I Tried This Jogging Stroller—and Didn’t Want to Stop Running

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If you’re looking for the best jogging stroller for running, the Thule Urban Glide 3 makes a strong case right out of the gate. Designed for all-terrain use and everyday runs, it promises stability, durability, and a smoother ride for both parent and passenger. After testing it on paved trails and light mud, one thing stood out immediately: this stroller makes running with a kid feel surprisingly effortless.

The term “all terrain” is a bit of a misnomer. In thick mud, deep snow, or knee-deep water, even the most capable Land Rover off-road vehicle might get stuck. Fat bikes, off-road vehicles, and even a fancy new pair of Hokas might struggle. And then there’s the all-terrain baby stroller I tested recently. The Thule Urban Glide 3 is considered a “performance” jogging stroller but whether you risk running on deep, muddy terrain is up to the passenger, not the jogger.

I had an absolute blast testing this one with a good friend’s toddler, running on a wet paved cycling trail and then on a slightly muddy road near a park. The stroller is stable, durable, and even works with the Thule bassinet or infant car seat adapter. I had to question the portability a little (the stroller weighs just over 26 pounds) but I’ve become a jogging stroller fanatic. I’m still working on whether my little passenger would like to tackle rougher terrain.

What It Is

After setting up the Thule Urban Glide 3, I had to marvel at the size. The all-black model I tested looked over-sized in an almost comical way sitting in my living room. Setup took less than five minutes because there are no screws or bolts. You snap everything into place, including the tires. While Thule says the Urban Glide 3 works fine for both infants and toddlers, I couldn’t convince any parents I know to let me try this contraption with anyone younger than a year old. (In case you’re wondering, none of my kids are young enough to use in a stroller anymore.) The tires look beefy and the stroller is wonderfully stable with a front wheel that swivels smoothly. Would it be able to handle a little mud? That was my one burning question.

Overall Impressions 

Out on the trail, the Thule Urban Glide 3 proved to be the most high-tech baby carrier I’ve ever tested. As a dad with four kids, I’ve used many strollers over the years in an attempt to combine running/hiking as a workout and outdoor time with the kiddos, but I like this one the best. It didn’t take long before I warmed up to the larger size because you don’t feel like the Urban Glide 3 is tippy or will spin out of control. I liked being able to look at the toddler by pulling the top cover all the way back. He liked being able to sit back and enjoy the ride. There’s also a large zippered storage compartment under the seat for stashing extra gear, including a few stuffed animals.

Key Features

To say the Thule Urban Glide 3 is a tech marvel might be an understatement, even though there are no apps or a wireless connection. (I did think a small tracking device that shows your speed would have been nice.) There’s a reason it won a Gold Award from iF Design. This model comes in five colors including taupe, slate, green, black and blue.

The seat buckles snap together using a magnet, and the seat itself and legrest look comfortable but not loose or overly soft. Moms and dads will like that the stroller fabric can be removed for cleaning. The whole unit folded up tight and compact such that it fit perfectly fine in my crossover. There are a few things I don’t like, though. The zippered storage compartment under the seat is fine for stuffed animals or a diaper bag, but was not big enough for my thicker camera bag. Because the stroller is meant for jogging, you have to make sure you lock the wheels when you stop. Will most parents know you have to set the brake? Probably.

For running (a.k.a. features for the jogger), there’s a brake on the handle that twists to slow you down, and the visibility is outstanding. The stroller at about 45 inches in height, is not so tall that your view is obstructed. The stroller has an aluminum frame, which I would expect for the $800 price tag, making it light and durable enough for multiple runs over many years.

What I liked best is that the stroller is expandable. You can add a Thule bassinet that costs $299 for infants, a newborn nest for about $150 that adds additional warmth and protection, and even some optional bumpers and a conversion kit that allows you to use your own car seat.

Proof is in the pudding, which I forgot to bring along on a late winter jog. The toddler loved every minute, since it’s not as cold and snowy where I live right now. During one long run in 50-degree weather, the Thule Urban Glide 3 kept gliding along effortlessly. The tires are not as grippy as you might expect, but the whole unit had no problem on light mud. After a run, I liked how you can grab one handle (hidden under a flap), then slide and twist to collapse the whole unit. What started as a three-wheeled vehicle looked more like a large car seat and was easy to stow.

Pros

• Stable and well-made with an aluminum frame
• Absolute joy to use for both jogger and passenger
• Plenty of add-ons like a car seat adapter

Cons

• A bit expensive
• No way to track your speed

Final Verdict

I mentioned the term “all-terrain” and how it’s a bit overstated. I would not use the Thule Urban Glide 3 on deeper mud or snow, but that’s because I want to avoid a mishap. I also wondered about the $800 price. Guava makes very similar models for about $100 less, for example. Yet, after each test run, the toddler was so happy and felt safe and secure. The Thule Urban Glide 3 is stable enough for slick roads and even icy patches. I was sold. Once you take this monster stroller out for a serious run, it reveals a final verdict all on its own. Warm weather, a sunny day, and a happy toddler made me want to keep using the Thule Urban Glide 3.

Why You Should Trust Me

Not much more to say than—I have four kids. I've used every stroller imaginable, biked for hundreds and hundreds of miles with a kid sitting right behind me or towed along in a bike trailer, and jogged for countless miles with several all-terrain models. My first time testing a larger jogging stroller proved one thing: There is a way to combine something you love to do and also provide a safe and comfortable ride for one of your kids.