Fastest watch in 2024 (UK)

We state the obvious but it’s worth repeating: Running is hard. Like, indeed hard. Unless you’re one of those weirdos who can just get up and run a half marathon. If not, the idea of ​​pulling the sofa yourself is effort enough. Don’t worry about hitting the pavement for a few miles or so.

That’s why it’s worth spending money on something that makes running as easy and bearable as possible. Take running watches, for example. These handy devices are designed to enhance and personalize your training, which will improve performance and keep you racing towards those ever-increasing PB goals.

Sounds useful, right? Definitely. If you’re willing to get out there, you might as well make it easy for yourself. Plus, you’ll be able to measure how fast you were running before you passed out – if that’s what it comes down to, anyway. To get you started, here’s what you need to know about running watches.

What can a running clock do?

Smartwatches and fitness trackers are packed with so many features, it’s sometimes hard to know what’s what. Also, very few fitness watches are gaming-only watches – usually equipped for multi-sport activities – so you need to choose a watch that includes features that are well suited for performance.

This will include basic data, such as your number of steps, calories burned, and distance traveled. Also, a GPS that tells you where you’re going and helps track runs. More advanced watches will measure heart rate and other biometrics, while even analyzing altitude, speed, and more. Strong battery life is a plus, especially if you do – or work – long distances.

What is a GPS watch?

Not all fitness watches have GPS. But even for intermediate runners, GPS is essential. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellites to track your location and movements with incredible accuracy. In practical terms, this means you can track routes without mapping them, and measure key metrics like speed, distance, and time.

Some watches include other features, such as an accelerometer, to find your speed and foot length and keep the GPS map accurate even if you go through a tunnel and out of satellite range.

What are the statistics behind running clocks?

Along with all the basics from your run – distance, time, and speed – decent running watches use sensors to measure all kinds of biometric data. This will include calories burned, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and BMI (body mass index). Others can classify and report on the type of energy your body uses while working. This is usually tracked in a fitness app that syncs with your watch and smart device.

Do running watches track other workouts?

Yes, absolutely. It’s rare to find a watch that works so well. Most do the basics – swimming, strength, and cardio exercises – but you’ll find many watches on this list with different types of sports built in. Some watches are geared towards triathlon training, and you’ll find others that are better for certain types of running – especially long distance and endurance running.

How much does a running clock cost?

As with everything, it depends on what kind of specs you want. If a basic, no-frills model suits you, you can get a watch for under £100. But expect to spend a few hundred pounds on a mid-range model. At best, prepare to spend £500 or more. It depends on what kind of runner you are. Are you a regular runner looking to break a 5K? Then a budget or mid-range model will probably suffice. Or are you a serious marathon runner who runs dozens of miles a week? If so, there are experts going on.

Which watch runs best?

It depends not only on the type of runner but also on the specific goals you are running towards. But we tried to answer this question by tracking down the best options for some of the top brands. Whether you’re just starting out or training to become an elite runner, there’s something on this list for you.

These are the best performance watches of 2024.