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Gifts for Runners: GPS Sports Watches to Suit Every Runner

With the festive season on its way, it’s time to start puzzling over the perfect present for your loved ones. When looking at gifts for runners, the big question is: what type of runner are they? 

The devoted rain/hail/shine kind of runner? 

The ‘any terrain (as long as it’s off-road)’ kind of runner?

Or the running newbie who is still finding their feet?

At Polar, we have a GPS sports watch to suit every type of runner. So, all you need to do is choose the right gift for your special someone and watch their face when they unwrap their dream device.

Best for those born to run

gifts for runners - Polar Vantage V2

If you’re looking for the ultimate running watch, you can’t go past the Polar Vantage V2. Whether they’re training for a marathon or simply love their daily endurance session, this premium sports watch was built with dedicated runners in mind.

Inside its sleek aluminum case is a surprising range of features, designed to not only track their heart rate as they run but test their performance, help them fuel and provide insights on their sleep.

For runners who want to track their progress, this waterproof multisport GPS watch comes equipped with an advanced range of performance tests, exclusive to the Polar Vantage V2. 

The Running Performance Test is an easy way to see improvements in their key training zones – heart rate, speed, and power. The Leg Recovery Test provides them with feedback on their muscle recovery and readiness for speed and strength training. For those who also love to cycle, Polar’s Cycling Performance Test is a simple and effective easy to determine their improvements.

All this data is backed up by Polar Flow, our training platform that automatically tracks progress and patterns to help your runner reach their training goals. Plus, it can sync its data with their other apps, such as Strava or TrainingPeaks.

Surprisingly lightweight, the Vantage V2 is available in a range of colors, including the new eye-catching Polar Red. For under $500/£450, give the ultimate gift for runners and set them up with the perfect tool for enhanced training and recovery.

Best for thrill-seeking trail runners

gifts for runners - Polar Grit X

What do you give the outdoor adventurer who seems to have everything? You gift them with a premium sports watch that can withstand the world’s harshest conditions. 

Polar Grit X Pro is the perfect gift for the runner who loves to be wild and go way off course. If they mix climbing, mountain biking, and other outdoor challenges with their trail running, then they will undoubtedly be impressed by the jaw-dropping range of features packed into this super tough, scratch-resistant device.

For trail runners, all their vital information is available with a turn of their wrist. Compass, location coordinates, barometric altitude, weather forecast, and sunrise/sunset times are all at their fingertips, along with the essential ultra long-life battery and assisted GPS. 

Add to this trackback technology, calculated slope angles for any terrain, turn-by-turn guidance powered by Komoot, and you’re starting to wonder how they could go adventuring without one.

Engineered with military-grade durability for the harshest conditions, the sturdy Polar Grit X Pro is one badass sports watch. For under $500/£440, you can equip your rugged runner with the ultimate gift for their adventures.

Best for new enthusiasts

gifts for runners - Polar Ignite 2

If you’re looking for a gift idea for someone who is not entirely sure they’re a runner yet, then spark their interest with Polar Ignite 2!

This versatile fitness watch is perfect for any enthusiast who enjoys working out in a variety of ways, including running. Whether they’re hitting the gym, stretching out in a yoga class, or trying a Couch to 5K challenge, Polar Ignite 2 will enhance their experience by tracking their heart rate and providing insights into their training after each session.

The integrated GPS will provide essential information about their speed, distance, and route for new runners to help them track their progress and find their perfect pace.

Beautifully designed, the Polar Ignite 2 is the perfect gift under $230/£200 for runners. Its eye-catching color options are customizable with a range of wrist bands, so you can easily personalize this present. 

Looking for something else? Check out Polar’s Gift Guide.

If you liked this post, don’t forget to share so that others can find it, too.

Please note that the information provided in the Polar Blog articles cannot replace individual advice from health professionals. Please consult your physician before starting a new fitness program.

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