Andy Devaney
Garmin has expanded its Forerunner family with the launch of the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170, two new running smartwatches designed to help beginners, returners and aspiring runners build better habits without turning training into a spreadsheet with a pulse.
The new models sit in that increasingly important space between simple fitness tracker and full-blown performance lab. They offer built-in GPS, health monitoring, adaptive coaching, smart notifications and AMOLED displays, while keeping the interface familiar with both touchscreen controls and Garmin’s traditional five-button design.
In short, these are watches for people who want to run more intelligently, not just collect another electronic witness to their suffering.
Built For Runners Starting To Take Training Seriously
The Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 have been designed around accessibility, but that does not mean Garmin has gone light on features.
Both models come with vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED displays, responsive touchscreens and the sort of button layout runners tend to appreciate once sweat, rain or cold fingers enter the conversation.
The watches also avoid the nightly charging routine that can make some smartwatches feel like needy houseplants. The Forerunner 70 offers up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, while the Forerunner 170 and Forerunner 170 Music offer up to 10 days.
For anyone trying to build consistency, that matters. A running watch is far more useful on the wrist than sulking beside the kettle at five per cent battery.
“Purposefully designed with everything a runner needs to start their running journey, Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 include premium running and training features pulled in from our more advanced Forerunners, plus popular health and wellness metrics.
No matter the goal, these smartwatches are the perfect tools to help new and aspiring runners alike make every step count.” — Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
Forerunner 70: The New Entry Point Into Structured Running
The Garmin Forerunner 70 is aimed at runners who want the essentials plus enough training intelligence to keep them moving in the right direction.
It includes built-in GPS, time, distance, pace and wrist-based heart rate, giving runners the core data they need to understand each session.
Garmin has also introduced new quick workouts, which create workout suggestions based on a runner’s fitness level. Instead of spending half an evening building a plan, users simply choose a desired time and intensity level.
That should appeal to runners who want structure without the faff. And, frankly, there is already enough faff in running. Shoes, gels, socks, weather, watches, playlists, chafing. Nobody needs another admin job.
The Forerunner 70 also supports Garmin Coach training plans, which adapt daily based on health and recovery metrics. Alongside more intense training options, Garmin Run Coach now offers run/walk workouts and lower-volume training plans.
That makes the watch particularly relevant for new runners, those returning after a break, or anyone trying to build fitness without behaving as though every Tuesday evening jog is the Olympic trials.
Daily Workouts That Adapt After Every Run
One of the more practical elements in the new Garmin line-up is daily suggested workouts.
These suggestions adapt after every run, taking account of performance and recovery. New run/walk workout options are also included, broadening the appeal for runners who are still building endurance or managing training load carefully.
For a lot of people, that is where a device like this can earn its place. It is not about shouting numbers at you. It is about helping runners decide when to push, when to ease off and when the body may be quietly requesting a more civilised approach.
The Forerunner 70 also includes advanced training features powered by the Garmin Human Performance Lab, including training readiness, training status, wrist-based running power and running dynamics.
Those features bring a more detailed performance picture to runners who might previously have had to move further up the Forerunner range to access similar tools.
Health Tracking Beyond The Run
Garmin has also packed in everyday wellness features across the new watches.
Users can monitor sleep, access sleep coach, track breathing variations, view heart rate variability status, use Pulse Ox, record lifestyle logging and access Health Status.
These features are not just there for post-run curiosity. Sleep, recovery, stress and general health all affect training, particularly for runners trying to increase volume or maintain a regular schedule.
A poor night’s sleep can turn a gentle jog into a negotiation with gravity. Seeing that bigger picture may help runners train with a little more patience and a little less blind stubbornness.
Forerunner 170 Adds Payments And Music Options
The Garmin Forerunner 170 builds on the Forerunner 70 with extra on-the-go features.
The headline addition is Garmin Pay, allowing users to make contactless payments from the wrist where supported by their bank and payment network.
That is useful for runners who want to stop for water, coffee or the kind of mid-run snack that somehow becomes essential exactly when the nearest shop appears.
There is also the Forerunner 170 Music, which allows users to download songs, podcasts and more from popular third-party music services, with a subscription required. Once paired with wireless headphones, runners can listen phone-free.
For many runners, that will be the more tempting upgrade. Leaving the phone at home can make a run feel lighter, quieter and less like a mobile office with shin splints.
More Than 80 Sports Apps Included
Although Garmin is positioning these watches clearly around running, both models include more than 80 built-in sports apps.
These include swimming, cycling and strength training, giving users more flexibility if their fitness routine extends beyond the pavement.
That broader activity support should make the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 appealing to runners who cross-train, gym-goers who run, or beginners still discovering which type of exercise they actually enjoy.
The running watch market has changed. People no longer want a device that only wakes up when they hit start on a 5K. They want something that understands recovery, movement, sleep and daily life.
Garmin is leaning into that shift here.
Colours, Pricing And Availability
The Garmin Forerunner 70 will be available in citron, cool lavender, black and whitestone.
The Forerunner 170 and Forerunner 170 Music will be offered in black with a black/amp yellow band and whitestone with a whitestone/cloud blue band.
The Forerunner 170 Music will also come in teal green with a teal green/citron band and red pink with a red pink/mango band.
The new watches will be available to purchase from garmin.com starting May 15, 2026.
The Garmin Forerunner 70 has a suggested retail price of £219.99 / €249.99.
The Garmin Forerunner 170 is priced at £259.99 / €299.99.
The Garmin Forerunner 170 Music is priced at £299.99 / €349.99.
Garmin Looks To Make Run Training More Approachable
With the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170, Garmin appears to be widening the doorway into structured running.
These watches are not positioned as elite-only tools for athletes who discuss lactate thresholds over breakfast. They are aimed at runners who want guidance, recovery insight and daily training support in a device that still feels manageable.
That may be the clever bit.
The modern runner does not necessarily need more data. They need clearer data. They need something that helps them understand when to train, how to progress and how to avoid turning enthusiasm into exhaustion.
Garmin’s latest Forerunners look built for exactly that crowd: the runner who has started, restarted or finally decided this time might be the one that sticks.