The Evolution of The Forerunner Line
Garmin’s Forerunner series debuted in 2003 with the Forerunner 201, introducing GPS tracking to runners for the first time. The bulkier early models evolved quickly — by 2006, the Forerunner 305 became a favorite for its improved GPS accuracy and reception. In 2009, the 310XT brought multisport tracking to the line, appealing to triathletes and endurance athletes.
Garmin broadened its reach further in 2012 with the affordable Forerunner 10, followed by the Forerunner 225 in 2015 — its first watch with an optical heart rate sensor. By 2018, the Forerunner 645 added music storage and app support, pushing the series closer to smartwatch territory.
In 2023, Garmin introduced AMOLED displays to the Forerunner line with the Forerunner 965 and 265. The 965 brought premium design and advanced mapping, while the 265 offered a lighter, more affordable package. In 2024, the Forerunner 165 launched as a pared-down AMOLED model for everyday users.
Fast forward to 2025, and Garmin has replaced the 265 with the new Forerunner 570, adding speaker/mic support, the Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor, and several new sport and wellness features. Alongside it, the Forerunner 970 pushes the series into premium territory — introducing ECG, a built-in LED flashlight, new running metrics, sapphire glass, and titanium build. It’s the most feature-rich Forerunner yet and closes the gap with Garmin’s flagship Fenix line more than ever before.
If you’re curious about how Garmin names its Forerunner models, you’re not alone — the numbering scheme isn’t exactly straightforward. The 9XX series clearly represents the high-end tier, but the jump from 965 to 970 (after a predictable 945 → 955 → 965 progression) raises questi
