Garmin Forerunner 265 Review: The Best Running Watch for Negative Split Training in 2025

The Garmin Forerunner 265 sits in a sweet spot that most runners overlook. It's not the cheapest option, and it's not the flagship—but for runners serious about pacing and negative split training, it might be the perfect choice. After extensive testing across marathon training blocks, tempo runs, and race day scenarios, here's our complete verdict.

Price: $449.99 USD / £429.99 GBP / €499.99 EUR / $699 AUD Released: March 2023 Our rating: 4.7/5 stars

Quick Verdict

The Forerunner 265 delivers flagship features at a mid-range price. Its AMOLED display, accurate GPS, and comprehensive training metrics make it the ideal companion for runners focused on pacing strategies. The PacePro feature alone justifies the investment for anyone serious about negative splitting.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced runners, marathon trainers, data-focused athletes Not ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners, ultrarunners needing solar charging, triathletes wanting full multisport features

Design and Display

The AMOLED Difference

The jump from the 255's MIP display to the 265's AMOLED screen is transformative. This isn't marketing speak—it fundamentally changes how you interact with your running data mid-stride.

Why this matters for negative splits:

• Instant pace readability at a glance
• Colourful data fields make distinguishing metrics easier during hard efforts
• Touch screen allows quick data screen changes without fumbling buttons

Build Quality

The Forerunner 265 feels premium without being fragile:

• Case: Fibre-reinforced polymer (durable but lightweight)
• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Lens: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
• Weight: 47g (265) / 39g (265S)
• Strap: Quick-release silicone (comfortable for long runs)

The watch survives training abuse well. After six months of sweaty intervals, rain runs, and the occasional door frame collision, our test unit shows minimal wear.

GPS and Tracking Accuracy

Multi-Band GPS Performance

The Forerunner 265 includes multi-band (dual-frequency) GPS, which was previously reserved for flagship models.

What multi-band GPS means:

• Faster satellite lock (typically under 10 seconds)
• More accurate positioning in challenging environments
• Better pace accuracy during intervals

Testing results across different environments:

For negative split training, accurate instant pace is critical. The 265 delivers consistently reliable data that you can trust during race-pace efforts.

Optical Heart Rate

The Elevate Gen 4 sensor provides improved wrist-based heart rate monitoring:

Accuracy compared to chest strap (Garmin HRM-Pro Plus):

• Steady-state running: 95-98% correlation
• Interval training: 90-94% correlation
• High intensity: 88-92% correlation

For effort-based pacing—essential for negative split execution—the optical sensor is accurate enough for most training. However, serious racers should still consider a chest strap for maximum precision during key workouts.

Training Features for Negative Split Success

PacePro: Your Negative Split Co-Pilot

PacePro is where the Forerunner 265 truly shines for pacing-focused runners. This feature creates custom pacing strategies based on:

• Course elevation profile
• Your target finish time
• Your pacing preferences (negative, positive, or even splits)

Setting up PacePro for negative splits:

1. Create or load a course in Garmin Connect
2. Set your target time
3. Choose "Negative Split" pacing strategy
4. Adjust intensity (how aggressive the negative split)
5. Sync to your watch

On race day, PacePro displays:

• Target pace for current segment
• Time ahead/behind target
• Remaining distance in segment
• Visual pace band (colour-coded)

"PacePro told me to slow down in the first 10K when I felt great. By mile 20, I was thanking it as I passed runners who'd ignored their watches." — Marathon runner using FR265

Training Status and Load

The Forerunner 265 provides comprehensive training analytics:

Training Status options:

• Productive
• Maintaining
• Recovery
• Unproductive
• Detraining
• Peaking
• Overreaching

Training Load metrics:

• Acute load (last 7 days)
• Chronic load (longer trend)
• Load focus (aerobic/anaerobic/high aerobic)
• Recovery time recommendations

Why this matters: Executing a negative split requires arriving at the start line fresh and properly trained. These metrics help you nail your taper and avoid overtraining.

Race Predictor and Performance Condition

Race time predictions: The watch estimates finish times for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon based on your VO2 max and recent training.

Real-time Performance Condition: During runs, the watch displays a real-time assessment of your current fitness vs. baseline. This appears after 6-20 minutes and ranges from -20 to +20.

For negative split racing:

• Start conservatively regardless of Performance Condition
• If showing +3 or higher at mile 10, consider slightly faster second half
• If showing negative, stick to original plan

Running Dynamics (with Compatible Accessories)

With the HRM-Pro Plus or Running Dynamics Pod, unlock additional metrics:

• Cadence: Steps per minute
• Ground contact time: How long each foot touches ground
• Vertical oscillation: Bounce in your stride
• Vertical ratio: Efficiency metric
• Ground contact time balance: Left/right symmetry
• Stride length: Distance per step

These metrics help identify form breakdown during the late stages of races—crucial for maintaining pace when fatigue sets in.

Real-World Performance Testing

Marathon Training Block Test

Test period: 16-week marathon training block Key workouts: Long runs, tempo runs, MP intervals, recovery runs

Results:

*Optical HR struggles with sharp pace changes during track intervals.

Race Day Performance

Test race: Marathon with target negative split Target: 3:15:00 (7:27/mile average) Strategy: First half 1:38:30, second half 1:36:30 (2-minute negative split)

How the FR265 performed:

• PacePro guided every mile split perfectly
• AMOLED display readable in all lighting conditions
• GPS maintained accuracy through city centre sections
• Battery: Started at 100%, finished at 71%
• Watch never froze, crashed, or lost signal

Actual result: 3:14:12 with 2:30 negative split Verdict: The watch executed flawlessly when it mattered most.

Battery Life: The Trade-Off

The AMOLED display comes with battery life costs:

Practical implications:

• Marathon: No concerns (even with multi-band GPS)
• 50K ultra: Manageable with power management
• 100-miler: Insufficient without charging
• Daily training: Charge every 5-7 days with heavy use

Battery-saving tips:

• Use gesture-based display (wrist turn to activate)
• Disable always-on during easy runs
• Use GPS-only mode for known routes
• Disable Wi-Fi when not syncing

Software and Connectivity

Garmin Connect Integration

The Forerunner 265 syncs seamlessly with Garmin's ecosystem:

Automatic sync options:

• Bluetooth to phone (Garmin Connect app)
• Wi-Fi to Garmin Connect (when charging)
• ANT+ to compatible accessories

Course creation:

• Import GPX files
• Draw routes in Garmin Connect
• Download popular routes
• Sync Strava routes automatically

Workout download: The workout generator on our site creates .fit files compatible with the FR265. Simply download, import to Garmin Connect, and sync to your watch for guided negative split sessions.

Music and Payments

Music storage:

• Store up to 500 songs
• Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music supported
• Requires Bluetooth headphones

Garmin Pay:

• Contactless payments
• Convenient for mid-run coffee stops
• Bank support varies by region

Comparison: Forerunner 265 vs Alternatives

vs Forerunner 255 (£299 / $349)

Verdict: The 265's AMOLED display and included multi-band GPS justify the premium for most runners.

vs Forerunner 965 (£599 / $599)

Verdict: Unless you need on-wrist maps or ultramarathon battery life, the 265 offers 90% of the functionality at 75% of the price.

vs Coros Pace 3 (£229 / $229)

Verdict: The Coros offers incredible value, but Garmin's training ecosystem and PacePro feature make the 265 worth the investment for serious negative split training.

Who Should Buy the Forerunner 265?

Ideal For

• Intermediate runners stepping up their training
• Marathon and half marathon focused athletes
• Data enthusiasts who want comprehensive metrics
• Negative split practitioners who rely on PacePro
• Runners upgrading from basic GPS watches

Not Ideal For

• Beginners who don't need advanced features (consider FR55 or FR165)
• Ultrarunners needing 40+ hour battery life (consider FR965 or Enduro)
• Budget-conscious runners (consider Coros Pace 3 or FR255)
• Triathletes wanting brick workout support (consider FR965 or Fenix)

Tips for Maximising the FR265 for Negative Splits

Setup Recommendations

1. Create custom data screens:

   • Screen 1: Current pace, target pace (from PacePro), heart rate
   • Screen 2: Lap pace, distance, elapsed time
   • Screen 3: Heart rate zone, cadence, performance condition

2. Set pace alerts:

   • Warning when pace is too fast (first half of race)
   • Different alert for when to increase pace (second half)

3. Use auto lap intelligently:

   • Standard 1-mile laps for races
   • Custom distance for interval work

4. Calibrate your sensors:

   • Run on a measured track or known distance
   • Calibrate footpod (if using) for treadmill accuracy

Pre-Race Checklist

• Charge to 100%
• Update firmware
• Sync PacePro course
• Test GPS lock at venue
• Confirm data screens
• Disable unnecessary notifications
• Enable Do Not Disturb mode

Verdict: Is the Forerunner 265 Worth It?

Score: 4.7/5

The Garmin Forerunner 265 excels where it matters most for runners serious about pacing: accurate GPS, excellent training metrics, and the unparalleled PacePro feature. The AMOLED display is a genuine upgrade that improves usability during hard efforts.

Pros:

• Stunning AMOLED display
• Multi-band GPS accuracy
• Comprehensive training ecosystem
• PacePro for pacing strategies
• Solid build quality
• Reliable performance

Cons:

• Battery life shorter than MIP alternatives
• No on-wrist maps
• Premium price point
• Optical HR has limitations at high intensity

Final recommendation: If you're training for a marathon with negative split goals and want a watch that actively supports your pacing strategy, the Forerunner 265 is the best mid-range option available in 2025. The combination of PacePro, accurate GPS, and the vibrant AMOLED display makes it a training partner that earns its place on your wrist.

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Ready to put your Forerunner 265 to work? Use our workout generator to create custom negative split sessions with downloadable .fit files that sync directly to your watch.