Best Running Gadgets 2025: GoPro Hero 13, Insta360 GO 3S, Action Cameras and Wearables for Runners in Singapore and Overseas
- John Yeong
- Aug 26
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Content Creation Action Cameras and Wearables for Runners — Are these innovative storytelling tools a form of creative expression or public nuisance? SportPlus.sg joins the debate
Running is no longer just about pace and distance. In 2025, the modern runner wants to capture the experience — the sunrise at Marina Barrage, the grit of Bukit Timah trails, or the thrill of finishing an overseas marathon.
Strava, Garmin Connect, and Nike Run Club have long been staples for logging data, but today’s runners are going beyond the numbers and turning to action cameras, wearables, and creative tech gadgets that turn training into stories worth sharing.
With the rise of content creation tools like the GoPro Hero 13, Insta360 GO 3S, and the newly launched Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, runners in Singapore and around the world are spoilt for choice when it comes to documenting their runs for social media, vlogs, and training diaries.
It's important to note however that while running may be a means of documenting one's journey of progress, or a public performance among friends for some, it remains a deeply personal sport for others.
Insta360 GO 3S: The Magnetic POV Companion
The Insta360 GO 3S continues to impress as one of the most lightweight and creative cameras for runners. With its magnetic body, it can be mounted on a cap, chest strap, or even a metallic pole along the route for dynamic POV shots.
Its discreet size makes it less intrusive on group runs — and it’s ideal for Singapore routes like East Coast Park or Bishan Park, where runners want smooth, hands-free footage without breaking rhythm.
If you’ve been to a local event like the Garmin Run Singapore or the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon or traveled for overseas races, chances are you’ve spotted runners sporting compact action cams. The Insta360 GO 3S is leading the pack in innovation with its magnetic mounting system, allowing you to snap it onto:
A hydration vest buckle
A cap brim
Any metallic surface along the route for a creative angle
To get a perspective from both a runner and a filmmaker, we spoke with Darren Choy, who shared how he integrates wearables and action cameras into his training and content creation. When asked which device he uses to capture his runs, Darren didn’t hesitate:
“I use the Insta360 GO 3 but in an ideal world I’d like to use the GO 3S as it’s a clear upgrade from the version I have!”
The tiny action camera allows him to document long runs and races without the bulk of a traditional setup.
Its lightweight build means you won’t feel weighed down on a 21km half marathon, while the 4K stabilization ensures smooth POV footage whether you’re sprinting down East Coast Park or conquering the undulating trails at MacRitchie Reservoir. Local runner and content creator Raymond Sng is an avid user of the GO 3S:
“I use the Insta360 GO 3S for filming race recaps! The Go 3S is extremely small and comes with a strong magnetic clamp that can be attached to your cap. This also proves to be a very stable hands-free setup, allowing you to capture footage while keeping track of the metrics of your watch while racing.”
For runners traveling overseas, the GO 3S shines in crowded race environments — attach it to a street sign pre-race in Gold Coast or to a bike frame in Boston, and you’ve got immersive clips that beats a shaky phone selfie. Pros:
Lightweight and nearly unnoticeable while running
Magnetic mounting for creative, hands-free angles
4K stabilization great for fast-paced running clips
Cons:
Shorter battery life than bigger action cams
Limited in low-light compared to GoPro
GoPro Hero 13: Durable, Endurance-Ready & Feature Packed
The GoPro Hero 13 Black remains the benchmark for rugged endurance sports, with its legendary HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, stunning resolution, and versatility. It’s bulkier than the GO 3S, but for long-distance races, trail runs, or even fitness racing events, the Hero 13 is hard to beat.
HYROX ambassador and GoPro content creator Ron Ng explains why he prefers it:
“Personally I use the HERO13 Black. It’s an all-in-one built-in unit with a touch screen and front display. I love the UI — easy to use, great video resolution, Hypersmooth stabilization, stereo audio recording, and expandable mods. Plus, it takes great photos! For me, it’s a complete package.”
When it comes to rugged durability, the GoPro series is still a top pick among ultrarunners, marathon content creators and adventure racers. Its waterproof, shockproof build makes it perfect for a variety of running and race conditions. The latest GoPro Hero 13 raises the bar for endurance athletes. With improved low-light performance and extended battery packs, it’s perfect for trail runs at MacRitchie Reservoir or overseas marathon events like Sydney Marathon or Tokyo Marathon. Its durability and HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization make it the go-to for runners tackling uneven terrains or long-distance ultras.
GoPro Features that runners love:
HyperSmooth stabilization for crisp shots across all terrains
Ability to include GoPro mods for lights or mic to enhance quality of shots
Voice control to start recording mid-stride
Extended battery packs that keep rolling on ultramarathons lasting 10+ hours
Many Singapore runners combine the GoPro with a chest harness for more creative POV angles without worrying about handheld distractions. These would work particularly for shorter distances where abrasions aren't an issue.
If there is a need to capture yourself in the footage, there is also the flexibility of the selfie mode which can be extended either with a mini tripod or selfie stick. Pros:
Rugged, waterproof, and shockproof
Unmatched stabilization for trail and ultra runners
Best suited for long-distance runs and multi-hour shoots
Cons:
Heavier and bulkier than the Insta360
More noticeable in group runs, which could make others uncomfortable
Insta360 vs GoPro for Running: Best Cameras and Wearables for Runners in Singapore
When it comes to capturing running moments, two names dominate the action camera space: Insta360 and GoPro. For Singapore runners, the choice often comes down to how you want to record your runs — quick POV clips for social sharing, or durable long-form footage for endurance events.
The Insta360 GO 3S is ultra-light and magnetic, making it perfect for everyday jogs at East Coast Park or training sessions at Marina Barrage. Its hands-free mounting options let you stick it on a cap, chest strap, or even metallic railings mid-run, giving you creative angles without breaking stride.
In contrast, the GoPro Hero 13 is built for durability and long-distance challenges. Runners tackling overseas marathons or ultramarathons will appreciate its extended battery life, waterproof casing, and legendary HyperSmooth stabilization.
Insta360 vs. GoPro: A Filmmaker’s Take
With his background in filmmaking, Darren sees clear strengths and weaknesses in the popular action camera options:
“The GO 3 allows me to capture footage of my training and races with a tiny footprint (small enough to run a full marathon on my head without it ever weighing me down)! Though the low-light performance is not as ideal (iPhones can do much better), it’s still a decent option when choosing a fuss-free tool to capture some B-rolls and even talking-shots while running.”
Pairing these cameras with wearables like the Garmin Forerunner 970 / 570 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 completes the experience.
No running content setup is complete without a reliable wearable. For Raymond Sng, his Garmin watch is indispensable when syncing training data to his videos:
“I always use my Garmin watch because it allows for syncing of data to the Insta360 footage as an overlay. I think it is a very good visual representation of the race, especially when done in a recap format.”
While your action cam tells the visual story, your smartwatch provides real-time metrics — pace, distance, heart rate — that can be synced and shared post-run.
Together, they turn each training session or race in Singapore (and abroad) into a holistic digital memory, blending performance data with immersive storytelling.
Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses: Running Through Your Own Eyes
A new entrant into the content creation space, the Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses take storytelling in a different direction. Instead of mounting a camera, these smart glasses let runners capture first-person photos and short videos hands-free, while also offering live-streaming options.
Imagine running the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon and sharing the atmosphere in real time, directly through your eyes.
Pros:
True first-person perspective without extra mounts
Seamless integration with social platforms
Stylish, everyday wearable beyond running
Cons:
Raises privacy concerns — bystanders may not know they’re being recorded
Shorter recording capacity vs action cams
Limited stabilisation compared to Insta360/GoPro
Ben Khoo, Southeast Asian Ironman record holder, regularly documents his races and training runs on camera and was recently spotted with the Meta Ray-Ban glasses at Singapore's HYROX at the national stadium in June.
He shared that his toolkit includes the iPhone, Insta360 Go 3S, and Meta Ray-Ban Glasses. For Ben, flexibility is key – choosing the right tool for the moment keeps content creation seamless and natural.
Wearables: From Data to Storytelling
Beyond action cameras, wearables are evolving to help runners share their story, not just their stats.
Garmin Forerunner 970 and Forerunner 570
Popular among competitive runners in Singapore, the Garmin Forerunner 970 and Forerunner 570 series provides real-time heart rate zones, recovery insights, and built-in mapping — perfect for capturing your overseas runs when exploring unfamiliar routes in places like Kyoto or Sydney. The ability to sync with Garmin Connect + Strava + Instagram Stories makes it a seamless storytelling tool.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
For lifestyle runners, the Ultra 2 blends fitness with lifestyle seamlessly. The Action Button lets you mark intervals mid-run for training, while dual-frequency GPS ensures accuracy in Singapore’s urban canyons (think CBD skyscrapers). Its direct integration with iPhone means you can instantly share post-run highlights.
Whoop 4.0 & Oura Ring
These aren’t cameras, but they provide the behind-the-scenes story: sleep quality, recovery scores, and strain metrics. For content creators, pairing training, race and recovery data with action cam footage creates a fuller narrative of the runner’s journey.
Advice for Aspiring Running Creators
With content creation becoming more common on Singapore’s running routes, both Raymond and Ron agree on one thing: planning and etiquette matter.
Raymond advises:
“Try to plan your content before filming it so you have a rough framing of how it should go, so it wouldn’t interrupt others in a public space! That also helps to streamline your filming process so you can get all the footage you need without too much excess.”
Ron echoes this with a creator’s perspective:
“Start simple. Before you invest in expensive gear, use what you already have. The act of starting to create content — shoot, edit, publish — will make you a better creator. And most importantly, have fun. Smile for the camera! Positive energy is infectious. Always be mindful of safety and etiquette, because content creation should never impede others.”
Creative Storytelling Tips for Runners
Whether you’re capturing your 5km jog at Bishan Park or documenting your first overseas race, here’s how to elevate your running content:
Mix perspectives: Use Insta360’s magnetic mount for POV, GoPro chest harness for body movement, and your phone for finish-line celebrations.
Tell a journey, not just splits: Combine wearable data screenshots with video clips to show the effort and emotion behind the numbers.
Think beyond the route: Show pre-race rituals (coffee, bib pickup), crowd atmosphere, and post-run recovery for a holistic story.
Go hands-free: Prioritise mounts and voice commands — you want to run free, not hold a camera.
Running in Singapore, Storytelling for the World
In Singapore, iconic routes like Marina Bay Sands to Marina Barrage, East Coast Park, and MacRitchie Reservoir make stunning backdrops. But the gadgets you use to capture them — from Insta360 GO 3S POV clips, to GoPro Hero 13 endurance footage, to Garmin/Apple Watch insights — allow you to bring your running stories to life anywhere in the world.
Running is no longer just about personal bests; it’s about sharing the journey. With the right gear, every stride becomes part of a story worth telling.
Our Take - The Final Word: Choosing the Right Gadget for Your Run
For POV creativity & minimal fuss: Insta360 GO 3S
For endurance, versatility & rugged trails: GoPro Hero 13
For everyday style & live POV sharing: Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses
Ultimately, these tools can enhance the way we tell running stories, but the responsibility lies with the runner to respect community norms.
In Singapore’s tightly packed running routes, that balance between innovation and consideration will define how wearables shape the future of fitness storytelling. #ContentCreators #Storytelling #Insta360 #GoPro #Running
Comments