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Best Watches For Marathon Training (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a reliable and durable watch for marathon training, you’ve come to the right place. Running a marathon requires a lot of time, energy, and money. And with so many different watches available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to consider certain factors before buying a watch for marathon training.

Firstly, make sure your watch has accurate GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring. This will help you keep track of your distance and pace, and monitor your heart rate to ensure you’re working at the right level. Secondly, look for a watch that is lightweight, comfortable, and water-resistant. You don’t want your watch to slow you down or cause discomfort during long runs, and you definitely don’t want it to stop working if it gets wet.

So, are you ready to take your marathon training to the next level? Do you want to make sure you have the best watch to help you achieve your goals? Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, a good watch can make all the difference. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to track your progress in real-time? Have you ever wanted to know exactly how far you’ve run, or how many calories you’ve burned? If so, keep reading to find out more about the best watches for marathon training.

10 Best Watches For Marathon Training

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for individuals looking for a durable and reliable sports watch with quartz movement.
2
Ideal for outdoor activities with GPS, heart rate monitoring, and compass features.
3
The product is ideal for tracking running activities and providing free coaching support through GPS technology.
4
The product is ideal for runners who want a small GPS smartwatch with music, advanced insights, and a long-lasting battery.
5
Ideal for tracking and timing fitness activities, suitable for both men and women.
6
The product is ideal as a durable and reliable watch for active men.
7
The product is ideal for active men who need an oversized watch with fast velcro that can withstand tough conditions.
8
The product is ideal for women who want a reliable and durable watch with a stylish design.
9
The product is ideal for divers who want a durable and multifunctional dive computer enhanced by solar charging capabilities.
10
Ideal for military and diving purposes, with reliable quartz movement, tritium illumination, and durable construction.
The product is ideal for individuals looking for a durable and reliable sports watch with quartz movement.
Ideal for outdoor activities with GPS, heart rate monitoring, and compass features.
The product is ideal for tracking running activities and providing free coaching support through GPS technology.
The product is ideal for runners who want a small GPS smartwatch with music, advanced insights, and a long-lasting battery.
Ideal for tracking and timing fitness activities, suitable for both men and women.
The product is ideal as a durable and reliable watch for active men.
The product is ideal for active men who need an oversized watch with fast velcro that can withstand tough conditions.
The product is ideal for women who want a reliable and durable watch with a stylish design.
The product is ideal for divers who want a durable and multifunctional dive computer enhanced by solar charging capabilities.
Ideal for military and diving purposes, with reliable quartz movement, tritium illumination, and durable construction.

1. Casio Men's 'g-Shock' Quartz Resin Sport Watch , Black

The Casio G-Shock Watch is a durable and reliable timepiece that is perfect for everyday use. With its 200 M water resistance and shock resistance, this watch can withstand even the toughest conditions. The electro-luminescent backlight with afterglow ensures easy reading during day or night, making it a great choice for those who need to keep track of time in any situation.

This watch also features a 1/100-second stopwatch with a measuring capacity of 00'00"00~59'59"99 (for the first 60 minutes) and 1:00'00~23:59'59 (after 60 minutes), as well as an auto-calendar that is out until the year 2099. This means that the watch does not have to be adjusted for the number of days in a month or even leap years until 2099. Additionally, the countdown timer has a measuring unit of 1 second and a range of 24 hours.

Other great features of this watch include a multi-function alarm, hourly time signal, and mineral crystal. Whether you're heading to work or out on an adventure, the Casio G-Shock Watch is the perfect companion to keep you on time and on track.

Pros

  • 200 M water resistance and shock resistance make this watch durable and reliable
  • Electro-luminescent backlight with afterglow ensures easy reading during day or night
  • 1/100-second stopwatch and countdown timer with a range of 24 hours are great for keeping track of time

Cons

  • – None

2. Garmin Instinct – The Ultimate Outdoor Companion.

The Rugged GPS watch is a tough and durable watch designed to withstand the toughest environments. It comes with a range of features that make it perfect for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The watch is built to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock and water resistance, and is rated to 100 meters. This means that it can withstand extreme temperatures, shock, and water, making it a reliable companion for any adventure.

In addition to its rugged construction, the watch comes with a built-in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, and supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass and Galileo). This helps you to track your location and navigate in more challenging environments than GPS alone.

The watch also monitors your estimated heart rate, activity and stress levels, and comes with preloaded activity profiles to help you train effectively. The strap is made of silicone, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Stay connected with smart notifications from your compatible smartphone and automatic data uploads to the Garmin Connect online fitness community. You can also use the trackback feature to navigate the same route back to your starting point and plan your trips in advance using the Garmin Explore website and app.

The watch has a long battery life, lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, and up to 40 hours in Ultratrac battery saver mode.

Pros

  • Rugged and durable design withstands extreme environments
  • Built-in compass and barometric altimeter with multi-GNSS support for accurate navigation
  • Monitors heart rate, activity and stress levels for effective training
  • Long battery life for extended use

Cons

  • – May be too bulky for some users
  • – Limited smartphone compatibility

3. Coach-Supported Gps Running Watch For Women

The Garmin Forerunner 45S is a smaller-sized running watch that is easy-to-use and provides accurate heart rate monitoring at the wrist. It features GPS technology that allows you to track your pace, distance, intervals, and more. The watch also works with free Garmin Coach Adaptive training plans, which offer expert and personalized coaching right to your wrist.

This watch comes with various sports apps for running, cycling, indoor track, treadmill, elliptical, cardio, yoga, and more. You can also enjoy connected features like smart notifications for incoming texts and calls, automatic uploads to the Garmin Connect online community, live tracking, and music controls for your paired compatible smartphone.

The watch provides safety and tracking features that include incident detection during select activities. In case of an emergency, it sends your real-time location to your emergency contacts through your paired compatible smartphone.

The Forerunner 45S has a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 14 hours in GPS mode. The package includes the Forerunner 45S, a charging cable, and documentation.

Pros

  • Provides accurate heart rate monitoring at the wrist
  • Works with free Garmin Coach Adaptive training plans
  • Offers various sports apps for different activities
  • Provides safety and tracking features, including incident detection
  • Long battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode

Cons

  • – Smaller-sized watch may not be suitable for people with larger wrists
  • – May not have advanced features for professional athletes

4. Music Gps Smartwatch With Advanced Insights

The Forerunner 255S Music from Garmin is a sleek and lightweight smartwatch available in 46 mm and 41 mm sizes. The device features an always-on, full-color display that is easy to read even in direct sunlight, making it perfect for outdoor activities. It offers up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 26 hours in GPS mode, allowing you to track your health and fitness activities throughout the day without worrying about running out of juice.

With the ability to download up to 500 songs from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer (subscription required), the Forerunner 255S Music lets you enjoy your favorite music without the need for a phone. You can also connect your wireless headphones to the device for a phone-free listening experience.

The device offers a morning report that summarizes your sleep, HRV status, and daily workout suggestions in one place as soon as you wake up. It also provides training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts, and completion time predictions based on course details, weather, and performance, helping you prepare for your next race.

The Forerunner 255S Music allows you to view your entire week of daily suggested workouts, which adapt after every run to match your performance and recovery. It also tracks your heart rate variability while you sleep, giving you greater insight into your overall wellness, recovery, and training performance.

The device comes with free adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach for a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon, or you can create your own custom workouts in the Garmin Connect smartphone app. It evaluates your current training status to indicate if you're undertraining or overdoing it and offers additional performance monitoring features, including recovery time after your workouts.

When using a Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro monitor (sold separately), you can get a continuous measurement of how much power you're applying to the road as you run, helping you manage your effort and improve your performance.

Pros

  • Slim and lightweight design
  • Always-on, full-color display that is easy to read even in direct sunlight
  • Up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 26 hours in GPS mode
  • Ability to download up to 500 songs and connect wireless headphones
  • Morning report that summarizes your sleep, HRV status, and daily workout suggestions
  • Training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts, and completion time predictions
  • Free adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach for a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon
  • Additional performance monitoring features, including recovery time after your workouts
  • Continuous measurement of power applied to the road when using a Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro monitor

5. Pyle Multifunction Fitness Watch: Smart And Sleek

The Pyle Sports Digital Wrist Watch is an excellent assistant or personal trainer for sports training with its multiple modes. It features a 150-lap chronograph, target-time setting, and time alert to help you achieve your fitness goals. With its 150 lap memory and 1/100-second resolution, it is perfect for long-distance runners, training for marathons or half-marathons, and other cardio activities. It also has a chronograph with 40 memory records. Use the target time mode to beat your personal best by setting a target time, and the watch will beep when you hit it. It also calculates the difference between your actual clocked time and target time to track your improvement. You can use the watch up to 165 feet / 50 meters / 5 ATM, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts who love the great outdoors. It also has time and date functions, as well as an LED backlight that allows you to use the watch in low-light conditions or at night. You can stay on top of your workouts, keep the time, and set alarms with the digital clock's four countdown timers.

The Pyle Sports Digital Wrist Watch is a smart running watch that provides various modes essential for sports training.

It has a 150-lap chronograph, target-time setting, and time alert that helps fitness enthusiasts achieve their goals.

The watch has a water resistance of up to 165 feet / 50 meters / 5 ATM, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities.

It also has a LED backlight for nighttime use and a digital clock with four countdown timers to keep track of your workouts.

Pros

  • Multiple modes essential for sports training
  • Suitable for long-distance runners and other cardio activities
  • Water-resistant up to 165 feet / 50 meters / 5 ATM
  • LED backlight for nighttime use
  • Digital clock with four countdown timers

6. Timex Men's T5k793 Ironman Rugged 30 Full-Size Black Resin Strap Watch

Looking for a watch that can keep up with your active lifestyle? Look no further than the black 20 millimeter resin strap watch! With its adjustable strap, this watch can fit up to an 8-inch wrist circumference, making it comfortable for all-day wear. It also features a black 44 millimeter resin case with acrylic lens and a black digital display, making it easy to read the time even in low-light situations.

This watch is more than just a timepiece, however. It also boasts a range of features that make it perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The 100-hour chronograph has a 30-lap memory, allowing you to track your progress and improve your performance over time. The 24-hour countdown timer is perfect for interval training or other timed workouts.

In addition to its fitness features, this watch also includes 3 daily, weekday, or weekend alarms, a 24-hour military time mode, and 2 time zones, making it perfect for travel or for those who need to keep track of multiple time zones. The day, date, and month calendar is another useful feature that ensures you always know what day it is.

The watch also features an Indiglo light-up watch dial, which makes it easy to read the time in any lighting conditions. And with water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet), this watch is suitable for swimming and snorkeling, although it is not recommended for diving.

Pros

  • Adjustable strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
  • 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory
  • 24-hour countdown timer
  • 3 daily, weekday, or weekend alarms
  • 24-hour military time mode
  • 2 time zones
  • Day, date, and month calendar
  • Indiglo light-up watch dial
  • Water resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet)

Cons

  • – Not suitable for diving

7. Timex Men's T5k413 Ironman Classic 30 Oversized Black/blue/yellow Fast Velcro Watch

The Adjustable Black 20mm Nylon Fast Wrap Strap Watch is a great choice for anyone who needs a durable and reliable timepiece. This watch features a 20mm nylon fast wrap strap that is adjustable to fit up to an 8-inch wrist circumference, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The strap also features a hook and loop closure that allows for easy on and off.

This watch has a 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory, which is perfect for athletes who need to keep track of their training times. It also has a 24-hour countdown timer that is ideal for anyone who needs to time events or activities. Additionally, this watch has 3 daily, weekday, or weekend alarms, a 24-hour military time mode, 2 time zones, and a day, date, and month calendar.

The watch has a black and blue 43mm resin case with an acrylic lens and a gray digital display. The Indiglo light-up watch dial makes it easy to read the time in low-light conditions. This watch is not water-resistant, so it should not be worn while swimming or diving. Please note that this watch has a velcro watch strap.

Pros

  • Adjustable strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
  • 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory
  • 24-hour countdown timer
  • 3 daily, weekday, or weekend alarms
  • 24-hour military time mode
  • 2 time zones
  • Day, date, and month calendar
  • Indiglo light-up watch dial

Cons

  • – Not water-resistant
  • – Velcro watch strap may wear out over time

8. Timex Women's T5k523 Ironman Essential 10 Mid-Size Black/purple Resin Strap Watch

The Timex Women's T5K523 Ironman Essential 10 Mid-Size Black/Purple Resin Strap Watch is designed to keep up with the active lifestyle of women. It features a black 12mm resin strap that can be adjusted to fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist circumference.

The watch comes with a 100-hour chronograph with 10-lap memory, allowing users to track their workouts with ease. It also has a 24-hour countdown timer that can be programmed to help users stay on schedule.

The customizable alarm can be set to wake users up or remind them of important events. The watch also has a 24-hour military time mode and 2 time zones, making it ideal for frequent travelers. It also has a day, date & month calendar that can be easily accessed.

The watch has a black & purple 34mm resin case with an acrylic lens that provides durability and scratch resistance. The gray digital display is easy to read, and the Indiglo light-up watch dial makes it easy to check the time in low-light conditions.

The watch is water-resistant up to 100m (330ft), making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not for diving.

Pros

  • Adjustable 12mm resin strap fits up to 7.5-inch wrist circumference
  • 100-hour chronograph with 10-lap memory and 24-hour countdown timer
  • Customizable alarm with 24-hour military time mode and 2 time zones
  • Day, date & month calendar for easy reference
  • Durable black & purple 34mm resin case with acrylic lens
  • Gray digital display with Indiglo light-up watch dial
  • Water-resistant up to 100m (330ft)

Cons

  • – Not suitable for diving

9. Rugged Solar Dive Computer With Activity Tracking

Introducing the rugged dive computer and smartwatch from Garmin. This watch boasts a solar charging lens, making it an eco-friendly choice. The monochrome display is easy to read and the QuickFit bands make changing your style a breeze.

This dive computer has a battery life of up to 25 hours in dive mode and 39 hours in GPS mode. With solar charging, 3 hours of direct sunlight (50,000 lux) per day is all it takes to charge the watch for 4 months in smartwatch mode. The GPS/GLONASS/Galileo support allows divers to mark surface entry and exit points, giving you a clear indication of where you started and ended the dive.

The watch comes equipped with more than 30 built-in sports apps for tracking your activities. Advanced training features such as VO2 max allow you to monitor how your body is adapting to training. The watch also features 24/7 wrist-based HR, Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep score and more, providing you with insights into your health and wellness. These features can help you decide when to slow down and take breaks. Please note that Pulse Ox is not available in all countries and it is not a medical device.

When paired with your compatible smartphone, this watch offers smartwatch capabilities such as smart notifications, Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported country and payment network), and Connect IQ app personalization. With the ability to store up to 200 dives on your wrist, you can upload, share and review dives in the Garmin Dive smartphone app. The app also allows you to search for dive sites all over the world. This watch supports all types of diving, including recreational, advanced, technical, free diving and spear fishing.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly solar charging lens
  • QuickFit bands for easy style change
  • 30+ built-in sports apps
  • Advanced training features for monitoring body's adaptation
  • 24/7 health and wellness monitoring
  • Smartwatch capabilities when paired with compatible smartphone
  • Support for all types of diving

Cons

  • – Pulse Ox not available in all countries

Best Watches For Marathon Training FAQs

Are heart rate monitors necessary in a watch for marathon training?

Heart rate monitors can be a useful tool for marathon training, but they are not necessary. Many runners use heart rate monitors to track their heart rate during training to ensure they are staying within their target heart rate zone. This can help improve overall cardiovascular fitness and endurance. However, some runners may prefer to use other methods to track their training, such as tracking their pace or distance. Ultimately, the decision to use a heart rate monitor during marathon training is a personal one and depends on individual preferences and training goals. It is important to note that while heart rate monitors can be helpful, they should not be relied upon as the sole indicator of fitness or performance. A well-rounded training plan should include a variety of training methods and should be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of the individual runner.

Can a watch help me improve my performance during a marathon?

Yes, a watch can definitely help you improve your performance during a marathon. A good running watch can provide you with essential data such as your pace, heart rate, distance covered, and even your running route. This can help you track your progress and adjust your pace accordingly to ensure you achieve your goal. For instance, if you want to complete a marathon within a certain time frame, you can use your watch to monitor your pace and make sure you are on track to meet your target. Additionally, some watches also offer high-end features such as GPS tracking, music storage, and coaching tools to help improve your performance.

However, it is important to note that a watch alone cannot guarantee your success during a marathon. You need to pair it with proper training, nutrition, and rest to ensure you are in the best shape for the race day. So, while a watch can be a valuable tool, it is not a magic solution.

How long should the battery life be in a marathon training watch?

The battery life of a marathon training watch should ideally last for at least 8 to 10 hours. However, it largely depends on the type and model of the watch. Some advanced models come with a battery life of up to 20 hours or more, while others may only last for a few hours.

When choosing a marathon training watch, it's important to consider your specific training needs and the features you require. For instance, if you're a long-distance runner who takes more than 10 hours to complete a marathon, then you need a watch with a longer battery life. On the other hand, if you're a beginner or intermediate runner who runs for less than 8 hours, then a watch with a shorter battery life may suffice.

It's also worth noting that certain features of the watch, such as GPS and heart rate monitoring, can drain the battery faster. Therefore, you should turn off any unnecessary features to conserve battery life during your training sessions. Ultimately, the battery life of your marathon training watch is a crucial factor that can make or break your training performance, so choose wisely.

Is GPS capability important in a watch for marathon training?

Yes, GPS capability is extremely important in a watch for marathon training. A watch with GPS functionality allows the runner to track their distance, pace, and route. This information is crucial for marathon training, as it allows the runner to monitor their progress and adjust their training accordingly. Without GPS, runners would have to rely on estimates or manual tracking, which can be inaccurate and time-consuming. Additionally, GPS watches can provide real-time updates during the run, such as heart rate and elevation, which can help the runner optimize their performance. Overall, GPS capability is a must-have feature for any serious marathon runner, as it can significantly enhance their training and performance.

What features should I look for in a watch for marathon training?

When it comes to marathon training, a watch is an essential tool to help you track your progress, monitor your heart rate, and stay on track with your training plan. There are several features that you should look for when choosing a watch for marathon training.

Firstly, the watch should have GPS functionality. This will allow you to track your distance, pace, and route during your training runs. It will also help you to stay on track with your training plan, as you can set goals and monitor your progress.

Secondly, the watch should have a heart rate monitor. This will allow you to track your heart rate during your runs, which is important for monitoring your fitness level and ensuring that you are training at the right intensity.

Thirdly, the watch should be durable and water-resistant, as you will be wearing it during long runs and in all weather conditions.

Finally, the watch should have a long battery life, as you will be using it for extended periods of time during your marathon training.

Overall, when choosing a watch for marathon training, look for a device that is reliable, accurate, and has the features you need to help you achieve your fitness goals.

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