Garmin Forerunner 255 Review: The Best Value GPS Watch for Ultra Trail Marathoners and Triathletes

When you’re training for ultra trail marathons, Ironman triathlons, or marathon swims in Johannesburg’s diverse terrain, having a reliable sports watch is essential. I’ve tested the Garmin Forerunner 255 extensively across running, cycling, and swimming, and I’m convinced it offers some of the best value for money among GPS watches available in South Africa. Whether you’re an ultra road runner or a triathlete, this watch balances features, durability, and price in a way that suits serious athletes here.

Garmin Forerunner 255 on wrist during trail run in Johannesburg

Design and Comfort for Long Training Sessions

The Forerunner 255 is lightweight and comfortable, which matters a lot when you’re clocking 50+ kilometers on trails or cycling for hours. The watch sits snugly on the wrist without feeling bulky or heavy. Its silicone strap is breathable and adjustable, perfect for Johannesburg’s sometimes hot and humid conditions.

The screen is bright and easy to read in direct sunlight, which is a must when you’re running early morning or late afternoon in open areas like the Magaliesberg or Suikerbosrand. The watch also offers customizable watch faces and widgets, so you can prioritize the data you want to see at a glance.

Tracking Features That Support Multi-Sport Athletes

For someone like me who juggles ultra trail marathons, Ironman triathlons, marathon swimming, and ultra road running, the Forerunner 255 covers all bases:

• Running: It tracks pace, distance, cadence, and elevation gain with impressive accuracy. The built-in GPS works well even in dense forest or mountainous terrain.

• Cycling: It pairs easily with external sensors like power meters and cadence sensors, providing detailed cycling metrics.

• Swimming: The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters and tracks stroke count, distance, and pace in open water and pools.

• Multi-sport mode: You can switch between sports seamlessly during triathlon training or races.

  
  

One feature I found especially useful is the real-time stamina monitoring, which helps prevent burnout by showing how much energy you have left during long runs or rides. This is a game-changer for ultra-distance events.

Battery Life That Keeps Up with Your Training

Battery life is a critical factor for ultra trail runners and triathletes. The Forerunner 255 offers up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours with continuous GPS tracking. This means you can easily rely on it for multi-day trail runs or long training sessions without worrying about recharging.

In my experience running the rugged trails around Johannesburg and participating in long swims, the battery lasted well beyond my expectations. The watch also supports fast charging, so a quick 15-minute charge gives you hours of use.

Software and Connectivity for South Africa Sports Enthusiasts

Garmin’s ecosystem is strong, and the Forerunner 255 integrates smoothly with the Garmin Connect app. This app provides detailed analytics, training plans, and recovery insights tailored to your performance. It also supports syncing with popular third-party apps like Strava and TrainingPeaks, which many South African athletes use.

The watch supports smart notifications, so you can receive calls, texts, and calendar alerts on your wrist without pulling out your phone during training. This feature is handy when running in Johannesburg’s parks or cycling on the R21 highway.

Price and Value for Money in South Africa

The Forerunner 255 is priced competitively compared to other GPS watches with similar features. In South Africa, it offers excellent value sports watch status because it combines advanced tracking, durability, and comfort without the premium price tag of high-end models.

For a 24-year-old athlete like me, balancing budget and performance is key. The Forerunner 255 delivers on both fronts. It’s a smart investment for anyone serious about running, cycling, or swimming in South Africa’s varied environments.

Garmin Forerunner 255 showing multi-sport tracking on Johannesburg trail

Why It Stands Out Among the Best Sports Watches in South Africa

Many sports watches claim to be the best, but the Forerunner 255 stands out because it fits the needs of diverse athletes here:

• Accurate GPS and sensors that handle urban and trail environments well

• Multi-sport versatility for triathletes and multi-discipline training

• Strong battery life for ultra-distance events

• Comfortable design for long hours of wear

• Affordable price compared to premium models

  
  

This combination makes it a top choice for runners, cyclists, and swimmers who want a reliable, all-around sports watch without overspending.

Practical Tips for Using the Forerunner 255 in Johannesburg

To get the most from your Forerunner 255 while training in South Africa:

• Use the customizable data screens to focus on metrics that matter most for your sport.

• Take advantage of the stamina and recovery features to avoid overtraining.

• Sync regularly with Garmin Connect to track progress and adjust training plans.

• Pair the watch with external sensors for cycling or swimming to enhance data accuracy.

• Use the weather and sunrise/sunset widgets to plan your outdoor sessions safely.

  
  

These simple steps help you maximize the watch’s features and improve your performance.

Garmin Forerunner 255 on wrist with Johannesburg cityscape

The Forerunner 255 is a solid choice for anyone serious about running in South Africa sports environments. It offers a balance of features, durability, and price that few other watches match.