Apple has expanded its Apple Watch running track mode from the USA to more countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, and the UK. The mode automatically detects the running track and offers to enter track mode in the workout app, providing exact distances and lane snapping. This mode uses Apple Maps data combined with a large running track database, unlike Coros & Garmin who detect the track in real-time. The new country expansion does not require a software update and automatically downloads tracks within a 100k radius.
I’ve not had a chance to test this but it should be highly accurate providing you are correctly located in your lane.
More Detail: dcrainmaker.com
More?
Why hasn’t anyone introduced a feature to locate the nearest pool using GPS technology, similar to the running track feature? Perhaps people do not vary their pool locations enough, but this is also the case for running tracks. It is possible that the pool length data is harder to obtain and geo-locate on Maps, although swim.com has partially achieved something similar IIRC. If tracking for pools and running tracks is possible, why not add fixed public swim laps in lakes and iconic race routes on race day?
Last Updated on 26 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
