There may come a point where you want to start to see improvements and track your progress. But which GPS or heart rate monitors can you use at an Obstacle Race or Mud Run? These below will track your distance ran, pace, speed and other features.
They may get some scratches along the course but the water won’t affect them. The key is to always go for water resistant features (not waterproof) with a water rating of 5 ATM (see chart at the bottom), that way your precious watch will survive your next race.
Garmin Forerunner 310XT
Although larger than other watches the 310XT is completely swim proof and perfect for triathletes. Perfect for those who want to swim with it to track your time and distance swam. The battery life is 20 hours with a top water resistant rating, although is quite large on the wrist but perfect if you like to see three modes on one screen.
Price: £140
Where to buy: Amazon
Best For: Intermediate
TomTom Runner
Cool looking watch with a big screen that could get scratched easily but has great functions with graphical modes. It has a 5 ATM rating and is water resistant. You’ll need to upload to online software such as Strava or Mapmyrun though.
Price: £139.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Best For: Intermediate
Garmin Forerunner 620 GPS Sports Running Smart Watch
The daddy of GPS watches. A touchscreen interface with high resolution colour display and a slick design. It can calculate recovery time and VO₂ max estimate when used with heart rate monitor. What’s great with this one is that it has live tracking and auto uploads to Garmin Connect. With a 5 ATM rating it is suitable for surface swimming and snorkeling.
Price: £359
Where to buy: Amazon
Best For: Advanced users
Garmin Forerunner 220
A cheaper version than the 620 but also has a high-resolution colour display, identifies personal bests and auto uploads to Garmin Connect. It also won Editors Choice in 220 Triathlon Magazine.
Price: £192
Where to buy: Amazon
Best For: Intermediates wanting more sleek look and upgraded features
Garmin Forerunner FR10
The Garmin FR10 is a beginner watch and with a simple design perfect for those less techie. It doesn’t have heart rate monitor compatibility but will link up to Garmin Connect to analysis your runs.
Price: £75
Where to buy: Amazon
Best For: Beginners that want something simple
The Water Resistant Ratings To Always Check
| Water Rating | Definition | Suitable Activities | Unsuitable Activities |
| IPX7 | Withstands incidental exposure to water of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes | Indoor/outdoor use in the presence of rain, snow or brief splashes of water | Any immersion of more than 1 meter, regardless of duration of immersion, or any immersion of more than 30 minutes, regardless of depth of immersion |
| 1 ATM | Withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 10 meters | Improved resistance to rain, snow and splashes | Showering, swimming and water-related activities |
| 3 ATM | Withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 30 meters | Showering, rain, snow, splashes and accidental immersion | Swimming and water-related activities |
| 5 ATM | Withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters | Surface swimming, snorkeling and similar activities | High speed watersport surface impact may exceed this rating (ex. wipeout during motorized water sports) |