# Elite Runners Favor Budget-Friendly Tech Over Expensive Smartwatches Andreas Almgren wins New York Marathon using an affordable, specialized Coros training watch. - **Source:** [Latest from TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/feeds.xml) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/be1f25e9-7492-485b-8282-2e4c3ba90bba ## Marathon Victory With Budget Gear Swedish runner Andreas Almgren secured a victory at the New York City Marathon with a time of 2:06:01. Notably, he bypassed high-end devices like the Apple Watch Ultra 4 or Garmin Fenix 9 Pro. Instead, he relied on the Coros Pace 4, a budget-friendly watch priced under $250 for elite performance. ## Shift Toward Specialized Training Tools Elite athletes are increasingly choosing lightweight, plastic-bodied watches over heavier, metal-cased smartwatches. The Coros Pace 4 exemplifies this trend by functioning as a dedicated training instrument rather than a general-purpose smartwatch. It lacks third-party app stores, focusing entirely on essential metrics like heart rate tracking, virtual pacing, and precise GPS data. ## Battery Efficiency for Long Runs The device offers up to 19 days of battery life, significantly outperforming many mainstream smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, or Google. This longevity is crucial for athletes who engage in frequent, battery-intensive GPS-powered long runs. It allows users to track sleep and training sessions continuously without the constant need for daily recharging. ## Precision in Urban Environments The Coros Pace 4 features a dual-frequency GNSS chipset designed to maintain positional accuracy in challenging urban landscapes. By connecting across two frequencies, the watch effectively navigates signal interference caused by tall buildings. This technical capability makes it a highly reliable choice for city-based marathons where GPS accuracy is often compromised. ## Ecosystem and Functionality Trade-offs Unlike competitors with extensive app ecosystems like the Apple App Store or Garmin ConnectIQ, Coros maintains a self-contained training environment. Users cannot install custom third-party applications directly onto the watch. While it supports basic media control and Strava integration, its primary design philosophy prioritizes simplicity and focus over broad smartwatch utility. ## Market Value and Price Positioning Priced at $249 USD, the watch is positioned as a high-value alternative to premium wearables. It balances advanced display technology with specialized functionality, earning a 4/5 star rating in previous reviews. This pricing strategy targets serious runners who require professional-grade data tracking without paying for unnecessary lifestyle features or expensive materials. ## Anticipating Future Price Drops The upcoming release of the Coros Pace 4 Pro suggests that the standard Pace 4 may soon see further price reductions. Historically, the arrival of a successor model triggers discounts on existing inventory. Consumers are advised to monitor retail channels closely, especially as major shopping events like Black Friday approach on November 27. ## Strategic Choice for Athletes The success of Almgren demonstrates that elite athletic performance does not require the most expensive consumer technology. By focusing on lightweight construction, long battery life, and accurate GPS, the Coros Pace 4 provides a competitive edge. It remains a compelling option for runners seeking professional features at a significantly lower price point. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-new-york-marathon-winner-wasnt-wearing-a-fancy-garmin-or-apple-watch-ultra-but-something-much-cheaper-heres-why-this-coros-model-is-a-great-running-watch-to-look-out-for-on-black-friday — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._