When preparing for a marathon, having the right gear is essential, and one of the most important pieces of equipment a serious runner can invest in is a sports watch.
A quality sports watch designed for runners can provide a wealth of information, from tracking pace to monitoring heart rate, and it can even help with route navigation.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one?
In this post, we’ll take a look at five of the best sports watches available for runners training for marathons, each designed to meet the demands of serious athletes who need accurate data and reliable performance.
Sports Watches and Marathon Training: Why They Matter
Sports watches are crucial tools for marathon training because they allow runners to track key metrics that help improve performance and endurance.
Whether you’re aiming to run your first marathon or your tenth, having precise data on your pace, distance, heart rate, and other variables can guide your training and ensure you’re hitting your goals.
Sports watches also offer features like GPS tracking, long battery life, and customizable settings that can cater to the needs of marathon training.
One important aspect of marathon training is pacing—keeping your speed consistent throughout the race. A sports watch can give real-time feedback on your pace, ensuring you’re not pushing too hard in the early stages or slacking off later.
Additionally, features like heart rate monitoring help you avoid overtraining, which is a common pitfall for runners who push themselves too hard without proper recovery.
Now, let’s dive into the top 5 best sports watches for marathon training.
1. Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a top choice for marathon runners due to its advanced features, long battery life, and accuracy. It’s designed for serious athletes who want to track every detail of their performance. The Forerunner 945 includes everything a runner needs to optimize their marathon training.
Key Features:
- Full-color, high-resolution display
- Built-in GPS and GLONASS for accurate distance tracking
- Heart rate monitoring with Garmin Elevate technology
- VO2 max estimate to measure cardiovascular fitness
- Advanced running dynamics, including cadence, ground contact time, and stride length
- Music storage (up to 1,000 songs)
- 36 hours of GPS mode battery life (up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode)
- Safety and tracking features, including incident detection and assistance
Pros:
- Advanced running features and training metrics
- Long battery life for extended training sessions
- Music storage for listening without a phone
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other models
- May be overwhelming for beginners due to its complex features
How It Helps with Marathon Training: The Garmin Forerunner 945 provides runners with in-depth data that is crucial for marathon training. The advanced running metrics, such as cadence and stride length, allow runners to fine-tune their form and efficiency. The long battery life ensures that it can handle even the longest training runs without needing a recharge.
See Garmin Forerunner 945 on Amazon
2. Polar Vantage V2
The Polar Vantage V2 is a premium multisport GPS watch designed for athletes who want precise tracking and advanced metrics. It’s a perfect match for marathon runners looking for a lightweight and durable watch that offers deep insights into their performance.
Key Features:
- Accurate GPS tracking with multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS)
- Wrist-based heart rate monitor
- Running power measurement to track running efficiency
- Training Load Pro to monitor the impact of your training on your body
- 40 hours of battery life in training mode
- Customizable sports modes, including marathon mode
- Sleep tracking to ensure optimal recovery
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Excellent battery life for long runs
- Comprehensive recovery tracking
Cons:
- Limited onboard music storage
- The price may be high for some users
How It Helps with Marathon Training: For runners focused on marathon training, the Polar Vantage V2’s advanced metrics, such as running power and training load, provide valuable feedback on how to improve endurance without overtraining. The ability to track sleep and recovery is also critical, as proper rest is key to avoiding burnout during long-distance training.
See Polar Vantage V2 on Amazon
3. Suunto 9 Baro
The Suunto 9 Baro is known for its rugged design and exceptional battery life, making it an ideal option for marathon runners who prefer to train in challenging conditions. With a variety of features that cater to outdoor athletes, this watch is built to withstand the rigors of long-distance running.
Key Features:
- GPS and barometric altimeter for accurate elevation tracking
- FusedTrack technology for optimized GPS accuracy and reduced battery usage
- 120-hour battery life in Ultra mode
- Multiple sport modes, including running, cycling, and swimming
- Heart rate monitoring and recovery tracking
- Weather and storm alerts
Pros:
- Excellent battery life, especially in Ultra mode
- Durable and weather-resistant design
- Accurate GPS and altitude tracking for trail runners
Cons:
- The display may not be as sharp as competitors
- Larger, bulkier design
How It Helps with Marathon Training: The Suunto 9 Baro excels in long runs, especially for marathoners who need to train in varied conditions, such as hilly or trail environments. The long battery life means you won’t need to worry about it dying during your longest training sessions. The barometric altimeter can also help monitor elevation changes, which is useful for hill training.
See Suunto 9 Baro on Amazon
4. Coros Pace 2
The Coros Pace 2 is a lightweight and budget-friendly option for serious marathon runners. Despite its affordable price, it doesn’t skimp on advanced features, making it a great value for runners who need a high-performance watch without the hefty price tag.
Key Features:
- Ultra-lightweight design (only 29 grams)
- Full GPS and heart rate monitoring
- 30 hours of battery life in full GPS mode
- Performance and recovery tracking with Coros’ proprietary algorithms
- Virtual training partner for pacing and interval workouts
- Water resistance up to 50 meters
Pros:
- Affordable yet packed with features
- Lightweight and comfortable for long runs
- Good battery life for marathon training
Cons:
- Smaller screen size may not be ideal for those who prefer larger displays
- Lacks some advanced running dynamics compared to pricier models
How It Helps with Marathon Training: The Coros Pace 2 is perfect for runners looking for a no-frills, lightweight watch with all the essential features needed for marathon training. The virtual training partner is particularly useful for pacing during long runs, while the performance and recovery tracking help optimize training load and rest.
See Coros Pace 2 on Amazon
5. Apple Watch Ultra
For runners who prefer a smartwatch with extensive features beyond just fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Ultra offers a versatile solution. While it’s not exclusively a sports watch, its advanced fitness and health capabilities make it a solid option for marathon training.
Key Features:
- Built-in GPS with dual-frequency for accuracy
- Advanced heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring
- Emergency SOS, fall detection, and other safety features
- 36 hours of battery life (up to 60 hours with Low Power mode)
- Customizable workout modes, including running, cycling, and hiking
- 49mm titanium case with rugged design
Pros:
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Built-in cellular option for phone-free running
- Sleek, stylish design with a rugged build
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other sports-focused watches
- Requires iPhone for full functionality
How It Helps with Marathon Training: The Apple Watch Ultra’s ability to track heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and GPS data makes it a great companion for marathon training. Its extended battery life in Low Power mode ensures it can keep up with even the longest runs, while its safety features provide peace of mind during solo training sessions.
See Apple Watch Ultra on Amazon
Practical Tips for Marathon Training
As you train for a marathon, remember that consistency and gradual progress are key to success.
One important aspect of marathon training is pacing—start slow, especially in the early stages, and avoid the temptation to go all-out during your first few months of training. Your sports watch can help you monitor your pace, heart rate, and distance to ensure you’re staying within the right zones for optimal endurance and performance.
Also, be sure to listen to your body. Marathon training is intense, and rest days are just as important as your running days. Use your watch’s recovery tracking features to gauge when your body is ready for the next run and when you need extra rest.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sports watch for marathon training can make a huge difference in your performance.
Each of the five watches we’ve highlighted offers unique features designed to help runners track their progress, improve their training, and reach their marathon goals. Whether you’re looking for advanced metrics, long battery life, or a reliable GPS system, there’s a watch here that will meet your needs.
Investing in a quality sports watch is an investment in your marathon training, and it can provide you with the data and insights needed to run your best race yet.