More than 60,000 participants completed the New York City Marathon last week, and the competition extended beyond the runners to their wrist-worn technology. While Garmin remains a dominant name in the category, other brands also secured spots among the elite finishers. The men’s champion, Andreas Almgren, competed in a Coros Pace 4, whereas the runner-up, Yemaneberhan Crippa, relied on an Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro.
The women’s second-place finisher, Jessica McClain, wore a Garmin Forerunner 570, and the third-place woman, Hellen Obiri, also chose the Coros Pace 4. The nonbinary winner, Ryan Montgomery, opted for a Suunto Race 3S. These selections highlight how different brands now compete for top-tier athletes, each offering distinct features and price points.
The Coros Pace 4 is priced at $249.00, making it the most affordable option among the podium watches. The Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro follows at $449.99, while the Garmin Forerunner 570 costs $549.99. The Suunto Race 3S, the highest-priced model, comes in at $599.00. These variations in cost reflect broader shifts in the market, where Garmin’s long-standing dominance faces growing competition from brands delivering comparable performance at lower costs.
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Garmin has historically set the standard for running watches, often serving as the default recommendation for buyers. However, the presence of Coros, Amazfit, and Suunto devices among elite marathoners signals a broader industry evolution. These alternatives now provide reliable tracking, accurate metrics, and long-lasting battery life—key attributes that once belonged exclusively to Garmin.
Notably, the Forerunner 570 starts north of $500, which may be a barrier for many runners. In contrast, Coros, Amazfit, and others are offering competitive watches at lower price points, making high-quality running watches more accessible to a wider range of athletes. This shift in the market is significant, as it indicates that runners no longer need to choose between affordability and performance.
