• Many runners use running watches to track their workout data.runner's legs image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  Running watches must have certain features if they are to be useful to runners. These features usually include a stopwatch, an interval timer, and storage to keep track of laps. Additional features that runners may find helpful may include a heart rate monitor, the ability to interface with computer software that keeps track of workout data, the ability to track speed and distance, and storage capacity to hold workout data.
  
  

The Garmin Forerunner 305

• The Garmin Forerunner 305 measures average heart rate, heart rate zone, and heart rate per lap. It also measures distance traveled, the distance of the current lap, elevation, average and lap pace, and average and lap speed. The watch connects to a computer via a USB port. It can track advanced and simple workouts as well as interval training, and can hold 1000 laps in memory. In addition, its "breadcrumb" GPS feature allows you to keep track of your running routes. Sports Watch Informant rates it the best sports watch for the money on the market.
  
  

Timex Men's and Women's 1440 Sport Digital Watch

• The Times Men's 1440 Sport Digital Watch is a lower-priced sports watch with a large digital display. It has a 24-hour countdown timer and chronograph. It's water resistant to 50 meters, and keeps track of dual time zones. The women's version of the 1440 has the same basic features and is called the Sport Magnetism watch.
  
  

Timex Ironman Global Trainer

• The Times Ironman Global Trainer can display four screens at a time, allowing you to track time, speed and heart rate, as well as another customizable feature all at the same time. It also has GPS capabilities.
  
  

Timex Bodylink T5F011

• The GPS device of the Timex Bodylink T5F011 is separate from the watch itself and is worn either with an arm strap or clipped to your running shorts. Its "Finish Time" feature predicts your finish time on any given run. It provides continuous heart rate information and tracks eight heart rate zones. It tracks speed, pace and elevation, separating ascent and descent data. An optional data recorder is needed to transfer data to a computer. The watch keeps track of up to 100 laps.
  
  

Timex Women's Marathon Watch

• The Timex Women's Marathon watch is a low-priced running watch with a heart rate monitor, a graph indicator, and up to 12 preset timers. It is water resistant to 50 meters and has a night light.
  
  

Suunto T4

• The Suunto T4 tracks heart rate with adjustable heart rate zones. It also tracks real time speed and distance information, including total distance, lap distance, average speed, speed and distance per lap, and duration of rest periods. The "Suunto Coach" adjusts your training program for you automatically.
  
  

The Polar RS 400

• The Polar RS 400 displays real-time heart rate information, including heart rate per lap. It measures run distance and speed, and provides summaries of pace and speed information. It tracks calorie expenditure and exercise history, and has an interval timer.
  
  

Casio Digital Sports Watch

• The Casio Digital Sports Watch is a low-priced choice that tracks down time and has nine countdown timers, useful for interval training. The battery lasts for ten years, and the stopwatch has multiple options.
  
  

Freestyle Rockway Watch

• The Freestyle Rockway Watch is a discount watch with a 30-lap memory, unusual in this price range and good for interval training. The watch face is backlit, has a countdown timer and is water resistant to 100 meters.
  
  

Nike Triax WR0124-001

• The Nike Triax WR0124-001 is a low-priced sports watch with an unusually angled face that makes it easy to read while running. It has five interval timers and a ten-lap memory. This watch is a good choice for beginning or intermediate runners.