3 Best Running Watches for Marathon Training in 2026
If you’re serious about marathon training, finding the right watch can make or break your performance, and trust us, we’ve tested plenty. From the Garmin Forerunner 55’s accuracy to EZON R7’s customizable modes, these devices do more than just track your pace—they provide detailed insights that keep you motivated and on schedule. Plus, a good fitness tracker with sleep analysis can improve overall recovery. Curious which models top our list and why? Keep going, because the answers just might surprise you.
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch
- Easy-to-use running watch monitors heart rate (this is not a medical device) at the wrist and uses GPS to track how far, how fast and where you’ve run
- Battery life: up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode; up to 20 hours in GPS mode
- Plan your race day strategy with the PacePro feature (not compatible with on-device courses), which offers GPS-based pace guidance for a selected course or...
If you’re training for a marathon and want a watch that is simple, reliable, and affordable, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a good choice. It’s made for beginners and intermediate runners. The watch gives accurate GPS data to track your pace, route, and distance. It also monitors your heart rate all day.
The watch has helpful features like daily workout plans and race predictions. These can help you reach your goals and improve your running. It’s light and water-resistant, so you can wear it every day without worries. The battery lasts up to two weeks in normal use, so you don’t have to charge it often.
This watch does not have advanced features for professional athletes. It does not support music or contactless payments. It only has buttons, not a touch screen. Still, it offers all the basic data you need for marathon training.
Best for: beginners and intermediate runners who want an easy-to-use, affordable GPS watch for training.
Pros:
- Tracks your pace, route, and distance accurately
- Battery lasts up to two weeks
- Easy to use with simple options using Garmin Connect IQ
Cons:
- No extra features for advanced runners
- No touch screen, only buttons
- Cannot store music or make payments without a phone
This watch is great for anyone who wants a simple, reliable tool to help them train for a marathon.
Fitness Tracker Watch with Heart Rate Monitor and Sleep Tracking
- Heart Rate and Sleep Monitoring: The Fitness Tracker monitors your heart rate automatically all day, and you can select manual mode through the App. The fitness...
- Multi Sport Modes with Activity Tracking: The fitness tracker features 9 sport modes like running, walking and more. Additionally, the activity tracker records...
- Smart Notification Reminder: You can get SMS messages, and SNS notifications directly on your wrist including Facebook, Twitter, Gmail ect. You won't miss any...
The Fitness Tracker Watch is a good choice if you want to watch your health while training for a marathon. It has a Heart Rate Monitor and Sleep Tracking. We tested it during long runs and rest days. It automatically checks your heart rate all day, so you don’t have to do it yourself. It also tracks your sleep carefully. It shows how much time you spend in deep sleep, light sleep, and awake, so you can see how well you rest. You can set your daily step goals in the app, and it keeps track of steps, calories burned, and active minutes. This helps you stay balanced in your training. The watch is waterproof for swimming or rain, and it lasts for 5 to 7 days on a full charge. That means fewer worries and more miles on your run.
Best for: People training for a marathon who want to see their health, activity, and notifications in a trusty, long-lasting device.
Pros:
- Checks your heart rate and sleep quality automatically
- Water-resistant up to 50 meters, good for many weather types
- Battery lasts for a week, so you don’t need to charge it often
Cons:
- Cannot make or answer calls or reply to messages from the watch
- Only works with smartphones, not tablets or computers
- Does not have GPS built in; it uses your phone for location tracking
This watch helps you do more in your training. It keeps track of your health, your steps, and your sleep. Plus, it works well in different weather and lasts a long time. Just remember, you will need your phone for GPS and some features. It’s a simple, easy watch for any marathon runner.
EZON R7 GPS Running Watch with Heart Rate Monitor and 28 Workout Modes
- ✔️Next-Gen 4-Channel Heart Rate Monitor: Featuring a new generation 4-channel optical heart rate sensor and an optimized HRM algorithm, R7 provides faster,...
- ✔️Dual-Band Global GNSS: Supports L1 + L5 dual-frequency signals across five global satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS) for faster and...
- ✔️2-Minute Quick Health Check: Get a comprehensive snapshot of your body in just 2 minutes. Instantly measure resting heart rate, stress level, respiratory...
Tracking your run progress gets easier with the EZON R7 GPS Running Watch. It has a 4-channel optical heart rate sensor and a smart algorithm. This means you get quick and accurate heart rate data, even when you run hard. The watch offers 28 workout modes, like marathon and trail running, so you can pick what fits your training. We tested it on tough trails, and it tracked our location well. It supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and more, which helps keep the position precise. The 1.2-inch MIP screen is bright and easy to see, even in sunlight. The watch is sleek and light, so it feels comfortable on your wrist during long runs. If you are serious about running, this all-in-one watch is a great choice.
Best For: runners who want a GPS watch that tracks well, shows good health data, and has many training options.
Pros:
- Tracks location accurately using multiple satellite systems
- Measures heart rate quickly and reliably during runs
- Bright screen is easy to see in sunlight and simple to use with the rotary crown
Cons:
- Might be a bit bulky for people who like small, simple watches
- Doesn’t have many smartwatch features beyond fitness tools
- Battery life changes depending on how much you use the GPS and tracking features
Factors to Consider When Choosing Running Watches for Marathon Training
When choosing a running watch for marathon training, we understand that accurate GPS tracking is a must—nothing worse than losing your pace mid-run. Battery life matters, especially if you’re planning long training sessions or races; some watches last over 24 hours on a single charge, which is a real game-changer. Plus, features like heart rate monitoring, workout customization, and sleep data can make the difference between a good training tool and a great one—trust us, we’ve tested quite a few!
Accurate GPS Tracking
Good GPS tracking is key for good marathon training. It helps you see your route, distance, and pace clearly. We tested watches with different satellite systems like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. A good GPS should find signals fast, even in busy cities or thick woods. Watches with dual-frequency support (L1 and L5 bands) help make tracking more accurate in tricky spots. This means your pace, height, and distance are more correct. Stable GPS signals stop errors that can mess up your data. Think of your watch as a route helper that is quick, steady, and precise. A helpful tip: choose watches that work with many satellites and get signals fast, especially during long runs.
Battery Longevity
A long battery life can make your run easier, especially on those really long training days or race days. Some watches last 10 to 20 hours on GPS. That’s enough for most marathons. Other watches can last up to two weeks in smartwatch mode. These are good if you want to track steps or check your recovery every day.
Look for watches that have smart power management. They help save battery when you need it most. Pay attention to how long the battery lasts in different modes. That way, your watch won’t die in the middle of a run. I’ve seen that quick charging and saving power modes can help me finish my long runs without worries.
A good tip is to carry a portable charger. It’s helpful on really long training days. Just in case your watch runs out of power, you’ll always have a backup.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Monitoring your heart rate during marathon training is a smart move. Choosing the right running watch helps you do this easily. When your watch shows accurate heart rate data, you can stay in the right effort zones. This keeps you from pushing too hard or not enough. Wrist sensors are common and give you steady updates. But, they can sometimes be off during quick sprints or heavy moves. Heart rate zones tell you if you should focus on running longer or faster. Some watches even check how your heart rate changes over time. This info can tell you if your body is ready or needs rest. Watching your heart rate while you sleep also helps. It shows if your body recovers well or if you need more time to rest before the race.
Workout Customization
When you pick a running watch for marathon training, features that let you customize your workouts matter a lot. These options help you train better and make running more fun. Good watches let you make your own training plans, set alerts for your pace or heart rate, and switch between different sports modes easily. When I tested some watches, I found that being able to set your pace guidance and timing intervals was very helpful. These features keep you on track even during hard workouts.
You can also change what data you see on your watch screen. You might want to see your heart rate, how long your stride is, or your speed. Picking the right data helps you focus on what is most important for your training. A helpful tip is to find watches that let you use different activity profiles. This gives you options for running, biking, or swimming on different days.
Sleep and Recovery Data
As you train for your marathon, recovery is really important. Rest days help, but your watch can do more. It can show you how well you are recovering, too.
Your watch tracks your sleep closely. It measures deep sleep, light sleep, REM, and when you’re awake. Knowing these details helps you see if you’re getting enough restful sleep. Good sleep helps your body heal and recharge. This helps you avoid overtraining and injuries.
Some watches analyze your sleep stages and tell you how many hours you sleep in total. This gives you a clear idea of your recovery quality. Your watch also links your sleep to other numbers like heart rate variability (HRV) and resting heart rate. These show how ready your body is to train again.
This data helps you adjust your training. It keeps you from getting too tired or hurt. Think of your watch as a little coach. It can guide you to rest when you need it. And it does all this without being strict — just helpful tips for your journey.
Durability & Water Resistance
Even tough runners can get caught in rain or splash through puddles during long runs. That’s why a marathon watch needs to be tough and water-resistant. Look for watches that can handle at least 50 meters of water—this means they can survive rain, sweat, and quick dips in water. Strong materials like reinforced cases and scratch-proof glass help protect the watch from bumps and scratches. Watches with rubber or silicone straps are great because they don’t crack or wear out in wet conditions. Water resistance also helps the GPS and sensors work well in humidity or rain. Just make sure the watch has a sturdy build and good water resistance, so it keeps working mile after mile.
User Interface Simplicity
If you want a running watch that doesn’t distract you, keep it simple. Look for a device with few buttons and clear menus. This makes it easy to learn and quick to use. It helps you stay focused on your run, not the watch.
Watches without touch screens work well, especially when you’re sweaty or out in the rain. You just press a button, and that’s it. A clear screen with big words and good contrast makes it easy to read your speed or heart rate, even in bright light.
Features like one-touch start or quick menus save time. They help you control your run without fuss. When the watch is simple to use, you spend more time running and less time fiddling. This way, you can do your best in every race.
Smart Notification Alerts
Smart notification alerts are very helpful when you pick a running watch for marathon training. They help you stay connected without distracting you during the race. The watch shows messages, calls, and updates from your apps directly on the screen. That way, you don’t have to take out your phone from your pocket or bag.
Many watches let you pick which notifications you want to see. This keeps things simple and stops too many alerts from bothering you. Most watches use Bluetooth to connect to your phone. This makes it quick to set up and get updates in real time.
Some watches send vibrations to let you know when you have a message or call. These quiet alerts are good when you’re running fast and don’t want to stop. If there is an emergency, being able to reply to a message or answer a call quickly can keep you safe.
A helpful tip: keep your notifications short. Long texts can be missed during your run. This way, you stay focused on your race while still staying informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Battery Last During Ultra-Distance Runs?
During ultra-distance runs, your running watch’s battery typically lasts between 12 to 24 hours, depending on the model and usage, especially GPS activity and data tracking. Always guarantee a full charge before extended events.
Are These Watches Waterproof for Swimming After Runs?
Yes, most of these watches are waterproof and designed for swimming, so you can confidently wear them after your runs without worrying about water damage. Just make certain to check specific model ratings for ideal swimming protection.
Do They Support Custom Workout Programs or Training Plans?
Yes, these watches support custom workout programs and training plans, allowing you to personalize your training. You can easily create, modify, and follow tailored plans, helping you stay organized and focused on reaching your marathon goals effectively.
Can They Sync With Third-Party Fitness Apps Seamlessly?
Yes, many top running watches sync seamlessly with third-party fitness apps, allowing you to transfer data effortlessly, update workouts, and monitor progress. This integration helps you stay on top of your marathon training efficiently.
Are Enhanced Safety Features Like Live Tracking Included?
Yes, many of the top running watches include enhanced safety features like live tracking. When you enable it, your loved ones can monitor your location in real-time, providing you peace of mind during long marathon training runs.
Iris is a passionate tech enthusiast dedicated to helping consumers make informed technology decisions through honest, detailed product reviews and comprehensive buying guides.
Last update on 2026-02-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API