8 best running buggies for 2026: tried and tested by parents

Tested by Mumsnet editor and parent, Laura Westerman: Read our full Out n About Nipper Sport V4 review (previous model)

Runners rave about the new Out n About Nipper Sport V5 (launched in 2023) and just like its predecessor, it has received plenty of praise on our Mumsnet Forum. When comparing to the Nipper Sport V4, the new V5 features upgraded water-resistant fabrics, an extendable sun canopy with UV protection, and an improved five-point safety harness. It also includes a magnetic peekaboo window for easy viewing and comes with a rain cover.

At just 9.8kg, it’s really lightweight and easy to steer, but with robust 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 the sleek, aerodynamic design is well suited for some serious off-road exploring too.

When testing out the previous Nipper Sport V4 model, parent tester, Laura, says, "I’ve been using this running buggy almost every day 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 the buggy is over bumpy ground (which is the same for the upgraded V5 Sport model) 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 V5 handlebar extends to 111cm so it’s especially good for tall runners who may struggle with fixed settings. While the Nipper V5 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 all-terrain prams

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 tyres with good suspension 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 good news is that the weight limit goes up to 25kg which means it can accommodate your child as they grow, providing a longer-lasting running solution well into the toddler years.

The front wheel of the Hauck swivels, which significantly enhances manoeuvrability, especially when navigating through crowded areas (on a park run, for instance) or making tight turns. This feature is particularly advantageous compared to standard running buggies with a fixed front wheel, which can be harder to steer and require lifting the front to change direction. However, the front wheel can be locked into position, which offers stability for running on straight paths or uneven terrain, providing versatility to adapt to different running conditions and personal preferences.

This running buggy 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. Another bonus is that 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.

The only downsides? The canopy doesn’t extend fully, therefore offering limited coverage and there’s no peekaboo window to check on your child whilst running.

Read next: The best lightweight strollers to buy, as tested by parents

Tested by parent tester, Laura Westerman: Read our full Thule Urban Glide 3 review (four-wheel model)

The Thule Urban Glide 3, launched in June 2024, is designed with active families in mind and built to handle rough terrain, from muddy fields to uneven pavements. Engineered in Switzerland, this sturdy pram is ready to use almost right out of the box—though you’ll need a bike pump to inflate the wheels before attaching them to the chassis.

For both walking and running, the padded, ergonomic handlebar ensures a secure grip, and the integrated twist handbrake provides speed control on hills. The improved brake system features a flip-flop-friendly brake lever and streamlined wiring for a cleaner look.

The supportive padded seat offers comfort over bumpy surfaces, and its one-handed recline adjustment is helpful for getting snoozing babies settled mid-run. While the Urban Glide 3 has gained a bit of weight (11.9 kg compared to the Urban Glide 2’s 11.4 kg), this is likely due to its larger storage basket (now up to 7 kg capacity, compared to the 5 kg limit on the previous model).

Updates include refreshed textiles, a larger extendable canopy, and an adjustable leg rest for added comfort. The seat itself offers a more upright position than the previous model, though it remains slightly more reclined than some other running strollers—a point to consider if your child prefers a fully upright seat. Overall, the Urban Glide 3 is well-engineered, sturdy, and easy to maneuver, making it a good choice for parents who need a versatile stroller for both walking and jogging.

Read next: The best travel systems for newborns

Tested by the Mumsnet team: Read our full Out n About Nipper 360 Double review (older model)

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 canopies. The large air-filled tyres and adjustable rear-wheel suspension ensures 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.

However, do bear in mind that air-filled tyres are at risk of getting punctures. Therefore, it is advisable to have a puncture repair kit and a replacement tube that matches the wheel size on hand.

Read next: Best cabin-approved strollers for travel

Combining style and sturdiness, the Mountain Buggy Terrain features both 12- and 16-inch interchangeable air-filled tires, allowing for easy adaptation between muddy hills and smooth tarmac. This versatility enhances the buggy's longevity, making it a durable option for various terrains.

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 Mountain Buggy Terrain’s standout feature is its spacious 10kg storage basket, which exceeds the storage capacity of most running buggies. This is especially beneficial when using it as an all-terrain pram. It's ideal for running errands, such as grocery shopping, due to its ample storage space. Additionally, the back wheels can be easily removed for compact storage in a car boot, making it convenient for transport too if you fancy running races with your children in tow.

Read next: Best pushchairs, prams and buggies

Tested by new mum, Catrin: Read our full Cybex Avi Spin review

The Cybex Avi Spin is a standout option in the running buggy category, combining performance, comfort, and practicality to meet the needs of active parents.

Designed with three air-filled tyres - two large rear wheels and a swivel front wheel that can be locked for better control - the Avi Spin handles a variety of terrains with ease. Its adjustable, foam-padded handlebar ensures a comfortable grip for runners and walkers alike, while the deceleration brake adds an extra layer of control on downhill routes. For your little passenger, the plush seat with a lie-flat recline offers exceptional comfort, and for infants, there’s the option of a newborn nest or the Cybex Cot S, providing parent-facing cosiness in the early months.

Beyond its performance credentials, the Avi Spin is built with convenience in mind. The spacious storage basket can carry all your essentials - from a changing bag to snacks and water bottles - while the extra-large sun canopy, made from UPF50+ fabric, ensures your child is protected in any weather. Parent tester Catrin highlighted the buggy’s smooth manoeuvrability: “The large wheels make it so smooth to push, even on very rough terrain. It glides along bumpy roads and is very easy to push with one hand, making it ideal for running.”

However, it’s worth noting a couple of drawbacks. At 12.5kg, the Avi Spin is on the heavier side and can be tricky to carry up the stairs. Additionally, while it folds compactly, it’s still quite bulky in a car boot - fitting easily but leaving little room for other items.

That said, with its lightweight aluminium frame and features to rival premium models like the Thule Urban Glide 3 4-Wheel - at a lower price point - the Cybex Avi Spin proves itself as a stylish, functional, and reliable choice for both running and everyday adventures.

The Avi Spin is compatible with the Cot S as well as all Cybex infant car seats like the Cybex Cloud T i-Size. It’s also compatible with a variety of accessories including the Avi Spin Car Seat Adapters, Gold Footmuff, Summer Seat Liner, Newborn Nest and the 2-in-1 Cup Holder.

Read next: The best child bike seats to buy, as recommended by Mumsnetters

Tested by parent-tester and mum of two, Bethan: Read our full UPPAbaby Ridge review

Whether you need a dependable all-terrain stroller for city strolls and gravel paths or a sturdy running buggy for uneven ground, the UPPAbaby Ridge provides the ideal solution. Tailored for active families, its sleek three-wheeled design boasts large, puncture-resistant foam tyres that can handle almost any surface, excellent shock-absorbing suspension, a safe disc hand-brake system for quick stops, and a robust chassis that enhances stability, manoeuvrability, and ease of handling.

Although the UPPAbaby Ridge is larger than some other all-terrain prams, making it a bit cumbersome to lift in and out of the car, it makes up for it with numerous comfort features for your child. These include a larger, roomier seat, superior suspension compared to the UPPAbaby Vista V2, well-padded shoulder straps, and a great recline system that allows your child to lie almost flat for naps on the go.

The padded handlebar offers easy steering for parents, and this model works well as a reliable running buggy, thanks to its sophisticated braking system with a hand lever connected to a disc brake on the stroller’s wheels. Squeezing the lever presses brake pads against the disc, providing strong and reliable braking for sudden stops or gradual descents.

Our parent tester, Bethan, agrees that it’s an excellent choice for parents seeking a high-quality, reasonably priced, all-terrain stroller that performs well on gravel roads, bumpy pavements, and woodland walks.

The only drawback is that the UPPAbaby Ridge doesn’t fold as flat as some other all-terrain strollers and requires two hands to unfold, as you need to release the locking mechanisms with one hand while unfolding the chassis with the other.

Read next: Best baby car seats from birth

Tested by Mumsnet editor and parent, Laura Westerman: Read our full Thule Urban Glide 4-Wheel review

The Urban Glide 4-Wheel is the latest upgrade to Thule’s popular Urban Glide series, now featuring four wheels for enhanced stability, a slightly smaller footprint, and a larger storage basket with a cover. Parent tester and mum of one, Laura, found this all-terrain buggy to be a top choice for versatility and performance.

Although the 4-wheel version is a bit heavier than its 11.9 kg predecessor, it doesn’t feel cumbersome. Laura appreciated the buggy’s adaptability for different activities, whether it was manoeuvring through busy town streets, exploring countryside trails, or going for a jog with her toddler. The buggy's width was a minor drawback, but its practical features, like the extendable sun canopy, twist handbrake, and reflective wheels, made up for it.

Like the three-wheel version, the Urban Glide 4-Wheel has a lightweight yet robust aluminium frame with steel and nylon components and a premium polyester cover. Reflective strips on all four wheels, the sun canopy, and the storage basket ensure visibility in low light, while the powder-coated frame provides stability without flexing, giving the buggy a modern, polished look.

Known for its commitment to safety and high-quality adventure gear, Thule delivers on both fronts with this buggy. During testing, Laura noted the frame’s lightness doesn’t compromise stability. The deep, roomy seat is well-padded and can comfortably accommodate children up to around age four (or 22kg). Laura found the new built-in leg rest especially helpful during her toddler’s naptime, and the seat’s reclining feature, adjustable to various angles with a toggle, is seamless, though lifting it back up requires two hands.

In terms of design, the Urban Glide 4-Wheel is currently only available in black in the UK, although additional colours, including soft beige and nutria green, are available internationally. Laura tested the model with a light pink seat liner from Thule, which adds a touch of personalization but isn’t included as standard.

Laura especially liked the extra-large, UV-protected sun canopy with a zip-open extension that provides full coverage—a rare feature. The mesh ventilation panels and peek-a-boo window with a cover added to her peace of mind, allowing her to keep an eye on her toddler, though a magnet on the cover would have been a nice touch.