Best running buggies for 2024: tried and tested by parents

Tested by parents: 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 parents: Read our full Thule Urban Glide 2 review (double model)

Engineered in Switzerland and designed for active families that tackle off-road terrain daily, this robust pram glides across a range of surfaces and can handle muddy fields and uneven pavements with ease. The Thule Urban Glide 2 is 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.

Whether you’re walking or running, the padded, ergonomic handlebar offers a good grip and the integrated twist handbrake helps control speed when out jogging up and down steep hills.

We also like the one-handed hand recline, which comes in handy when dealing with snoozing babies mid-run and the supportive padded seat offers a smooth ride. It’s pricey but it’s well engineered, extremely sturdy and very easy for runners and walkers to manoeuvre.

If you’re looking for an updated model, Thule’s new Urban Glide 3 has just been launched (June 2024). While it weighs slightly more than the Urban Glide 2 (11.9 kg compared to 11.4 kg), this could be due to the larger storage basket, which can hold up to 7 kg versus the Glide 2's 5 kg capacity.

The Urban Glide 3 also has a few upgrades. The brake system has been improved with less visible wiring and a flip-flop friendly brake lever. Additionally, the new model features updated textiles, a larger extendable canopy, and an adjustable leg rest.

When it comes to seat angles, the Urban Glide 3 offers a slightly more upright position compared to the previous model. However, it’s still more slanted than other running buggies on the market. So, if your child prefers a more upright seat, this might be something to consider.

Read next: The best travel systems for newborns

Tested by parents: Read our full Out n About Nipper 360 Double review

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

The Thule Chariot Cross 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 the Thule Chariot Jogging Kit 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.

Look out for the new Thule Chariot Cross 2 launching at the end of 2024.

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

Tested by parents: 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