch that can keep up with your active lifestyle? Look no further than this low profile sports watch that packs a punch in performance. Despite its minimal profile, this watch is built to last through the most rigorous training sessions with its water-resistant and ultra-durable molded rubber wristband, hardened mineral crystal stainless steel case, and pushers.
One of the standout features of this sports watch is its available functions – you can keep all your important numbers right on your wrist. This includes time of day, date with auto-calendar through 2099, chronograph, pre-set timers, and a custom timer. It also includes a final countdown and a 60-second "send it" function to help you push through that extra sprint to the finish.
Customizing the watch to your needs is easy thanks to the customizable 38mm digital watch display, which is ideal for timed sports and helps you get the important numbers you need with a quick glance. The custom LCD screen and EL backlight make for easy reading while in motion or low light conditions.
This sports watch is designed to go anywhere with you, whether you're hitting the gym or the waves. The new double locking looper system ensures a more secure fit, while the perforated band is designed for ultimate breathability and comfort.
Finally, it's worth noting that this watch was team-built and custom designed with input from pro surfer John John Florence. It's created to keep up with top athletes both in the gym and at the ocean. And, perhaps best of all, it's designed with sustainability in mind – leaving the ocean better than it was found. All in all, this sports watch is a reliable and stylish choice for anyone looking to up their workout game.
9. Garmin Forerunner Music Gps Watch.
Introducing the GPS running smartwatch with music and advanced training features. This watch comes with a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens and a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, ensuring durability and long-lasting use. The strap is made of high-quality silicone, providing comfort and a secure fit.
One of the most impressive features of this watch is its battery life. It can last up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, making it perfect for everyday use. If you're out for a run and using GPS mode with music, it can last up to 6 hours, giving you plenty of time to complete your workout.
This watch evaluates your current training status and offers additional performance monitoring features. You'll be able to tell if you're overdoing it or undertraining, ensuring that you're getting the most out of your workouts. You can also get free adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach or create your own custom workouts on our Garmin Connect online fitness community.
If you're looking to improve your running, this watch has you covered. It provides advanced running dynamics, including ground contact time balance, stride length, vertical ratio, and more. To access these features, you'll need to use Running Dynamics Pod or HRM Run or HRM Tri monitors (sold separately).
Safety and tracking features are also included in this watch. It has an incident detection feature that sends your real-time location to emergency contacts through your paired compatible smartphone. This feature is available during select activities.
Finally, you can sync this watch with music streaming services, such as Spotify, to easily store and play your favorite songs right from your watch. Whether you're out for a run or just need some motivation during the day, this feature is sure to come in handy.
10. Pro Gps Watch With Mapping, Music & Sensors
The Solar Powered Multisport GPS Watch is the ultimate device for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay connected and track their activities without worrying about battery life. With a large 1.4 inches display, this watch boasts a 36% larger screen than previous fenix models. It utilizes solar energy to extend battery life and ensure that you have more on-wrist time for your off-grid activities.
The watch includes advanced features such as estimated wrist heart rate and Pulse Ox, which supports advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation at high elevations. It's important to note that this is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition.
For the serious athlete, this watch has advanced training features including PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout your activity. It also has environmentally adjusted VO2 max and training status estimates.
The Solar Powered Multisport GPS Watch is perfect for navigating the outdoors with preloaded TOPO maps and ski maps for over 2,000 worldwide ski resorts. It supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) and has built-in sensors for a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter.
Other features of the watch include support for Garmin Pay contactless payments (not all countries and payment networks are eligible), music storage with premium streaming service (may require subscription with third-party music provider) support, and smart notifications.
The watch's internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 21 days of battery life in smart Watch mode with an additional 3 days when solar charging. When used in 50,000 lux conditions, it offers 15 hours of battery life in GPS mode with an additional hour when solar charging.
Best Watch For Ultra Running FAQs
Does GPS accuracy matter for an ultra running watch?
Yes, GPS accuracy is important for an ultra running watch. Ultra running involves covering long distances, often in remote areas and difficult terrains. GPS accuracy helps in tracking the exact location of the runner, which is crucial for navigation and safety. Accurate GPS data also helps in monitoring the pace, distance, and elevation, which are important metrics for ultra runners to track their progress and adjust their strategy accordingly. Inaccurate GPS data can result in incorrect distance and pace readings, which can lead to poor decision-making during the race. Additionally, ultra runners often rely on their watches to provide them with real-time feedback, and inaccurate GPS data can affect the reliability of this feedback. Therefore, it is essential to choose an ultra running watch with reliable GPS accuracy to ensure a successful and safe race experience.
How do I choose between a touchscreen or button-operated watch for ultra running?
When it comes to choosing between a touchscreen or button-operated watch for ultra running, there are a few key factors to consider.
Firstly, consider the conditions you'll be running in. If you'll be running in wet or muddy conditions or in the rain, a button-operated watch may be more reliable as it won't be affected by water droplets on the screen. However, if you'll be running in dry conditions, a touchscreen watch may be a good option as it can offer more functionality and customization.
Secondly, consider the type of information you'll want to access during your runs. A touchscreen watch may offer more options for customizing the display and accessing different metrics, while a button-operated watch may be simpler and more straightforward to navigate.
Lastly, think about personal preference and comfort. Some runners may prefer the tactile feel of buttons, while others may find a touchscreen more intuitive.
Ultimately, the choice between a touchscreen or button-operated watch for ultra running will depend on individual needs and preferences. It may be helpful to try both options out and see which one feels more comfortable and suits your running style best.
Is heart rate monitoring necessary for an ultra running watch?
Heart rate monitoring is not absolutely necessary for an ultra running watch, but it can be a useful feature for many runners. Monitoring your heart rate during an ultra run can give you valuable information about your level of exertion and help you pace yourself appropriately. It can also provide insights into your overall fitness level and help you track your progress over time.
That being said, heart rate monitoring is not the only factor to consider when choosing an ultra running watch. Other important features to look for include GPS tracking, long battery life, durability, and ease of use. Ultimately, the best ultra running watch for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so it's important to do your research and choose a watch that meets all of your requirements.
Is water-resistance important for an ultra running watch?
Yes, water-resistance is important for an ultra running watch. Ultra running involves running long distances, often in challenging terrain and weather conditions. During these runs, the watch may be exposed to rain, sweat, and other moisture. A water-resistant watch can withstand these conditions and keep functioning properly.
Furthermore, ultra running often involves crossing streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. A water-resistant watch can be worn during water crossings without fear of damage. This can be especially important for runners who are racing and cannot afford to lose time by removing their watch before entering the water.
In addition, a water-resistant watch can be easier to clean and maintain. Runners can rinse off their watch after a race or training session without worrying about damaging it.
Overall, water-resistance is an important feature to consider when choosing an ultra running watch. It can help ensure that the watch can withstand the rigors of ultra running and keep functioning properly.
Should I choose a watch with built-in music storage for ultra running?
If you are a serious ultra runner, then having a watch with built-in music storage can be a game changer. Not only does it allow you to listen to music without carrying a separate device, but it also frees up space in your running gear. However, there are some factors to consider before making a decision.
Firstly, you need to consider the battery life of the watch. Ultra running can take hours, sometimes even days, and you don't want your music to drain the battery of your watch. Make sure to choose a watch with a long battery life, or one that can be charged on the go.
Secondly, you need to consider the storage capacity of the watch. If you have a large music library, you may need to choose a watch with a higher storage capacity. However, keep in mind that higher storage capacity often means a higher price tag.
Lastly, you need to consider whether or not you actually want to listen to music while running. Some ultra runners prefer to run without music to stay focused and in tune with their body. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for you.
In conclusion, a watch with built-in music storage can be a great addition for ultra runners, but make sure to consider battery life, storage capacity, and personal preference before making a decision.
What are the most important features to look for in a watch for ultra running?
When it comes to choosing a watch for ultra running, there are several features that are worth considering. Firstly, battery life is crucial as you don't want your watch to die halfway through a long race. Look for a watch with a battery life of at least 10 hours in GPS mode. Secondly, GPS accuracy is important for tracking your distance, pace and route. Look for a watch with a high-quality GPS system that can accurately track your movements. Thirdly, durability is key, as ultra running can be tough on equipment. Choose a watch that is sturdy, waterproof and can withstand extreme temperatures. Fourthly, ease of use is important, as you don't want to fumble with buttons and settings during a race. Look for a watch with a simple interface and intuitive controls. Finally, consider additional features such as heart rate monitoring, music playback, and smartphone connectivity, depending on your preferences. Ultimately, the most important feature is one that meets your specific needs and helps you perform at your best.
What is the best battery life for an ultra running watch?
When it comes to ultra running watches, battery life is an important factor to consider. The best battery life for an ultra running watch is one that can last for 24 hours or more with GPS tracking and other features enabled. This is because ultra running events can take several hours or even days to complete, and you don't want your watch running out of battery mid-race.
Some of the top ultra running watches on the market offer impressive battery life. For example, the Garmin Forerunner 945 can last up to 36 hours with GPS tracking and music playback enabled. The Coros Apex Pro is another option with a battery life of up to 40 hours with GPS tracking and other features enabled.
Ultimately, the best battery life for an ultra running watch will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's important to consider how long your races typically last and which features are most important to you when choosing a watch with the right battery life.
What is the best budget-friendly option for an ultra running watch?
For ultra runners on a budget, the Garmin Forerunner 35 is a great option. It has a GPS tracker, heart rate monitor, and tracks distance, pace, and calories burned. It also has a long battery life of up to 9 days in watch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode. The Forerunner 35 is lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it perfect for long-distance runs. It also has smartwatch features such as notifications for calls and text messages. Additionally, it is compatible with the Garmin Connect app, which allows users to track their progress and connect with other runners. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 35 is a reliable and affordable option for ultra runners who want to keep track of their performance without breaking the bank.
What is the best watch face size for ultra running?
When it comes to choosing a watch face size for ultra running, it ultimately depends on personal preference and comfort. However, a larger watch face size can be beneficial for ultra runners as it allows for easier readability of important data such as distance, pace, and heart rate. It also allows for more information to be displayed on the screen at once, reducing the need for constant scrolling and minimizing distractions.
That being said, there are some factors to consider when choosing a watch face size. A larger face may be bulkier and heavier, which could be uncomfortable for some runners. It may also be more expensive, as larger watch faces are often found on higher-end models. Additionally, a watch with a smaller face may be more durable and better suited for rugged terrain.
It's important to try on different watch sizes and styles to determine what feels most comfortable and practical for your individual needs as an ultra runner. Ultimately, the best watch face size is one that allows you to easily access the information you need without hindering your performance.
Which brands make the best watches for ultra running?
When it comes to choosing the best watches for ultra running, several brands come to mind. Garmin, Suunto, Polar, and Coros are some of the most popular brands that offer watches specifically designed for ultra runners. Each brand has unique features that cater to the needs of ultra runners.
Garmin offers a variety of watches with long battery life, GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and customizable data fields. Suunto is known for its durable and reliable watches that can withstand extreme weather conditions and rough terrain. Polar watches are equipped with advanced training features, such as personalized training plans and recovery analysis. Coros offers watches with long battery life, GPS tracking, and advanced navigation features.
Ultimately, the best watch for an ultra runner depends on individual preferences and needs. It's important to consider factors such as battery life, GPS accuracy, durability, and compatibility with third-party apps. It's also recommended to read reviews and seek recommendations from other ultra runners before making a purchase.