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Best running buggies for 2024: tried and tested by parents
Whether you run regularly, are training for a race or want to stay active with kids in the mix, a running buggy is a brilliant purchase for active families. We’ve got top recommendations from Mumsnet’s running community and parent testers to help you find a pram for all-terrain adventures the whole family can enjoy.
By Rachel Erdos | Last updated Jan 3, 2024
If you’re looking to get back into running after having a baby or want an easy way to stay fit while transporting your little one from A to B, it’s well worth investing in a pram that’s specifically designed for running.
What is a running buggy?
With large air-filled tyres, rear-wheel suspension and lightweight frames, running buggies are sturdier than regular pushchairs and offer a smooth journey for both runners and riders.
If you’ve ever tried to run for a bus with a lightweight stroller, an umbrella stroller, or a bulky travel system, you’ll know that they’re not really built for speed. And tackling steep hills, bumpy trails and uneven terrain can be tricky with small wheels and zero suspension. Running buggies are fitted with fixed front wheels for added stability and come with adjustable handlebars to help you find a comfortable running position.
How we chose our recommendations
Above all, you’re looking for a safe, secure and comfortable set up for you and your child and there are plenty of lightweight running buggies on the market that tick lots of boxes. To help you find the best running pram, we’ve consulted our forums for top tips and recommendations from Mumsnet's running community and undertaken some in-depth testing of our own too. Who better to turn to for guidance than Mumsnetters who have been there and run that?
Best running buggies at a glance
Best overall running buggy: Out n About Nipper Sport V4 | £319
Best budget running buggy: Hauck Runner | £144.95
Best premium running buggy: Thule Urban Glide 2 | £599.99
Best double running buggy: Out n About Nipper 360 V4 Double | £545
Most durable running buggy: Mountain Buggy Terrain | £559
Most versatile running buggy: Thule Chariot Cross | From £949.99
1. Best overall running buggy: Out n About Nipper Sport V4
Overall rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £495 (usually on offer for £319) | Latest deals from Amazon
Tested by parents: Read our full Out N About Nipper Sport V4 review
Key specs
Suitable from: Six months to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 9.8kg | Folded dimensions: 61 x 61 x 104cm | Harness type: 5-point | Adjustable handlebar: Yes
What we like
Weighs less than 10kg
Large shopping basket
Sizeable sun canopy
Good for tall runners - handlebar extends to 111cm
What we don't like
Harness can be a little fiddly
Bulky when folded
Seat recline is tricky to adjust
What Mumsnet users say
"I used an Out nAbout Nipper Sport from birth - it's my only buggy. If you like running, it's a better model than the 360" - Mumsnet user, Cornishmumofone
"The Out n About Nipper Sport is great to run with, really light and supportive for the little one. It flies on tarmac and holds its own off road" - Mumsnet user, emmathedilemma
"Out n About Nipper 360. I was still running with this with a giant 3 and a half year old sitting comfortably" - Mumsnet user, Seacow87
Our verdict
Runners rave about this sleek pram and it’s received plenty of praise in top fitness publications. At just 9.8kg, it’s really lightweight but with 16-inch wheels, it handles well on tough terrain, from steep rocky hills to bumpy fields. The lightweight frame makes it a good option as an everyday pram but it’s really well suited for some serious off-road exploring.
Parent tester, Laura, says, "I’ve been using this running buggy almost everyday for the last four months, taking it everywhere from muddy canal tow paths to grassy fields as well as supermarkets and shops in town, and I’m pleased to report that it ticks a lot of boxes as both a pushchair to jog with and as a main pram to get my daughter from A to B." She particularly liked how smooth this buggy is over bumpy ground thanks to its rear suspension, as well as how comfortable the seat is, adding that her daughter "falls asleep almost every time we use it!"
The Out n About Nipper Sport V4 handlebar extends to 111cm so it’s especially good for tall runners who may struggle with fixed settings. There’s a sizeable sun canopy with a handy peekaboo window and a handlebar brake that allows you to stop at a moment's notice. While the Nipper Sport only comes with a medium-sized mesh storage pouch attached to the back of the seat, you can buy a larger storage basket if you need to.
Read next: The best baby carriers, as tested by parents
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2. Best budget running buggy: Hauck Runner
Overall rating: 3.5/5
RRP: £170 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 10.8kg | Folded dimensions: 88 x 60 x 44 cm | Harness type: 5-point | Adjustable handlebar: Yes
What we like
Great price
Full recline
Lockable swivel front wheel
Lightweight at 10.8kg
Easy to remove back wheels when storing
What we don't like
Sun canopy could be larger
No peekaboo window
Harness tricky to adjust
Rain cover not included
Suspension could be better
What Mumsnet users say
"We have a Hauck runner - excellent value and has done many many miles off-road over the last 2 years, also many miles on the pavement with me running. Absolutely great buy" - Mumsnet user, Aurora791
"Very impressed with it considering the price. It's used daily on rough, hilly moorland and no issues yet" - Mumsnet user, IamnotwhouthinkIam
Our verdict
Running buggies can be notoriously expensive so it’s refreshing to see a great pram on offer for under £200. This Hauck model features three air-filled wheels designed to tackle all terrain and off-road conditions. It fully reclines so it’s suitable from birth however guidance states that it should only be used as a running buggy from six months.
The front wheel swivels, which can make it easier to manoeuvre than standard running buggies that tend to have a locked front wheel. Or it can be locked into position if preferred. It folds down small and the back wheels can be removed easily if you need to save space in the car boot or when storing at home. And the handlebar adjusts by 30cm to suit parents of all sizes. Many reviewers state that they picked up this pram as a dedicated running buggy but ended up using it as an everyday pushchair too.
Read next: The best lightweight strollers to buy, as tested by parents
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3. Best premium running buggy: Thule Urban Glide 2
Overall rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £795 | Latest deals from Amazon
Tested by parents: Read our full Thule Urban Glide 2 review (double model)
Key specs
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 11.5kg | Folded dimensions: 87 x 69 x 34 cm | Harness type: 5-point | Adjustable handlebar: Yes
What we like
Easy one-hand fold
Lightweight, stylish design
Integrated twist handbrake
One-hand recline
Swivel and lockable front wheel
What we don't like
Bulky - not ideal for public transport
Rain cover not included
Pricey
What Mumsnet users say
"For a serious runner the Thules are amazing" - Mumsnet user, OverTheRubicon
"Prams with a swivel wheel (out n about nipper, Thule urban glide, mountain buggy) are a great middle ground. Still got really decent size wheels and the option to fix the front wheel for off road or have the swivel for when out and about in time" - Mumsnet user, SillyBry
Our verdict
Engineered in Switzerland and designed for active families that tackle off-road terrain on a daily basis, this robust pram glides across a range of surfaces and can handle muddy fields and uneven pavements with ease. The handlebar offers a good grip and the integrated twist handbrake helps control speed when out jogging up and down steep hills.
The one-hand recline is handy for dealing with snoozing babies mid-run and the supportive padded seat offers a smooth ride. It’s almost ready to go straight from the box as the seat comes attached to the frame but you’ll need to use a bike pump to inflate the wheels before popping them on the chassis. It’s pricey but it’s well engineered, extremely sturdy and very easy for runners and walkers to manoeuvre.
Read next: The best travel systems, as recommended by Mumsnetters
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4. Best double running buggy: Out n About Nipper 360 V4 Double
Overall rating: 4/5
RRP: £659 | Latest deals from Kiddies Kingdom
Tested by parents: Read our full Out n About Nipper 360 Double review
Key specs
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg per seat (around four years) | Weight: 12.8kg | Folded dimensions: 71 x 36 x 79 cm (excluding wheels) | Harness type: 5-point | Adjustable handlebar: Yes
What we like
Effortless one-handed steering
Each seat reclines independently
Compact design (just 72cm wide) and slim fold
Air-filled wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel
Seats recline to a lie-flat position for newborns
Comes with a tyre pump and rain cover
What we don't like
Not car seat-compatible
No shopping basket - storage pouch only
Sun hoods could be larger
What Mumsnet users say
"I love our double Nipper and used it from newborn with the newborn insert. Be aware that as they are real tyres they can get punctures, so be prepared to have to fix them" - Mumsnet user, Postmanbear
"I had a double Nipper when I nannied for a toddler and took my own toddler with me. Fantastic to push around, one handed steering even when laden with the older siblings school bags and scooters" - Mumsnet user, SingingMyOwnSpecialSong
Our verdict
Mumsnet’s running community can’t get enough of the Out n Out brand and this Nipper 360 Double model is perfect if you have twins or want to transport a baby and a toddler together (just bear in mind that you’ll need to deal with an uneven weight distribution when running with kids of different ages). At 12.8kg, it’s one of the lightest double buggies on the market and weighs less than some of the single running buggies in our roundup.
Its slimline design means it’s just 72cm at its widest so it easily fits through standard doorways, and when you’re out running, you can ensure each child is as comfortable as possible thanks to individual seat reclines and sun shades. The large air-filled wheels and rear-wheel suspension ensure a smooth ride and the removable seat liner makes cleaning a breeze (you’ll have double the snack residue to deal with after all). If you’re looking for a mighty pram for multiples, this one has it all.
Read next: The best baby car seats to buy
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5. Most durable running buggy: Mountain Buggy Terrain
Overall rating: 4/5
RRP: £659 | Latest deals from UK Baby Centre
Key specs
Suitable from: Birth to 25kg (around five years) | Weight: 12.9kg | Folded dimensions: 93 x 63 x 39 cm | Harness type: 5-point | Adjustable handlebar: Yes
What we like
Super sturdy and built to last
Comes with two sets of wheels for urban and rugged terrain
Very light to push and easy to manoeuvre
Generous 10kg storage basket
Features lots of pockets
Swivel front wheel for use as an everyday pram
What we don't like
Pricey
Rain cover not included
Frame is high when wheels are attached
What Mumsnet users say
"Mountain Buggy ones are good and totally indestructible. Ours is 15+ years old and has been passed from one offroad walking/jogging family to the next" - Mumsnet user, parentsvsPIL
"My brother had had a Terrain for 11 years, lives in the sticks and it did all 3 of his children! So they are built to last"- Mumsnet user, PrayingandHoping
Our verdict
Combining style and sturdiness, the Mountain Buggy Terrain comes with both 12- and 16-inch air-filled wheels that can be interchanged depending on whether you’re running up muddy hills or jogging along smooth tarmac.
It’s a brilliant all-rounder that offers a smooth ride thanks to a shock-absorbing suspension and there’s a handy tracking cog that stops your pram veering off in its own direction. Useful additions for runners include loads of pockets (for energy gels and toddler snacks) and two bottle holders to keep you and your passenger hydrated.
The generous 10kg storage basket is great if you’re running to the shop and back, and if you’re putting it in the boot of a car, the back wheels slip off easily for compact storage.
Read next: The best bike trailers, as tested by parents
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6. Most versatile running buggy: Thule Chariot Cross
Overall rating: 4/5
RRP: From £949.99 | Latest deals from John Lewis
Key specs
Suitable from: Six months to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 13.8kg | Folded dimensions: 87 x 65 x 37.5 cm | Harness type: 5-point | Adjustable handlebar: Yes
What we like
Versatile for active families (bike trailer, stroller, running buggy)
Adjustable suspension for different terrains
Easy one-hand recline
What we don't like
The jogging conversion kit costs extra
Bulky - consider storage space at home
Pricey
What Mumsnet users say
“I have a Thule Chariot which is a bike trailer but also has a jogging wheel option too. I have jogged in rutted paths (woodland) and cycled loads, plus (it has smaller stroller wheels too) it bumps up and down curbs so easily. I'd recommend this one if you have lots of room for storage (I keep mine in our garage) and you are ever likely to cycle as well as run” - recommended by Mumsnet user, DontBuyANewMumCashmere
Our verdict
The Thule Chariot may be the most expensive model on our list but it offers excellent value for money for active families. It can be used as a bike trailer, a stroller and a running buggy, although you do need to purchase an attachment to convert it into a pram for running. It’s a space-saving and versatile investment if you spend lots of time outdoors transporting little ones near and far.
As a running buggy, it’s a sturdy piece of kit with a suspension that can be adjusted to suit all running terrains - hello bumpy forest trails! The comfy padded seat (with five-point harness) offers a smooth ride and has plenty of room for kids of all sizes. There’s a rear light for added safety on grey days and adjustable airflow vents for sunny ones.
You’ll need to push down on the handlebar in order to turn the pram via the back tyres which can take some getting used to. Although it’s on the bulky side so you’ll need to think about where to store it but it’s surprisingly compact when folded.
Read next: The best child bike seats to buy, as recommended by Mumsnetters
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What should I look for in the best running buggy?
There are a few important things to consider when buying a running buggy. Here are the main features to look for:
Weight: The lighter the overall weight of the pram, the easier it is to push, especially if you’re transporting an older child across uneven terrain. Look for a lightweight option with an aluminium frame.
Suspension: A good quality suspension will help to absorb the impact of running and make for a smooth ride for you and your child. Some running buggies offer adjustable suspensions that can be altered depending on the terrain you’re tackling.
Adjustable handlebars: It’s well worth looking for a pram that comes with an adjustable handlebar, especially if different family members will be running with it. You’ll want to experiment with different handlebar heights to find a comfortable running position.
Safety features: A five-point harness ensures that your child is securely fastened into the pram seat when out and about on a run. Most running buggies feature a handbrake making it easier to slow down than having to use a foot brake. The Thule Urban Glide 2 comes with an integrated twist handbrake that can help control speed when jogging up and down steep hills.
How to run with a running buggy
Take it slow: It’s best to start things off slowly and gradually increase your pace as you become more comfortable with running with your child in tow.
Schedule regular breaks to make sure your little one is enjoying the ride. Don’t forget to take water to make sure you and your child stay hydrated.
Travel light: Try not to stuff too much into your storage basket and leave your changing bag at home if you possibly can.
Running form: Aim to maintain an upright posture and resist the temptation to to lean over the handlebars.
What’s the best running buggy to buy?
Mumsnetters love the Out n About pram brand and the Nipper Sport V4 ticks so many running buggy boxes, which is why we think it's the best running buggy to buy in the UK right now. It’s lightweight but sturdy, features an adjustable handlebar and has a roomy seat that's super comfortable for babies aged six months and above. Many parents choose to use this as an everyday pram as well as a running buggy.
How we chose our recommendations
We spent several hours sifting through Mumsnet's forums for our users' recommendations on the best running buggies that they have used and rated. We were also on the lookout for poor reviews of products to avoid.
We consulted recommendations from experts, consumer websites and print media and ensured we included brands that regularly appeared in the top 10 lists including Thule, Out n About, Hauck, Mountain Buggy.
We then looked at reviews for our longlisted running buggies to check if those previous customers were satisfied with their purchases.
By doing this, we whittled our longlist down and chose a selection of the best running buggies that we think offer something for everybody.
About the author
Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel, product reviews and roundups.
Rachel cut her teeth at the Guardian, where she published travel features and managed the travel section's user review site, Been there. As Managing Editor at Dennis Publishing, she oversaw a team of Ecommerce Writers, and produced reviews and buying guides on anything from pushchairs and Moses baskets for publications including Expert Reviews, Den of Geek, Coach and The Week.
Now a mum of two, Rachel enjoys seeking out fun things to do and cool places to travel to with her family. An avid jogger, Rachel volunteers at her local Junior Parkrun in her spare time and has completed the London Marathon, but is most likely to be found at a playground close to home.
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