A Marathoner (And Mom) Road-Tests The Best Jogging Strollers

Stroller running can be a great way to get your miles (and an extra workout) in while sharing your love of the sport with your kids. As someone who’s done exactly this for five years and with three kids, I decided to put eight top jogging strollers to the test to find the best ones for the job. After taking each of them on several runs over a variety of terrains, the Thule Urban Glide 3 proved itself the best jogging stroller overall, thanks to its easy maneuverability. I deemed the Bob Gear Alterrain Pro the best all-terrain running stroller due to its impressive off-road performance.

The following is a list of all the winning best jogging strollers after testing.

• Best Jogging Stroller Overall: Thule Urban Glide 3
• Best Jogging Stroller Runner-Up: Guava Roam Stroller
• Best All-Terrain Jogging Stroller: Bob Gear Alterrain Pro

I put these wheels through rigorous testing, running with my kids—who are of different ages, sizes and temperaments—to see which stroller performed best in certain situations. I also enlisted other taller runners (including my husband) to provide additional feedback. Lastly, I updated this story to reflect my testing of the recently released Thule Urban Glide 3 model (I initially tested the soon-to-be-retired Thule Urban Glide 2).

Best Jogging Stroller Overall

Lightweight And Easy To Maneuver

Thule Urban Glide 3 Jogging Stroller

Stroller weight: 26.2 pounds | Max child weight: 49 pounds | Open dimensions: 40.9 x 27.2 x 45.7 inches | Folded dimensions: 34.6 x 22.8 x 12.2 | Handbrake: Yes | Adjustable handlebar: Yes | Lockable wheel: Yes

Best for:

• Parents who want to run regularly with their kids
• People who want a lightweight stroller
• Runners who want a versatile, ultra-large canopy

Skip if:

• Your kids prefer a roomier seat 
• You want to run with a heavier child

The Thule Urban Glide 3’s new features keep it at the top of our list for best running strollers. Like its predecessor, the Thule Urban Glide 3 was made for runners who are serious about running, with or without kids. (Read my in-depth review of the updated model, the Thule Urban Glide 3, which I got to test well before it hit the market. )

Lightweight, Even With An Updated Storage Basket

At 26.2 pounds, the Thule Urban Glide 3 was the lightest stroller I tested (about a pound more than the Urban Glide 2). It has a much smaller frame and more adjustability, but there is a trade-off: The Urban Glide 3’s maximum child weight capacity is just 49 pounds—well below the average 63 pounds of the other strollers I tested.

The Urban Glide 3 comes with an updated undercarriage storage basket that holds 15 pounds compared with the Urban Glide 2’s 10-pound limit, as well as several pockets throughout the unit. The interior seat pockets, however, are positioned in a way that makes it tricky for little hands to access their treasures. Further, while I use the back-of-seat mesh pocket for pacifiers, my phone and so on, I wish this stroller had a zip pocket near the handlebar like some Bob Gear models have. Still, the Urban Glide 3 fits comfortably in my sedan’s trunk and my minivan (when one of the third-row seats is folded down).

An Adjustable Handlebar And Handbrake

The adjustable handlebar offers three heights, which allows for a comfortable ride, even for someone my height (5 foot 2). This model uses a handbrake, but it makes the handlebar a little tricky to grip because I’m used to the model with no handbrake (Thule no longer offers an Urban Glide 2 without a handbrake). The Urban Glide 3 has an updated footbrake design that requires you to gently step on it to release and activate it.

An Improved Canopy Makes Running In Any Weather Easier

The Thule Urban Glide 3 made it easy to run in all climates. Its improved canopy relies on UPF 50+ material for extra sun protection and extends much further, nearly down to the tops of my toddler’s thighs. (The extended canopy now rivals the Bob Gear Alterrain Pro.) The new peep window is smaller than before, but there’s now an option to unzip for a mesh ventilation panel. I like the stroller’s rainfly, which protects kids from rain, snow and wind. You should note that the new stroller is not compatible with old accessories.

An Exceedingly Smooth Ride

With the front wheel locked (as directed for running), the ride is smooth and comfortable for me and the kids. I struggled with the tracking wheel for a bit, but eventually got it set so the locked wheel would ride straight. I noticed the front wheel allows for slight side-to-side movement to make gradual turns, something I found difficult with the other strollers I tested. This stroller also didn’t require me to lift the front wheel while moving to turn, which proved to be cumbersome while using other models. I didn’t use the handbrake much but I found that it provides a gradual braking, which is ideal.

There is, however, a potential downside to the Urban Glide 3’s stroller seat that I wouldn’t have noticed had I not tested other units: It has a shallower seat, which helps keep its overall weight low. My kids have never complained, however, and they’ve always had room to keep snacks, water bottles and treasures.

Best Jogging Stroller Runner-Up

Compact With Airless Tires For Smooth Road-Running

Guava Roam Stroller

Shop At Guava Family

Stroller weight: 28.5 pounds | Max child weight: 60 pounds | Open dimensions: 39  x 25 x 43 inches | Folded dimensions: 29 x 15 x 17 inches | Handbrake: No | Adjustable Handlebar: Yes | Lockable wheel: Yes

Best for:

• Families who need a compact design
• Runners who want maintenance-free tires
• Easy access to the front-wheel lock

Skip if:

• You want more rugged tires for off-road adventures 
• You prefer a handbrake

The Guava Roam is a compact jogging stroller in both its open and folded configurations—but its thinner dimensions didn’t compromise its ability to be a top running stroller. At 28.5 pounds, it almost rivals the Thule Urban Glide 3’s light weight, but the Roam uses airless, foam-filled tires. Though I didn’t notice much of a difference (I generally run on roads), traditional trail runners might prefer air-filled tires, which tend to have more give and offer a smoother ride. It’s worth noting that in June, Neely Spence Gracey, an Olympian and mom of two, broke the world record for the fastest mile while pushing a stroller with the Guava Roam. (Read my in-depth review of the Guava Roam stroller.)

Lightweight With Some Unexpected Perks

The Guava Roam has a frame that the company says folds “50% smaller” compared with other running strollers. However, it’s a claim that’s hard to truly assess because the front wheel doesn’t rotate when folded (part of the company’s “nesting” technology), so it sits higher in the trunk of my sedan. But it’s not that bulky for a running stroller: It took me five seconds to unfold the stroller (you do not have to unlatch the frame) and eight seconds to fold again.

What really sets this model apart is the handlebar access to the front-wheel lock; there’s a simple dial that controls the lock so you can switch back and forth as needed. I found myself using it more than I anticipated when I first assembled the stroller. Also on the handlebar are two plastic notches that—while not the most comfortable while strolling—protect the handlebar fabric from ripping when the stroller is being folded and stored.

A Smooth Ride And A More Upright Seat

The Guava Roam seat sits up quite straight (it does recline for naps), and my kids—ages 10 months, 3 years and 5 years during testing—all enjoyed being able to sit more upright than the other strollers. I liked the narrower frame as compared with other models, and although this means less handlebar space, it’s not a dealbreaker. My husband, who also took this stroller out for several runs, agreed that the ride was smooth and that access to the front-wheel lock was easy.

The Roam’s ample storage includes mesh pockets and a zip pocket on the (uncovered) undercarriage basket; I was able to comfortably stow flowers, a small backpack, two travel coffee mugs and a jacket. I was also impressed with the oversized mesh peep window on the top of the extensive canopy. In my ease-of-cleaning test, I found the food pouch I spilled on the fabric wiped away easily, but not as cleanly as the Thule Urban Glide, the Bob Alterrain Pro or the Joovy Zoom360 Ultralight.

Price

Both the Guava Roam and Thule Urban Glide 3 cost about the same—$650 when not on sale (although the the Guava Roam is $100 off on sale right now). This means you’ll need to decide which stroller is more ideal for your family. I found that the Urban Glide outperformed the Roam stroller, but you might prefer the Roam’s higher seat weight limit.

Best All-Terrain Jogging Stroller

Roomy, Heavy Duty And Can Handle All The Trails

Bob Gear Alterrain Pro

Stroller weight: 32.3 pounds | Max child weight: 75 pounds (including 10 pounds of cargo) | Open dimensions: ‎46 x 25.5 x 45.5 inches | Folded dimensions: 39.3  x 25.5  x 16 inches | Handbrake: Yes | Adjustable handlebar: Yes

Best for:

• Families who prefer off-road adventures 
• Runners who want extra canopy coverage 
• Kids who want roomier seats

Skip if:

• You have trouble pushing heavier strollers
• You stick to roads or gravel paths

This Bob Gear jogging stroller is called “Alterrain” for a reason: It’s designed for families who go backpacking with their kids before the tots are even old enough to carry their own packs. But there’s a trade-off as always: It’s built to be durable for non-pavement adventures in all types of weather, which means it’s heavier and might feel more cumbersome to some.

Heavy, But A Smooth And Waterproof Ride

For road running, its weight makes this a tough stroller to push. That said, the ride itself is smooth even on rolling grassy hills and wet, fresh-cut grass. The oversized canopy is impressive, even if my 1-year-old didn’t like not being able to see the scenery with it in her way. The top has one mesh and one plastic peek-a-boo window. The material is waterproof, which is a huge perk, but little legs still stick out from the canopy if you don’t use the rainfly. (A note: Since the canopy is waterproof, you don’t need a rainfly unless you want total coverage or as insulation for cold runs.) Because of the seat’s water-resistant material, the Alterrain Pro aced my ease-of-cleaning test.

I was impressed with the storage for this stroller, including the large mesh pockets in the seat, the zip-top undercarriage basket and my favorite: a zippered pocket on the back of the canopy for my phone. It also boasts a higher max child weight of 65 pounds compared with my other two picks. Note that while online brand materials state that the maximum weight limit is 75 pounds, a company representative confirmed that includes 10 pounds of cargo.

A Few Drawbacks

Overall, this stroller performed pretty well, but I ran into some minor issues during the initial setup. It squeaks heavily when it moves, which required tinkering with tools, and I had to adjust the handbrake to make it easier to engage. I also couldn’t tighten the shoulder straps enough for my youngest. I ran into some tracking issues as well: The stroller veered right when the front wheel was locked. Several adjustments improved the situation, but in the end, I never got it to run perfectly straight.

If you mostly run on roads or gravel paths, the Alterrain Pro might be too much for your needs, given its weight. But for those who like to run cross-country courses, want a stroller that can really take a beating or prefer a larger, extra-comfortable full-sized stroller for older and heavier kids. the Alterrain Pro offers a smooth ride.

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Other Jogging Strollers Tested

I tested eight jogging strollers in total (including both Thule Urban Glide models). The four joggers below didn’t make my final cut for various reasons, but one may work for your family.

Bumbleride Speed: I was intrigued by the three front-wheel modes this stroller has depending on your activity: walking, jogging and running. But in practice, the “jogging” mode caused quite a bit of bumping and jostling. While not the right pick for runners, it may work for a family that’s seeking a more rugged, full-sized stroller for outings. It is hard to maneuver when making turns, lacks an adjustable handlebar and, while there is excellent canopy coverage, its extra material rubbed against my son’s head when it was folded up.

Joovy Zoom360 Ultralight: This running stroller has a significantly lower price than the others I tested, ringing up at around $300. Though it does the job in some ways, it’s missing some features and has quality issues that ultimately left me wanting. There’s no adjustable handlebar, so it’s too high for shorter runners. When the seat is reclined, the child’s head is exposed to the elements because of its mesh back (versus the solid material of other models). It also uses cheaper fabric and lacks padding on the straps. But the maximum child weight is 75 pounds (one of the highest I found), and it comes with a hand pump and is relatively lightweight at just over 26 pounds.

Baby Jogger Summit X3: This model has a 75-pound maximum child weight limit (comparable to the Joovy Zoom360 Ultralight). But it doesn’t have an adjustable handlebar, so it’s not a good fit for shorter runners. The stroller is easy to maneuver on turns, but the handbrake is dangerously sensitive; I almost flew over the top when gently squeezing the brake, and I’m an experienced stroller runner. Plus, the brake wire that runs across the handlebar gets in the way of a good grip while running. There are also no seat pockets, and the undercarriage basket doesn’t have much integrity.

Bob Gear Wayfinder: I really wanted to like this stroller, but at just over 31 pounds, it was heavy, and both my husband found it extremely hard to maneuver on turns with the front wheel locked. Its narrow footprint means its handlebar is also narrow, which doesn’t allow runners to spread their hands out. The child’s buckle is very challenging and requires a lot of force to secure it; plus, no matter how much I pulled the straps taut, it didn’t fit snugly around my then 10-month-old baby. The canopy coverage is minimal. The bike-style handbrake is much more intuitive than the Thule’s twist brake, but that design also eats into the minimal handlebar space. A back pocket for stashing essentials would have been nice, too.

How I Tested The Best Jogging Strollers

To assess each jogging stroller’s performance, I logged a one- to two-mile run and a two- to three-mile run with my 10-month-old and 3-year-old. On occasion, my nearly 6-year-old hopped in to give his feedback. Each stroller was also tested by another runner, sometimes my husband and sometimes another running dad.

Running Performance

Testing the strollers with kids of different ages and temperaments and over varying mileage made it possible to gauge my comfort level and that of my kids. During each run, I assessed how easy or difficult it was to adjust the safety straps and seat. To help evaluate performance, I noted how adjustable the sun canopy was while running and considered how easy it was to engage the front-wheel locking mechanism (including whether the kids can kick the mechanism to turn it on or off).

I also tested the handbrake, where applicable—evaluating both how ergonomic it was and how much pressure was needed to engage the brake when running.

Ease of Folding, Unfolding and Car Storage

Folding and unfolding can be tricky because jogging strollers can be cumbersome. I assembled all eight jogging strollers the same way: Attach the wheels, attach the canopy, adjust the straps and handlebar (where applicable) and lock the front wheel.

I timed how long it took to fold and unfold each stroller to gauge the feature’s ease of use. I assessed how easy it was to load and unload each stroller into my minivan and into the trunk of my sedan. Note that measuring ease in this case is subjective—I’m 5 foot 2 and 108 pounds, but I do carry children around all day, so lifting heavy gear is a daily task for me.

Terrain

Angela Stacey, an engineer and product manager with Britax, says jogging strollers are designed to take a beating: They travel over rocks, hills and rough terrain at faster speeds than a traditional stroller. Although I primarily run on pavement, I also tested these jogging strollers on gravel trails and off-road terrain when possible. While each stroller’s locked front wheel prevents tipping, I also checked how smooth each ride was for me and the kids, and how well and how easily the stroller can be maneuvered.

Storage

To get a sense of how much these strollers can hold, I packed my kids’ 10-ounce water bottles in the side pockets of the seat or in the undercarriage basket. I also put my phone in different pockets, including a zipper pocket on the back of the canopy, a mesh pocket on the back of the seat and in the undercarriage basket. I put various items in each stroller’s undercarriage basket while adhering to weight limits.

Ease Of Cleaning

Running strollers are tough to clean: You can’t physically take the fabric off or throw it in the wash. User guides advise against detergents and power washing; a technician from Thule tells me water could force its way into the wheel bearings and past the seals, causing corrosion and damage. Further, the soaking-wet fabric could lead to mold and bacteria growth if not properly dried.

With that in mind, I gauged each jogging stroller’s ease of cleaning (following the user guide) by squirting a toddler food pouch onto the seats and wiping the puree up with a damp paper towel to see how easily and how much of it came off.

How To Pick The Best Jogging Stroller

Here are some top factors to consider while shopping for the right jogging stroller to suit you and your family’s needs.

Stroller Weight

Jogging strollers tend to be heavier than traditional strollers. Because they need to be more durable, they’re made with heavier fabrics and bigger wheels. The necessary suspension systems also add weight. Where travel strollers boast weights under 15 pounds and full-sized strollers often fall around 20 pounds, the top jogging strollers I tested weigh between 25 pounds and 32 pounds.

In addition to the weight of the jogging stroller, you’re pushing a child who might range from roughly 15 pounds to 75 pounds, depending on the stroller’s limit. You might have additional cargo, like a backpack, snacks and groceries. You’ll want to adjust your expectations for your pace and distance based on these extra challenges.

Weight Capacity

While a product page might say the maximum stroller weight is 75 pounds, in practice that might mean 65 pounds of child and 10 pounds of extra cargo. Stacey recommends reading a stroller’s user guide, which is much more detailed than the product specifications.

“The total weight of the child and the cargo within the frame play a key role in ensuring the stroller is stable and durable,” Stacey says. This means frames and fabrics are tested to hold a certain weight, distributed in certain places on the stroller. So in the above example, the maximum total weight capacity might be 75 pounds, but the child, seated within the frame, can’t weigh more than 65 pounds.

Wheels

“A jogging stroller is going over rough terrain much quicker than a traditional stroller,” says Stacey, which is why the former’s wheels are comparatively larger. These tires are made of rubber, have treads to help keep the stroller steady on wet surfaces and cushion bumps. Further, jogging strollers intended for off-road (like dirt and gravel) use, such as the Bob Gear Alterrain Pro, might have deeper treads, according to Tori Diaz, a customer service representative with Strolleria.

Jogging stroller wheels are typically either air-filled or airless—the terrain you’ll be running on should inform your choice. Air-filled tires have more give and ride more smoothly than airless tires, making them ideal for off-road runners. They can be “inflated to a higher pressure for a run on a hard surface, or lower pressure for more traction on soft surfaces,” says Jason Saslow, category merchandise manager for urban mobility at REI.

Airless tires, on the other hand, are filled with foam. They will not puncture but tend not to be as smooth as air-filled tires, especially off road. “Airless tires are for someone who is maintenance conscious,” says Saslow, “but you cannot adjust air pressure for different conditions.”

Compared with traditional strollers, jogging strollers have three wheels rather than four, as well as a wider wheel base at the rear for stability. “The single front wheel provides one point of ground contact, helping the stroller be easily maneuverable,” Stacey says. The front wheel is always either fixed or lockable to avoid swiveling or shaking mid-run. This is an important safety mechanism, because if the front wheel swivels at running speed, the stroller might tip over, according to Stacey. She adds that you only need to lift the front wheel ever so slightly to pivot the stroller on its back wheels to turn.

Braking System

Although all strollers have a parking brake, jogging strollers often also have a handbrake (either one that twists toward the runner or something akin to a bike handbrake) to help with deceleration, according to Diaz. Stacey adds that the heavier the stroller and child, the more the runner might benefit from a handbrake for downhill control. In my experience, I use the handbrake on my double running stroller on the downhills, but I don’t need one with the single stroller.

Suspension System

One of the reasons jogging strollers are so much more expensive (and heavier) than traditional ones is because they require suspension systems. “Jogging strollers have large suspension components,” Stacey says. “That reason is twofold: For the child’s comfort and for the runner, to keep the stroller stable and reduce vibrations.” She adds that these systems are usually spring-based and located on the rear of the stroller or attached to the rear wheels.

“Personal preference plays a big role in this aspect,” Stacey explains. “Some strollers have softer springs, giving [the ride] a more cushioned feel, which may be a good fit for walking on trails. Stiffer springs may feel more comfortable if you’re using your stroller mostly for jogging in the neighborhood.” Some strollers have an adjustable suspension system to optimize performance as your child gets heavier. If you can’t test a stroller in person, Diaz advises splurging on the suspension system and frame quality because those make for a better stroller and ride. Instead, “skimp on features like covered baskets or other accessories that may not be important for your family,” she adds.

Ease Of Folding

Some jogging strollers have a one-handed folding mechanism, while others require two hands or a two-step folding process. Once folded, many jogging strollers can be wheeled away. Once your jogging stroller is folded, jogging strollers take up a lot of space in your trunk. For example, even with half of our minivan’s third row folded down, the double stroller takes up much of that storage space. The single, of course, is not as large, but it’s still bulky. Pay particular attention to the stroller’s folded dimensions and take advantage of the fact that the wheels on jogging strollers can easily be removed to fit in tight spaces.

Storage, Canopy And Accessories

Cynthia Lauren Arnold, a three-time Guinness World Record holder in stroller running, says of the activity: “I try to make it fun and relaxing for [my kids].” Keeping your kiddo entertained and comfortable while logging miles depends on things like books and snacks—making storage particularly important. Jogging strollers’ undercarriage storage, as well as their various seat pockets, can house small toys, snacks, a phone and other essentials. The stroller’s canopy is also important for sun and rain coverage. Most canopies have UPF protection and a peek-a-boo window.

Many jogging strollers also have additional accessories and features to make your ride more comfortable and convenient: Think cup holders and snack trays for the kids, handlebar consoles for extra storage or mid-run fuel, rain covers that also help keep the wind out and a car seat adapter (intended to be used when walking with an infant; it is not recommended to run with your baby is until they are at least 6 months old and have full neck control). Arnold’s recommended accessories are snack trays (where possible) and a rainfly.

My Expertise

I have been running for as long as I’ve been a journalist, which is more than two decades. I am the former food and nutrition editor for Runner’s World and the author of the Runner’s World Vegetarian Cookbook. I’ve worked across many health and fitness publications as a freelance writer, testing the latest shoe technology, running gear, and baby gear like crib mattresses and car seats.

I’m also a mom of three kids; I started running with my now 6-year-old son in the Thule Urban Glide 2 in the spring of 2018, when he was 8 months old. I’ve logged hundreds and hundreds of miles with my three kids (ages 5, 3 and 10 months at the time of this testing series) in Thule strollers.

I also interviewed four experts to get their top considerations when choosing a jogging stroller:

• Cynthia Arnold, three-time Guinness World Record holder, including fastest marathon with a triple stroller (3 hours, 11 minutes);
• Tori Diaz, a customer service representative with Strolleria;
• Jason Saslow, category merchandise manager for urban mobility at REI; and
• Angela Stacey, an engineer and product manager Britax.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Baby Stroller Is Best For Running?

In my testing, I found the Thule Urban Glide 3 was the best jogging stroller overall due to its light weight and easy maneuverability. The Guava Roam was a solid runner-up, while I found the Bob Gear Allterrain Pro, a veteran brand in the running category, to be best for trail running.

Is It Worth Getting A Jogging Stroller?

If you are an avid runner or walker and you anticipate bringing your kids along for the ride, a jogging stroller might be worth the investment. Diaz says consumers are paying for durability and function: “Jogging strollers are specialized for a specific purpose, and parents are paying for high-quality materials and a stroller that will be able to withstand their active lifestyle without compromising on function.”

When we invested in our Thule double jogger, a $700 price (at the time) was hard to stomach. But I broke it down like this: If I use the stroller just 70 times, it comes down to $10 a ride. Over the past three years and three kids, it has more than returned on that investment.

When Can You Run With A Baby In A Jogging Stroller?

“[Manufacturers] do indicate a minimum age of 6 months for jogging strollers, and the reason is to ensure the baby has good head and neck control,” a spokesperson for the the American Academy of Pediatrics told me. (Car seat adapters are intended to be used for walking with an infant.) Although the AAP doesn’t have anything in its recommendations about running with a stroller, the organization refers parents to manufacturer’s instructions and does outline the best way to choose a safe baby stroller.

“Jogging strollers hold the baby in a semi-reclined position, not supine. Aside from following the age guidelines, the harness should be buckled and snug on the baby’s body," a spokesperson for the AAP said.