FIRST LOOK: Garmin Forerunner 970

The new Garmin Forerunner launch that redefines GPS Smart Watches for Triathletes & Runners

For performance-driven runners, there’s the Garmin Forerunner® 970 — which promises to be their most advanced model in the Forerunner series to date.

Designed with multisport athletes and triathletes in mind, the FR970 integrates expanded training analytics, full triathlon support, and new hardware components aimed at improving training precision and usability. This first look at the Garmin Forerunner 970 provides you with a detailed look at the core innovations, specifications, and pricing of the new running Forerunner to help you in understanding its capabilities and positioning in the GPS smartwatch category.

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Key Features of the Garmin Forerunner 970

The Garmin Forerunner 970 introduces new performance metrics not previously available in the Forerunner series. It includes innovative features such as Running Economy, which evaluates how efficiently energy is used at various speeds; Step Speedloss, which measures the effect of fatigue on cadence and stride; and Running Tolerance, a new indicator that quantifies the impact of running on the body. These features are tailored for data-focused athletes seeking deeper physiological insights during training and competition, designed to give you a better understanding of the physiological impact of running, and get a recommended weekly maximum mileage so you can keep training effectively without taking on too much.

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The watch expands Garmin’s triathlon support with updated training plans that incorporate swimming and cycling, in addition to running. This update marks the first time swim workouts are included in Forerunner triathlon programs. Daily Suggested Workouts have also been broadened to offer guidance across all three triathlon disciplines, allowing the FR970 to provide more comprehensive support during multisport training cycles.

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With Garmin Coach Adaptive Training Plans, you can train for an event, achieve a milestone, or improve your fitness with Garmin Coach training plans for running, triathlon, cycling or strength. Select plans adapt daily for personalised workouts based on your performance, recovery and health metrics.

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Additional updates include new planning and course adaptation features. Progression Planning allows athletes to monitor training load and recovery over time, supporting gradual improvements aligned with race-day goals. Course Improvement functionality enables users to match their training course to real-time event markers from officially mapped races, including the London Marathon, Boston Marathon, and Chicago Marathon. This feature adjusts the course data in real time to enhance pacing accuracy during events.

Whether you’re running on city streets or riding densely covered trails, the Forerunner 970 smartwatch provides full-colour, built-in mapping — now even more dynamic, intuitive and simpler to follow.

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From a hardware standpoint, the Forerunner 970 is equipped with a bright AMOLED display that provides high visibility in varying lighting conditions. It features a sapphire lens that enhances durability and resistance to wear. The inclusion of an LED flashlight and voice command functionality adds practical support for use in low-light environments and hands-free operation.

This model has a built-in Speaker and Microphonem allowing you to make and take phone calls from your watch when it’s paired to your smartphone. Plus, control watch functions with voice command — or use your smartphone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages and more.
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From the moment you wake up, get a readiness score based on your sleep quality, recovery, training load and more, so you can determine whether it’s a good day to go hard — or take it easy.

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Price and Availability

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is available at a recommended retail price of £629.99. It is positioned as a premium product within the Forerunner lineup, offering a broad range of advanced metrics and triathlon-focused tools.

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In addition, Garmin is releasing the Forerunner 570 at a recommended retail price of £459.99. The FR570 offers a lower-cost alternative for runners seeking a high-performance GPS smart watch without the full suite of triathlon features included in the FR970.

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The Garmin Forerunner 970 incorporates expanded multisport training capabilities, new performance metrics, and upgraded hardware elements. It is designed for athletes who require detailed physiological data, structured triathlon programming, and course-based training precision. The release of the FR970, along with the more accessible FR570, marks a notable update in Garmin’s Forerunner range and contributes new options for both elite and developing endurance athletes.

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Summary of Tech Specs & Innovations

● Key Features: Includes Sleep Score & Insights, Garmin ECG-App, integrated LED-Flash Light,

● Garmin Pay™, Multi-band GPS, Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation, and Music Storage.

● Battery Life: Up to 15 days in Smartwatch Mode and up to 26 hours in GPS Mode.

● Navigation: Built-in, full-colour mapping with improved navigation

● Communication: Make calls and send texts via voice with a paired compatible smartphone.

● Training Metrics: Features Training Readiness, Improved Training Status, and Running Metrics including Running Economy & Running Tolerance.

● Display: AMOLED with optional always-on mode, Sapphire crystal lens, Touchscreen, and a color display with 454 x 454 pixels resolution.

● Physical Specs: 56g weight, 47 x 47 x 12.9 mm size, Silicone strap, and 5 ATM waterproofness.

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Both Garmin Forerunner 970 and Forerunner 570 are available at SportsShoes.com in three different exciting colourways each. Visit our Garmin store to explore the whole Forerunner family and find your perfect running watch.

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