Kate Carter 

Watches, monitors and lights – seven of the best gadgets for runners

Then market is saturated with new tech that can help keep athletes – whether veterans or newbies – safe, entertained and informed. Here are some of our favourites
  
  

The launch of the Apple Watch with Nike+ during a media event in San Francisco.
The launch of the Apple Watch with Nike+ during a media event in San Francisco. Photograph: Beck Diefenbach/Reuters

Garmin Forerunner 935

For the serious runner, this is an exceptional bit of kit. Of course it does the basics, but it also monitors workouts to advise on performance levels and recommends recovery times. The battery life is also superb.

Apple Watch, Series 2, from £369

This doesn’t have the running-specific data or functions of a specialised GPS, but you can store 2GB worth of music and download apps galore, from cross-training programmes to fitness tests.

Polar M200, £129.50

The Polar watch has an impressive array of features for the price. As well as GPS, it functions as an all-day activity tracker, gives basic phone notifications and it has a wrist-based heart rate monitor.

Aftershokz Trekz Titanium

Music can distract you from your surroundings, but Aftershokz sit on your cheekbones and use bone conduction to send sound waves directly into your head, leaving your ears free to listen out for hazards.

Panasonic Ergo Fit

You can spend a fortune on running-specific headphones - then lose them. These super-cheap options stay in your ears, are robust and have a decent sound. For the price, what more do you need?

Petzl Tikka head torch

For those of us who regularly run in the dark or in areas with uneven footing, then Petzl’s superlight, rechargable and robust head torches could help protect your ankles from inevitable twists.


Ronhill clip-on light

As well as seeing, you want to be seen. You can get LED lights that clip to your shoes, as armbands or built into backpacks. This light (19g) and weatherproof model can be moved to wherever it is needed.

 

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