Best running buggies for 2023

A running buggy is a brilliant training tool, allowing you to continue exercising once you've had children. Here's what to look for when buying plus our picks of the best to buy…

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By 220 Triathlon Team, Emma Peak

Published: April 28, 2023 at 8:00 am

Having a family does not necessarily mean less time for exercise. Running buggies allow you to train while making memories with young children and babies as you take them along for the ride.

When buying your first running buggy, however, it’s important to consider all the options to make sure you’re investing in the right product for your family and lifestyle.

Here we provide all the information you’ll need for choosing the right one for you – plus our pick of the best running buggies.

Running buggies have many features that are different to a regular buggy. It’s not recommended to run or jog with a buggy that’s not specifically made for running, as you need one that provides a more cushioned, safer ride for the infant, is easier for you to run with, and has the right tyres to provide better suspension.

Happily, there are running buggies available that can also be used as everyday pushchairs. There are also some truly versatile models available that are particularly good for multisport training for triathletes.

For easier manoeuvrability, increased stability, and improved comfort when moving at speed and tackling steep hills and uneven terrain, running buggies tend to have three, large air-filled tyres, rear-wheel suspension, and lightweight frames.

The best running buggies have three oversized, air-filled tyres to ensure a smooth glide over various terrain. These are usually about 16in.

A good running buggy will also have rear wheel suspension that can absorb impact much like a mountain bike in order to make a smoother ride for the baby and less vibration for you.

A smaller wheel at the front allows for easy steering and manoeuvrability.

The front wheel is usually smaller and can be fixed or locked in place, which is safer as it prevents the running buggy from turning sharply when encountering uneven terrain.

If the front wheel swivels, you can easily be bounced off an object and pulled to one side.

Some models are designed with the option to lock the front wheel into place for running and release it to swivel freely for normal use.

This is an extra safety feature to slow you down when running downhill much like you would do on a bike. Not available on all models on the market.

Handlebars are usually adjustable on running buggies so you can find the correct height and enjoy a comfortable running position.

Some running buggies can also be used from newborn stage as a regular pushchair (running with an infant should only be done from six months of age) by adding an infant sling or baby supporter.

Some front wheels can be adjusted, too. The Mountain Buggy Terrain, for example, houses an adjustable tracking device for precision steering adjustment and maximum stability.

It also has a torsion lever to make micro wheel camber adjustments for perfect tracking.

Although you can expect your average running speed to be slower while pushing a running buggy, they have proven their high-performance ability and are not as slow as you might think.

Many are designed with a lightweight aluminium frame, so they are lighter and easier to push uphill or over difficult terrain. Aerodynamic designs also reduce wind interference.

Three Thule models have even made their way into the Guinness World Record books for fastest marathon or half marathon while pushing a stroller.

Parents can jog with their children as early as six months of age, although you should always consult your GP/midwife/paediatrician before jogging with children under one year old.

As well as the locking front wheel, suspension, and handbrakes, other good safety features to look for are covers and shades to protect your child from rain and sun, good ventilation, a strong safety harness that can be adjusted as your child grows, and a hand wrist strap to prevent the buggy from slipping away.

Yes. They need to be compliant with EN1888-2, which specifies the safety requirements and test methods for pushchairs and prams.

To guarantee the safest ride possible, please abide by the following guidelines:

Most running buggies are designed to be flexible and allow for growing children to start using as early as 6 months of age and up to 4 years old (or 112cm height) with a maximum weight capacity of 22 kg per child.

However, you’ll find that your child will determine how long you use a running buggy. As they grow, they’ll be more active and less happy to ride in the buggy for long periods.

Taking your running buggy off-road, up mountain trails and through forest paths, it’s bound to get muddy and grimy. As they are simply built, running buggies are usually simple to clean and maintain.

Many have removable seating that can be taken out and wiped. Approach the main frame of the buggy as you would a bike – but use baby-safe soap. First, though, read the manual so you don’t do anything while cleaning that could damage the buggy.

Rio Olympic triathlon gold medallist Gwen Jorgensen uses the Baby Jogger Summit X3 x Robin Arzón Jogging Stroller to train with her family.

Designed in partnership between Baby Jogger and marathon runner and fitness instructor Robin Arzón, this running buggy boasts air-filled rubber tyres, all-wheel suspension and, what the brand claims, a unique, hand-operated deceleration brake to provide increased control and added safety.

This running buggy is equipped with a handlebar-mounted swivel lock, which should lock the front wheel quickly when you want to start running or releases to swivel mode for walking. It can also be customised with a belly bar, a weathershield and a parent console (all sold separately).

Perfect for triathletes – 2018 Commonwealth triathlon champion Henri Schoeman uses one with his daughter Lilya – the Cybex Zeno Multisport Stroller alternates between a running buggy, cycling trailer and even a ski trailer.

The kit for the Cybex Zeno Multisport Stroller can be bought individually so you can configure your Zeno how you wish. There’s a Zeno frame, Seat Pack, Hands-free Running Kit, Cycling Kit and Skiing Kit so you can swap between push-running, hands-free running, cycling and cross-country skiing.

The Nipper Sport V4 by Out N About has the three-wheel design and handlebar-mounted brake lever designed for manoeuvrability and ease of use.

The aluminium frame should make it lightweight, while the 16in air-filled tyres, rear suspension, and multi-position reclining seat are designed for ease of use over all types of terrain.

It also has a near lie-flat seat – aimed at newborns – with a newborn support available to buy separately for additional comfort, as well as adjustable handlebars, removable seat liners, and a storage pocket.

This multisport bike trailer from well-known Swedish brand Thule is designed for four activities so it also functions as a running buggy as well as a regular pushchair and cross-country ski trailer.

The Thule VersaWing system is said to allow for quick and easy conversion between activities, regardless of the kit used, plus it all folds down to a compact size.

The Chariot Cross also has adjustable suspension, removable padded seats that are said to be easy to clean, and large cargo space. There’s an adjustable handlebar and an infant sling can be bought separately.

Other features include fully reclining seats and a leaf spring suspension which should make for a comfortable ride. Triathlete-friendly accessories include a Thule Organizer Sport 1 (£49.99) with a zippered pocked and built-in cup holder, and the Thule Bottle Cage (£24.99).

The Mountain Buggy Terrain comes with a pair of 16in and 12in rear wheels, which should provide you with the flexibility you need to change between the larger size for running and off-road terrain, and the smaller size for everyday use out and about in town.

It also has a 3-mode front wheel, so you can set your front wheel to lock back, lock forward, or fully swivel 360 degrees.

It also comes with two bottle holders, adjustable handlebars, and a hand-operated active brake.

Designed for different terrains, thanks to large pneumatic wheels and suspension, the more affordable Hauck Runner 2 tricycle buggy is designed for field and forest paths as well as pavements.

The front wheel on this running buggy can be both swivelled and locked, and it also features a large canopy with UPF 50+, a large mesh window for air circulation, adjustable backrest with lie-flat position, and a height-adjustable handle.

Top image credit: Getty Images

Journalists, reviewers, coaches and athletes

The 220 Triathlon team is made up of vastly experienced athletes, sports journalists, kit reviewers and coaches. In short, what we don't know about multisport frankly isn't worth knowing! Saying that, we love expanding our sporting knowledge and increasing our expertise in this phenomenal sport.

Thule’s UK Active With Kids specialist

Emma Peak is Thule’s UK Active With Kids specialist

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