The Best Watch For Obstacle Racing

Not every sports watches and fitness trackers could survive a brutal Spartan Race or Tough Mudder. Here's the only GPS smartwatch I would trust for OCR.

In my opinion, the best GPS watch for obstacle racing is clearly the Fenix 5X Sapphire by Garmin. However, if you a looking for a more affordable watch, the TomTom Spark is an excellent alternative. With so many different sports watches on the market, you must consider the following features when choosing a GPS watch for OCR.

The best watch for an obstacle race

Fenix 5X Sapphire by Garmin

On your quest for the best watch for OCR racing, you'll find the Fenix 5X Sapphire by Garmin. From my experience, it' the ideal smartwatches for anyone serious about obstacle racing.

This tank can survive the most extreme sport conditions, such as deep water, mud, and abuse for the hardest obstacle course. The cutting-edge GPS technology, paired with top-notch sensors, allows you to track and monitor more data than you ever need. Even if you are a beginner, this watch is also beneficial to improve your performance and reach your goals.

Here's why the Fenix 5X Sapphire is THE only watch I would trust to go through the toughest obstacle races.

Highlights

• Scratch resistant sapphire lens
• Ultra resistant PVD-coated stainless steel bezel and buttons
• Buttons instead of touch screen
• Go up to 100 meters in deep water
• Up to 24 hours of battery life in race mode
• Up to 2 weeks of battery life in normal mode
• Advanced GPS and GLONASS satellite reception
• Excellent built-in heart rate sensor
• Monitor lactate threshold, pace, VO2 max, and more
• Strava integrated
• WIFI enable
• Music storage
• Wireless payments
• A bright and colorful display
• Weight 12.6 ounces
• Size 2 x 0.7 x 2 inches
• Beautiful design
• Replaceable wrist band

Consideration

• Even if Fenix 5 is fairly valued compared to competitors, the price can be intimidating.
• The watch is packed with sensors and top-notch technology, and therefore, you must consider the learning curve to master all functionalities.

Suitable for

• Obstacle race
• Spartan Race (Stadium, Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra-Beast)
• Mud run
• Tough Mudder
• Ultra-marathon
• Trail running
• Cross training

Features

Durability: This Sapphire editions of the Fenix 5 has a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, plus a PVD-coated stainless steel bezel and buttons. The PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) increases the resistance of the stainless steel to scratch and corrosion. The watch as a reinforced housing made to survive the toughest obstacle race.

No touch screen: Buttons instead of a touch screen is a tremendous advantage for a GPS watch use in obstacle racing. A touch screen watch is bound to be accidentally turn-off or reset during an obstacle race. From all the movements, the obstacles, the mud, and the water, it's inevitable, every runner with a touch screen watch had experienced this issue.

Water resistance: This watch is resistant to pressure and can go up to 100 meters in deep water.

Battery life: The Fenix can last up to 2 weeks without being recharged. However, it goes down to 60 hours if you keep only the GPS function or 24 hours with the GPS and heart rate monitoring. It's the perfect watch for ultra-running, hiking, and everyday use.

Route tracking: The GPS feature is solid with advanced GPS and GLONASS satellite reception that work even in the rockiest mountains.

Heart rate: A built-in sensor monitor the heart rate via your wrist — no need for the inconvenient chest strap.

Data tracking: This watch tracks every detail of your activities. From the most basic monitoring such as steps, distance, and heart rate. To the more advanced data such as lactate threshold, pace, VO2 max, stride length, and recovery estimate. Everything you need to know to reach the next level.

Strava integrated: Sync this Fenix watch with your Strava account easily and access all the fantastic Strava features, such as route uploading and planning.

Mobile-friendly: This GPS smartwatch can be connected to your local WIFI and automatically receive notification from Garmin connect.

Training mode: Plan your training schedule and enjoy having a personal trainer around the wrist.

LCD: The full-color display with LED backlighting facilitates the readability of the watch under bright sunlight.

Design: The Fenix 5 is smaller and more lightweight than the previous edition. Plus, it offers numerous models that can fit every wrist size.

Wristband: Forget about the nerdy/sporty look from most sports watches. This watch as a wide selection of easily removable wrist bands. From leather to metal and silicone, you can transform this watch to match your style.

For all the details, check the Fenix 5X Sapphire on Amazon here.

The best affordable watch for OCR racing

TomTom Spark cardio + music

The first smartwatch I use during a Spartan Race was the TomTom Spark. The affordable price and numerous features were the deal breaker. I was able to track all my activities (race, workout, and everyday stroll) for less than 200$.

The 4gb of music storage was more than enough to keep me motivated during my runs and cross-fit sessions. I could connect my Bluetooth earbuds and finally get rid of the annoying cable.

Here's why I recommend this TomTom Spark watch to anyone looking to buy a smartwatch for obstacle racing without breaking the bank.

Highlights

• Inexpensive option
• Waterproof
• Long battery life
• Built-in GPS
• Track your calories burning rate
• Monitor your heart rate
• Connect with your Bluetooth earbuds
• PC and Mac compatible
• Different training program mode
• Listen to music during your run
• Easy to read interface

Consideration

• Not unbreakable
• Limited 5 hours battery life with GPS mode

Suitable for

• Beginner
• Running
• 5k obstacle race
• Spartan Race (Stadium, Sprint, Super)
• First GPS watch

Features

Price: The TomTom Spark is a very affordable option, especially if it's your first GPS watch.

Waterproof: This watch can be used for swimming activities, and can resist being submerged in water.

Battery life: The watch can operate up to a week without being recharged. However, if you use the GPS and heart rate features, the battery won't last more than 5 or 6 hours.

GPS: Track the distance of your run with the built-in GPS features.

Calorie counter: Track your activities and the number of calories burned.

Heart rate: Monitor your heart rate with the built-in wrist sensor.

Bluetooth and music: Connect your earbuds and listen to music while running.

PC and Mac compatible: Connect to your computer via USB cable.

For all the details, check the TomTom Spark on Amazon here.

What are the essential features of a GPS watch for OCR?

Smartwatches are becoming mainstream, and even my grand-mother is tracking her daily activities. However, this kind of watch is not suitable for obstacle racing. Here are the essential features to look for when shopping for a GPS watch.

1. Durability

During an obstacle race, such as Spartan Race or Tough Mudder, your gear is put to the test. The durability of your watch is crucial; otherwise, it will break, and you might lose it on the course.

Make sure you choose from the most well-known brands of GPS sports watches because they are designing the watch with materials that can survive the pressure of an obstacle race.

However, the wrist band is the most susceptible part to be torn or pull. Therefore, it's crucial to get a watch that has an easily replaceable wrist band.

2. Mud and water resistance

Most sports watches are water resistant, and they can endure a certain water depth. However, you'll need more than the standard "water resistant" for an obstacle race or a mud run.

The ideal watch for obstacle racing has to be sealed tight, so that water, mud, or dirt won't penetrate the internal structures of your watch. Also, it should easily resist a good cleaning session after the race.

Furthermore, I recommend waiting until the watch is clean and completely dry before connecting it to your computer because the USB ports could still contain dirt or water that could damage your watch.

3. Battery life

The primary concern among runners is the battery life. Will I have enough battery for the entire race? This is especially true for a long-distance race such a marathon, ultra-marathon, Spartan Beast and Ultra-Beast.

Therefore, it imperative that you look for a watch with extended battery life. In my experience, 7 to 8 hours is good, but 12 to 15 is ideal. Only the high-end watches will last more than 20 hours.

Also, there are various settings that you can tweak to get more battery life. For example, you can turn off Bluetooth and smartphone notifications, but also reduce the brightness and backlight of your watch face. Furthermore, some runners have adjusted the GPS setting to hiking mode, which communicates less often with the satellite to ping the current location. At the end of the day, the design of your route map will be less accurate, but at least your watch didn't stop working half ways through the race.

4. Time tracking

Definitely, the most useful features of a sports watch, the ability to track and monitor time is very appreciated during an obstacle race. Whether you are running to beat a personal goal or simply check in your progress through the race, time tracking is an essential feature. Many events have cut-off time, and your watch will tell if you can slow down or need to speed up.

5. Route tracking

Probably the coolest features of a GPS smartwatch is the route tracking. The most common advantage is to collect the route map along with your running data. At the end of each run, you can visualize the route on a 3D map. The course will have unique markers to indicate the distance and the elevation of the location, along with your running pace, heart rate, stride length, and other details.

Furthermore, before a race, you can upload a course map onto the watch, and you'll be able to know if you are on the right path for the whole run. This is especially useful for running in a remote area, where trail markers are not always visible.

6. Calorie counter

For the serious athletes who are following a strict nutrition plan or those who want to burn fat, the calorie counter is a helpful feature to have. Depending on the activity and its intensity, the watch is tracking your calories.

7. Heart rate

Keeping track of your heart rate during a race is the best way to measure the intensity and level of your effort. The watch as the ability to tell if you can push harder or if you are at risk of a heart attack.

For example, the maximum heart rate for a runner age 37, like me, should not exceed 187. This information is critical to track during an intense race, such as a Spartan Race.

I don't want the be that runner who needs the defibrillator, because I push too hard.

8. Accelerometers

If your training includes running on a treadmill, you must look for the accelerometer feature. This tool allows the watch to track your movements, even if you are not moving in space or if the GPS signal is weak.

This feature is especially loved by those looking to improve their running forms and collecting precise data from their training.

9. Data tracking

Every smartwatch can track a multitude of information with the help of sensors. That information includes steps pace, distance, stride, heart rate, and route.

But the most advanced monitoring cover lactate threshold, which is exceptionally beneficial to pinpoint your maximum running pace before generating too much lactic acid than your body can consume.

Your VO2 max is another critical measurement to track the maximum amount of oxygen you can utilize during a run.

All of those biometric data will help improve your performance and reach the next level (read: podium).

10. Bluetooth and wireless features

All of the collected data has to be upload to your computer, and this is where the Bluetooth feature becomes very handy. No need to plug your watch with a dangling cable. Only log in your account and let the smartwatch communicate with the computer.

11. Mobile-friendly

Some watches can also be paired with your mobile to enable notification and message directly into your watch.

12. Training mode

For those who are serious about training and need extra motivation, the programmable training schedule is a nice to have feature. It enables you to create a specific workout plan and monitor your result.

Why using a GPS watch during an obstacle race?

Most runners on the course are not using a GPS watch, and they are doing fine without one. However, I'm sure they would if they knew the benefits. I did many races without a smartwatch, but now I couldn't live without it.

The main benefits are time and route tracking. You'll know exactly how much distance you run and a much more before the finish line. The most asked question during a race is how much kilometer is left. Not knowing the answer can take a toll on your mood. It used to occupy my mind most of the race, and now that I have the answer around my wrist, I can focus more on enjoying the run.

The other benefit is energy management. Obstacle races are mostly endurance events where you need every ounce of energy to reach the finish line. You don't want to go too hard or extremely slow, because you risk on draining your body energy too fast or staying on the course for excessively long (which result on burning too much energy). Knowing your actual pace will significantly improve your performance. Personally, it also helps with my anxiety. Now I know the ideal level of effort to put, without risking burnout.

Is OCR too risky to damage the watch?

If you ever did a Spartan Race or other similar events, you are probably wondering how dangerous it is to break your expensive smartwatch watch. And you are right, the course is brutal, and there is a significant chance your gear will get torn or broken.

Therefore you'll need a watch that is tougher than a Spartan Race. It's not the place to wear your grand-father timepiece or your cool looking Casio watch.

The ideal watch would be bulletproof, with proper screen protection, lockable button pushes, and heavy-duty wrist band.

Takeaway

A GPS watch can be of tremendous help during an obstacle race but also while training. From my experience, it's been the extra motivation I need to reach my goals.

The only watch I would entirely trust to survive an obstacle race is this Fenix 5X. It has all those important you need, and it's worth every penny. However, TomTom Spark is also an affordable option. Both watches had been through many obstacle races and proven their capacity to sustain the abuse of a Spartan Race.

At first, spending that amount of money for a watch seems like an unnecessary expense. However, when it comes to fitness, I consider this as an investment in my health. For me, If this means becoming the active person I want to be, It's worth it!.

---