Running News Daily

We tested affordable and high-end watches to see which located satellites quickest, and asked Garmin and Apple for their best troubleshooting tips.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever tried not to look awkward on the curb waiting for your smartwatch to get a GPS signal before a run. Like you, I’ve had my fair share of feigning interest in cloud formations, overstretching my quads, or just holding my wrist up to the sky while crossing the street with the faintest hope that maybe reaching for a satellite will make it engage with my watch.

During the winter months when I lived in a city apartment surrounded by tall buildings, I used to risk theft instead of freezing before my run. I’d leave my watch on the sidewalk, hoping an opportunist wouldn’t snatch it as I bundled up inside. Sometimes it’d get a signal. Mostly, I’d still be standing outside, shivering, waiting for one. Nobody ever stole my watch because no one was crazy enough to be outside on days I ran (every day, every season).

Those days are far behind me. My current watch, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar, gets a signal when I’m wearing it around my apartment in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. It’ll give me the green light even when I’m in my windowless bathroom or foyer.

My previous Garmin watches were the Forerunner 10, 45, 345 Music, and 745 Music. Considering this history, I wondered if a higher model number correlated with getting a quicker GPS signal. Or was it just my move outside the city to a skyscraper-free valley? Or, maybe enabling the watch’s Bluetooth connection to my smartphone helped me get a signal more easily. Wanting to find answers—and get a few tips— I contacted Apple and Garmin with troubleshooting questions. I also tested several watches to see which found GPS signals fastest.

GPS Signal Test—and Bust

To compare the times it takes different smartwatches to get a GPS signal, I asked the RW test team to relinquish their models. (Fools.) The watches tested included:

For my “lab” setup, I reset each watch to its factory settings (with the blessing of my coworkers) and synced it to my phone. After flitting through app download upon app download and creating user profiles for each one, I then used my phone’s timer to measure how long each took to get a signal in four different situations:

Indoors next to a window, with Bluetooth connection to my phone

Indoors next to a window, without Bluetooth connection to my phone

Outside with Bluetooth connection to my phone

Outside without Bluetooth connection to my phone

Testing was...frustrating. Results were everywhere. I recorded at the office and at home. There were lots of outside variables and other issues that led to mixed outcomes. 

For example, ideally I would test the watches at different altitudes, in an open field, in the middle of Times Square, beneath an overcast sky on one day and cloudless skies on another. But time and travel had me abbreviate testing conditions. And in the end, it seems all of the above wouldn’t have mattered anyway.

By chance, I was able to do the window test on both a cloudy and sunny day, and results varied—for each watch. For instance, the Coros Vertix 2 clocked 01:16.64 by an office window with Bluetooth on a cloudy day. On a clear and sunny day, it found a signal in 00:15.89. Just minutes later on that same day, in that same position, it located a satellite in 00:09.78. 

The $700 Coros Vertix 2 also took longer to get a signal, both with and without Bluetooth, compared to the more affordable Garmin Forerunner 45. The fastest times from my Coros and Garmin tests are compared below:

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar performed as expected, beating the Forerunner 45 by approximately two seconds in both trials.

What could cause a high-end smartwatch like the Coros Vertix 2 to underperform? And how does a $130-Garmin get a signal faster than Usain Bolt’s world record-breaking 100-meter dash (00:09.58)?

On Coros’s support webpage, users are advised to download GPS satellite location data and send it to their watch before their runs. Data validity depends on the watch model and will last three to seven days. When location data expires, the watch can take over two minutes to receive a signal. Usually, the data updates automatically if the watch is synced with the Coros companion app on your smartphone. However, sometimes you will need to perform this update manually. 

Talking With Garmin

Joe Heikes, who is Garmin’s international product manager, said the model number and price of a watch will sometimes have an effect on the time it takes to get a signal. “Higher end models have additional satellite reception technologies that can improve performance. For example, the Forerunner 255, 265, 955, and 965 all have multi-band satellite receivers, whereas our entry-level Forerunner 55 does not.”

To get a faster signal, syncing your watch with your phone is the number one most important thing a user can do. 

“Through that phone sync in the background, we send the watch satellite data that helps tremendously with the speed of signal acquisition—and accuracy, too,” said Heikes. “To be clear, you don’t have to always be connected to the phone, and you certainly do NOT have to take the phone along on the run to get the benefit. However, if you are normally connected to the phone on a daily basis, then the watch will have the best, most up-to-date satellite data to work with when you do head out the door for your run.”

Heikes also confirmed that tall buildings do block satellite signals. But when it comes to congested areas—say, a race corral—the amount of time for your watch’s GPS to kick in is in no way delayed due to the crowd of runners also waiting for a signal. 

“It’s not like cellphones where everyone is vying for a channel,” said Heikes. “All the watches can listen to the satellites at the same time, just like all the cars on the freeway can be listening to the same FM radio station at the same time.”

Going Ultra

Out of the five tested, the one watch that made using a timer obsolete was the Apple Watch Ultra. This is because the watch doesn’t alert you before a workout when it has acquired a GPS signal. It features a precision dual-frequency GPS system—the watch already has a signal and provides data (pace, time, map, etc.) postrun. The standard system on smartwatches is a single L1 GPS frequency band, which can go wonky when tall buildings or dense foliage block satellites. The Ultra uses both L1 and L5 frequency GPS, allowing it to have the most accurate GPS in dense areas. 

Additionally, L5 combined with Apple’s map-matching software greatly improves accuracy for city workouts. For example, if you’re running the Chicago Marathon, Apple Maps data is used in combination with data from Apple Watch. This gives you an accurate route map, as opposed to showing that you’re running in the river.

This system, however, has its flaws. Jeff Dengate, Runner-in-Chief and director of product testing, found the Apple Watch Ultra’s distance measurements a little off, cutting his runs shorter compared to the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar. (Dengate ran with both watches simultaneously to test their accuracy on a USATF distance-certified racecourse.) You can use the Precision Start feature, which omits the “3-2-1 Ready!” countdown before your run and lets you know when it locks a GPS signal on the top left of the watchface. It’s an ideal shortcut when you’re toeing a race’s start line.

Dual-frequency and Precision Start are major pluses for the Apple Watch Ultra. But there are other features to consider when choosing a smartwatch besides which one gets GPS the quickest. (Battery life, weight, and ease of navigation are especially important for runners.) However, if your patience costs $800—well, I’ll leave you to make that decision on your own.

The prospect of seeing one of athletics' biggest stars back on the track is growing stronger, with Jakob Ingebrigtsen reportedly targeting a return to competition later this summer following his recovery from Achilles tendon surgery.

According to comments made by his agent, Daniel Wessfeldt, in an interview with Norwegian media, the double Olympic champion could make his long-awaited comeback at one of three major European meetings in July. The leading options under consideration are the Monaco Diamond League on July 10, the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix on July 14, and the London Diamond League on July 18.

For athletics fans, the possibility of Ingebrigtsen lining up in London would add another layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated Diamond League meeting. The Norwegian middle-distance sensation has become one of the sport's most dominant figures in recent years, collecting Olympic, world and European titles while consistently rewriting record books.

His 2026 campaign was put on hold after he underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon earlier this year, forcing him to focus on rehabilitation rather than competition. Since then, questions have surrounded when the 24-year-old would be ready to return to racing.

The latest update suggests that decision will largely depend on how his training progresses over the coming weeks. If recovery continues according to plan, July could mark the beginning of his return to elite competition ahead of the latter stages of the season.

A comeback at either Monaco, Budapest or London would immediately place Ingebrigtsen back among the sport's biggest storylines. Each meeting is renowned for producing world-class performances, and any appearance by the Norwegian would attract significant attention from fans eager to see how quickly he can regain top form after his injury setback.

While no final decision has been confirmed, the signs are increasingly positive. After months away from competition, Jakob Ingebrigtsen appears to be edging closer to a return, with London's Diamond League meeting emerging as one of the most intriguing possibilities on his road back to the track.

Should his recovery continue smoothly, athletics could soon welcome back one of its brightest and most influential stars.

What should have been the defining moment of Emad Bashir-Mohammed's young running career instead turned into one of the most talked-about controversies in American road racing this year.

The 23-year-old crossed the finish line first in the men's citizen's race at the prestigious Bolder Boulder 10K on Memorial Day in Colorado, stopping the clock at an impressive 29:50. His performance was not only a commanding victory but also one of the fastest winning times ever recorded in the event's long and celebrated history. Bashir-Mohammed finished eight seconds clear of his nearest challenger and appeared to have secured a breakthrough triumph.

For nearly two hours, he was the undisputed winner.

Then everything changed.

Race officials announced that Bashir-Mohammed had been disqualified after determining that he had started in the wrong wave. According to Bolder Boulder regulations, he had been assigned to the AA wave but lined up with the faster A wave, which began earlier. Event rules allow runners to move backward into a slower wave, but prohibit athletes from advancing into a faster one.

As a result, Bashir-Mohammed's victory was erased from the record books.

The citizen's title was subsequently awarded to Nickolas Scudder, who crossed the line second in 29:58. The promotion handed Scudder back-to-back citizen's race victories, while Bashir-Mohammed was left to grapple with the disappointment of losing a win he believed he had earned on the road.

The disqualification has since ignited widespread debate across the running community.

Bashir-Mohammed maintains that he did not intentionally violate the rules. He claims that after collecting his AA bib, he spoke with race personnel and was permitted to start with the A wave after presenting evidence of his recent performances. In a statement shared after the race, he expressed frustration over the decision, arguing that his goal was simply to compete against the strongest field available and produce the fastest time possible.

Race organizers, however, stood firmly behind their ruling. Officials stated that wave-assignment regulations are clearly communicated in pre-race information and reiterated during packet collection. They also noted that hundreds of participants are disqualified each year for moving into faster start groups, emphasizing that consistent enforcement is necessary to maintain fairness for all competitors.

The incident has divided opinion among runners and fans alike. Some believe the rules must be applied equally regardless of an athlete's finishing position, arguing that wave assignments are a fundamental part of race organization. Others feel the punishment is harsh, particularly if Bashir-Mohammed genuinely received approval to move up before the start.

What remains undisputed is the quality of his performance. On the roads of Boulder, Bashir-Mohammed demonstrated the fitness and speed required to outrun the field by a significant margin. Yet in road racing, crossing the finish line first is only part of the equation. Compliance with race regulations carries equal weight.

For Bashir-Mohammed, the day will be remembered as a painful lesson in the fine margins that can define elite competition. A remarkable run delivered a memorable victory, but a dispute over wave placement ultimately overshadowed the achievement, leaving behind a controversy that continues to fuel discussion throughout the running world.

A fast race, a costly administrative error, and a debate that may linger long after the finish-line tape has been packed away.

The men's 100 metres at the 2026 Rome Diamond League is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sprint races of the season, with an exceptional field featuring some of the fastest men in the world.

Scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the race will bring together reigning stars, established champions and emerging talents in a contest that promises fireworks from the moment the gun goes off.

Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala headlines a world-class lineup that includes American sprint sensation Noah Lyles, Botswana's Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, Jamaica's explosive Ackeem Blake, South Africa's ever-consistent Akani Simbine and Italy's hometown hero Lamont Marcell Jacobs. With personal bests ranging from 9.77 to 9.97 seconds, the field is packed with athletes capable of producing something special on the Diamond League stage.

Omanyala, the African record holder with a blistering personal best of 9.77 seconds, arrives in Rome eager to continue his strong early-season form and prove he can challenge the very best on the global circuit. The Kenyan star has built a reputation as one of the fastest starters in world sprinting and will be looking to make a statement against an elite field.

Standing in his way is world champion Noah Lyles, whose personal best of 9.79 seconds places him among the fastest athletes in history. The American remains one of the sport's biggest attractions and will be determined to add another Diamond League victory to his impressive résumé.

The race also marks a major test for Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo. The Botswanan star has rapidly become one of athletics' most exciting talents, while Ackeem Blake continues to establish himself as a serious contender on the international sprint scene.

Adding further intrigue is the presence of Italy's Lamont Marcell Jacobs. Competing on home soil, the Tokyo Olympic champion will enjoy passionate local support as he seeks to deliver a memorable performance in front of the Roman crowd.

South Africa's Akani Simbine, Cameroon's Emmanuel Eseme, Great Britain's Jeremiah Azu and rising American talent Jordan Anthony complete a field that boasts remarkable depth and quality.

Men's 100m Entry List – Rome Diamond League 2026

Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya) – PB: 9.77

Noah Lyles (USA) – PB: 9.79

Lamont Marcell Jacobs (Italy) – PB: 9.80

Akani Simbine (South Africa) – PB: 9.82

Letsile Tebogo (Botswana) – PB: 9.86

Ackeem Blake (Jamaica) – PB: 9.88

Jordan Anthony (USA) – PB: 9.91

Emmanuel Eseme (Cameroon) – PB: 9.96

Jeremiah Azu (Great Britain) – PB: 9.97

With multiple national record holders, global champions and Olympic medal contenders sharing the same start line, the Rome Diamond League men's 100m could deliver one of the fastest races of the year. For sprint fans around the world, all eyes will be on Rome as a stellar cast battles for supremacy over athletics' blue-riband distance.

Audrey Werro announced her arrival as one of the early stars of the 2026 outdoor season with a commanding victory in the women’s 800 metres at the Rabat Diamond League, producing a performance that exceeded even her own expectations.

The Swiss middle-distance talent surged to victory in a brilliant 1:56.56, breaking the meeting record and delivering one of the fastest times recorded worldwide this season. In a race packed with quality, Werro displayed exceptional composure, confidence, and finishing strength to separate herself from the field and stamp her authority on the event.

What made the performance even more remarkable was the athlete's surprise at the level she had already reached so early in the campaign.

"I was not expecting such a strong start to the season," Werro admitted after the race.

The race unfolded at a relentless pace, but Werro remained perfectly positioned throughout. As the athletes approached the bell lap, she glanced at the clock and immediately sensed something special was within reach.

"When I saw the time at the bell, I felt really confident," she said. "I'm really happy with the Meeting Record and looking forward to the rest of the season."

Her confidence proved justified. Maintaining her rhythm over the final 400 metres, Werro powered down the home straight to secure the victory and rewrite the Rabat meeting record books in the process.

The performance sends an early warning to her rivals ahead of a season that promises major championships and high-profile Diamond League battles. Beyond the record-breaking time, Werro's display highlighted her growing maturity as a racer, combining tactical awareness with impressive speed and endurance.

With the outdoor season only beginning, the 1:56.56 clocking suggests that even faster times could be on the horizon. If Rabat is any indication, Audrey Werro may be poised for the biggest season of her career.

Her emphatic victory in Morocco was more than just another Diamond League win—it was a statement of intent from an athlete determined to challenge the world's best throughout 2026.

The city of Boston is set to welcome back one of its most celebrated champions as Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi headlines a world-class field for the 2026 B.A.A. 10K presented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute on June 21.

Fresh from another remarkable victory at the Boston Marathon in April, Lokedi returns to the streets of Boston and Cambridge carrying both momentum and confidence as she aims to defend the title she captured in dominant fashion last year.

The two-time Boston Marathon champion has developed a special connection with the historic race city. In 2025, she produced a course-record performance of 2:17:22 to win the Boston Marathon before returning this year to claim another victory in 2:18:51, the second-fastest winning time in the event’s storied history. Her success has cemented her status as one of the premier road runners in the world.

Lokedi will be making her first competitive appearance since her marathon triumph and arrives as the reigning B.A.A. 10K champion after clocking 31:39 over the challenging 6.2-mile course in 2025.

“Boston has become a very special place for me,” Lokedi said ahead of the race. “The atmosphere created by the fans and the community is unlike anywhere else. I’m excited to return and give everything I have to defend my title.”

The women’s race promises to be highly competitive. American Olympian Rachel Smith, who finished second at the Boston 5K in April, leads the domestic challenge. Kenya’s strong contingent includes African 10,000m champion Gladys Kwamboka, former B.A.A. 10K runner-up Stacy Ndiwa, and experienced road racer Viola Cheptoo. British Olympian Jessica Warner-Judd adds further international depth to a field packed with proven performers.

The men’s race is equally impressive, featuring elite athletes from 13 nations.

Ethiopia’s Dawit Seare enters as one of the leading contenders after capturing the 2025 Boston 5K title and bringing the fastest 10K personal best in the field at 27:21. Kenya will be represented by an accomplished group led by Alexander Mutiso, winner of the 2024 London Marathon and runner-up at last year’s New York City Marathon.

Patrick Kiprop also arrives in outstanding form after securing victory at the prestigious BolderBoulder 10K on Memorial Day, while Alex Masai returns looking to continue his strong record in Boston. Masai recently finished ninth at the Boston Marathon and has earned three top-ten finishes at the B.A.A. 10K.

Among the international stars making their mark is South Africa’s Adriaan Wildschutt, who makes his race debut after an impressive season highlighted by victory at the NYC Half Marathon in 59:30. Ethiopia’s Olympic bronze medallist Hagos Gebrhiwet adds further quality to the field, bringing a wealth of championship experience and previous success in Boston.

Canadian national 10K champion Andrew Alexander, two-time U.S. Olympian Hillary Bor, marathon standout Ryan Ford, and reigning USA 25K champion Andrew Colley complete a field stacked with talent and depth.

With defending champions, Olympic finalists, national champions and rising stars all converging on Boston, the 2026 B.A.A. 10K is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. For Sharon Lokedi, however, the mission is simple: return to the city where she has repeatedly excelled and add another memorable chapter to her growing Boston legacy.