Ready to take running with a stroller to a whole new level? Welcome to our much-anticipated review of the Kidrunner jogging stroller! With a waist attachment, your child can tag along behind you as you run hands-free!
I feel like the Kidrunner is a massive advance that parents in the running world need, and not enough people know about this. I interviewed Gabe Rosas, a father of six who consistently takes his kids running with his Kidrunner jogging stroller. He has raced numerous 5k, 10k and half marathons with the Kidrunner in tow.
So read on, as I step you through the following:
- What is the Kidrunner Running Stroller?
- How can Kidrunner improve your running form?
- Our solution to jogging strollers for 3 kids!
Table of Contents
KidRunner Running Stroller Review
OVERALL RATING: 9
Capability as a jogging stroller: 10
Ease of Use: 6
Rolling Resistance: 10
Compactness: 7
Robustness: 9
Style: 10
Safety: 10
Value for money: 10*
* KidRunner reimburses 100% of race entry fees for the first year after purchase. Gabe can attest to this, as his KidRunner paid for itself several times over in his case.
PROS
- Maintain your natural running style
- Avoid injuries like traditional strollers can cause
- Your child can see you running
- Lightweight
- Offroad capacity
- Ability to take skiing or cycling (with conversion kit)
- Large wheels
- Folds down quickly & easily
- Race entry fee reimbursement from KidRunner for first 12 months
CONS
- Requires time for initial set up
- Initial learning curve to use it
- Takes a bit more effort to fold and dismantle it for travel
- Cockpit could have better ventilation
- Might not be suited for extra tall runners
- Freight can be expensive
- Single child only
Running with the Kidrunner Stroller
Kidrunner makes stroller running so much easier. We love the Kidrunner because our running form is not compromised. From the first time we tried the Kidrunner, we knew we couldn’t go back to a traditional jogging stroller if we had the choice.
The main things we LOVE about running with Kidrunner include:
- Arms can swing free
- Easy to quickly unclip the waist harness when you’re finished running or need to attend to your child
- Large wheels make a smooth ride and it is easy to go over curbs and gutters etc
- You can take your dogs running too, without having to worry about them getting tangled in the stroller like traditional strollers
How to adjust the Kidrunner for running
We love how the KidRunner has been designed for ultimate running performance. With a fully optimized KidRunner, the cockpit should feel almost weightless and as if it is gliding along behind you. There are several adjustments that need to be made before your KidRunner is fully comfortable for both the runner and the co-pilot.
The key factors affecting the optimization of the Kidrunner are:
- Your height
- Height & weight of your child (copilot)
The copilot’s weight should be over the centre of gravity (below the axel points on the cockpit) This can be done by adjusting the cockpit angle.
Adjusting the angle of the cockpit:
- Put your child in the seat and strap them in as you would when going for a run
- Rotate the knobs on the fork arms clockwise simultaneously. This will make the fork arms go down and the cockpit tilt back.
- To adjust the cockpit angle down, turn the knobs counterclockwise to lift the forks.
Adjusting the Kidrunner to suit your height
The bow of the Kidrunner can be adjusted to suit each runner’s height. It’s recommended for all runners to start with the bow fully extended. Shorter runners (under 5”2) will want to test the bow length by bringing it in closer at small increments and trialing how it feels. It may take a few runs around the block and adjustments to get your Kidrunner fully set up and optimized, but hang in there, we know it’s 100% worth it!
- Start with the bow fully extended.
- Bring the bow together by loosening the knob and sliding the end of the bow towards the fork end
- Retighten the knob
How should my Kidrunner feel?
A fully optimized Kidrunner should feel like it is floating along behind you. If set up correctly, you should feel about 1.5 pounds weight of downward pressure on your waist harness.
If you feel too much downward pressure at your waist, the cockpit is probably pitched too far forward for your co-pilot’s height & weight. The fork arms will need to be adjusted to bring the weight off your harness. Turn the knobs clockwise to adjust the fork arms up.
If your waist harness is being pulled up, your cockpit needs to be adjusted down. You should turn the cockpit knobs counterclockwise to adjust it.
We highly recommend this video by Will, the founder of KidRunner on finding the Sweet Spot when optimizing your KidRunner:
If you are still struggling with your Kidrunner system, email your photos or videos of your setup to Kidrunner so Will and the team can guide you through the setup and troubleshooting.
Weight of the KidRunner jogging stroller for running
We usually cover how much a stroller weighs in our review articles as this has a big factor on running performance when stroller running. However, with Kidrunner it is different. As we’ve already covered above, the Kidrunner is designed to use the centre of gravity so that when fully optimized, the weight should only feel about 1.5 pounds of pressure around your waist.
However, for specifications sake, the total unit weight is less than 20lbs, or 9kg.
Manoeuvrability of the KidRunner Trailer
Initially, the KidRunner took a while to get used to running with. It took us a few practice runs to work out the best angle to turn corners, and build general spacial awareness of having a trailer following along behind you. But just like riding a bike, it soon becomes second nature and you don’t have to think about.
The KidRunner is specifically designed for outdoor activities and isn’t your regular everyday stroller, so we don’t need to discuss how this beast goes in the grocery store, right?!
Storage compartments on the Kidrunner
We feel like the storage could be improved on the Kidrunner. However, if you want to compare the Kidrunner to traditional strollers which have plenty of storage, it’s not really on the same plane. The purpose of the Kidrunner is a sleek, running stroller that helps you run with your child. It hasn’t been designed as your everyday workhorse for grocery trips.
Nonetheless, there are two storage pockets on the Kidrunner trailer:
- One at the rear of the unit
- One small pocket inside the cockpit for a phone, toys, snacks or waterbottle
The rear pocket can fit essentials like a bottle of water, baby wipes and a few snacks.
Pumping up the tires on the Kidrunner Stroller
We couldn’t be happier with the air-filled tires on the Kidrunner. In running 5 years we haven’t yet had to replace the tires or tubes, and we clock a lot of miles!
When pumping up your tires, we recommend 25 PSI. The lower pressure does not impact ride comfort for your kiddo and adds longevity to the innertube as well as helping tire durability.
When needed, replacement tires and tubes can be sourced from your local bike shop.
How to fold the KidRunner cockpit
The latest model KidRunner cockpit folds down for easy transport. All previous models dismantle but the cockpit does not fold. Dismantling your KidRunner makes travel and storage a breeze.
Quick steps to dismantle and fold your KidRunner:
- Take the harness off the bow by removing the red pin at the back
- To remove the bow from the fork, unscrew the red quick-release knob on the bow and take it out. Slide the bow out of the sheath.
- To remove the fork from the cockpit, simply unscrew the red handled quick-release knobs on the fork arms, and gently wiggle your forks out of their holders.
- Remove the wheels by pushing the quick-release skewer in the center of the wheel.
- To fold the cockpit, simply push the two side buttons on the cockpit, and push forward.
Your KidRunner now looks like this:
How easy it the Kidrunner to transport?
The Kidrunner fits into most standard-size car trunks. The bow & fork and harness can be removed, leaving the folded cockpit.
Older versions of the Kidrunner break down to the size of the cockpit and can fit comfortably into a taller SUV trunk, or in a car seat.
When we don’t have the whole family onboard, to save time, we stick the Kidrunner directly into the car trunk and have the forks peeping over the back seats. Like this:
Can I take my Kidrunner Stroller on a plane?
Yes! While we haven’t personally needed to take our Kidrunner with us on plane flights, it can be done. Put the wheels in the cockpit and then put it in a big plastic contractor bag. You could check it in as a stroller so it doesn’t count as one of your checked bags. However, it may pay to check with your airline first to avoid any confusion at the airport.
Another option is to fold and completely wrap all the Kidrunner items in clear plastic to keep the parts together.
If you travel a lot, we’d recommend a specific stroller bag like this one.
Shade and weather protection on the Kidrunner
The Kidrunner has a mesh screen that zips over the cockpit. This provides protection It also has an all-weather pvc cover that can be rolled down and secured over the front to protect your little copilot.
The side panels on the Kidrunner are clear PVC. When running in hot weather, the cockpit can get a little hot and we’d love to see KidRunner consider making some mesh side panels down the track.
What age is the Kidrunner suited for?
The Kidrunner is best suited for kids between the ages 6 months and 4.5 years old.
For younger babies, this depends entirely on their head control. If you are concerned that your baby doesn’t have enough head control – don’t run! Running with a child before they are ready can cause injury.
Some children older than 4.5 years can still fit into the cockpit if they are short for their age. You’ll probably find once your child has been a copilot, they will be reluctant to give up their post! Kids really do love the Kidrunner, and seeing their parent running along in front of them can be super inspirational. You could be responsible for the next track sensation in 15 years’ time!
Accessories we recommend for the KidRunner:
If you are used to having storage at your fingertips when pushing a traditional jogging stroller, transitioning to a KidRunner can be challenging. Understandably, there is nowhere to keep your water bottle or phone in handy reach if you need them while running.
Accessories we recommend to get the most out of your stroller runs:
Handheld water bottle
Having a bottle and your phone in your hand can help to improve your stroller runs.
Small tire pump
Keeping a small handheld pump will stop you from being stranded on the run in the event you get a flat tire.
Using the Kidrunner for Skiing
With the Kidrunner ski attachment, you can keep doing what you love together with your kid! The Kidrunner feels natural to ski with and handles corners and downhills like a dream. As the Kidrunner is attached at your waist, it means you can continue to use your ski poles as you usually would!
Why we love the KidRunner +SKI:
- Take your child with you on ski adventures
- Maintain your natural skiing form
- Lightweight and responsive
- Quick and easy to convert from RUN to SKI
How to take three kids stroller running!
The Kidrunner opens doors to a whole realm of possibilities for parents who want to run multiple children. With your hands free, you now have the option to PUSH a jogging stroller. Gabe Rosas, an avid runner from Texas has been known to do this with three of his children.
As the KidRunner is so light and easy to manoeuvre, it’s a no-brainer to add a stroller in front to add to your running caravan.
With three-wheel strollers almost as rare as hens’ teeth, we think splitting your three children across two strollers is a fantastic idea.
Our final thoughts on the KidRunner
The KidRunner is hands down the best jogging stroller on the market today. We don’t mean to create such a glowing review, but we can’t help it! We have highlighted some of the Cons we experienced like the learning curve of getting used to the KidRunner, and the need for a bit more ventilation in the cockpit. However, these pale in comparison to how the KidRunner improves your running.
Sure, the KidRunner is an expensive outlay. However, expensive compared to what? KidRunner stands alone as you can’t really compare it to the regular jogging strollers available. Once you’ve tried Kidrunner, you won’t choose to go back to a traditional stroller for running!
You don’t need to feel like you have to be a ‘pro’ to use one. KidRunner is not just for those who race. It’s a multisport tool that parents all over the world can use to take their child running, walking, biking and skiing. However, you might just be inspired to become an avid runner once you own one!
As a final perk, KidRunner reimburses all race entry fees in the first year of you purchasing a KidRunner trailer!
NOTE: Some images shown throughout this article feature older versions of the KidRunner. Please review the KidRunner website for the most recent version.
If you have a KidRunner, let us know how it has affected your running life in the comments!
Chelsea Light
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