Founded by Felix Hauck in 1923, Hauck is a German brand that manufactures all kinds of equipment for babies and toddlers. Its range includes pushchairs, highchairs, travel cots, safety gates, bike trailers, wagons, toys, bathtubs, change mats and so on. Basically, if you’re new parents and you’re in need of some equipment, there’ll be some German-engineered gear for you at Hauck.
Hauck’s range of strollers is impressive, with various three- and four-wheeled buggies fit for all kinds of scenarios. The three-wheeled Runner series seems to be aimed at – you guessed it – runners looking to jog with their little one safely secured within a comfy, 5-point harness system. I say seems to be aimed at runners because the small print of the manual states that it’s not suitable for running, which is odd for a buggy literally named 'Runner'. It’s likely that this is Hauck covering themselves in terms of any potential litigation.
There are three versions of the Runner, the 1, the 2 and the 3. I tested the 2, a well-priced mid-range option that’s more affordable than the 3 but slightly more featured than the 1.
Meet the reviewer
First impressions
RRP: $221.99 (US) / £200 (UK)
Weight: 11.1kg / 24.5lb
Folded size: 87cm x 59cm x 47 cm / 34” x 23” x 18.5”
Minimum age: Strolling from birth, jogging unstated
Maximum weight: 22kg / 48lb
Colors: Mickey Mouse Olive
Newborn crib or car seat attachment possible: Yes
Double version available: No
The Runner 2 is at the more reasonable end of the running stroller price spectrum, though it’s still a smart looking buggy. Its three air-filled tyres looked ready for anything the sidewalks and trails could throw at them, while the sleek black color was certainly attractive. When I first brought it into the house, my daughter was clearly impressed. It was the first time we’d heard her exclaim “Wow!” in any case.
Our first outing was a quick walk around the block and the Runner 2 seemingly ticked all the boxes. It was easy to place and secure my daughter in the large seat, the handling felt smooth and she was smiling the whole time. Adjusting the height of the handlebar, applying the footbrake and locking the front wheel off were all achieve intuitively. It didn’t take long to feel totally in tune with it all.
Features
The way the Runner 2 folds up is a thing of beauty. Two handles on either side of the main push bar pull back and the whole thing hinges in the middle, bringing the front wheel back towards the back wheels and the main handle inward. You can then use the bar above the seat to pull the whole thing along like an item of luggage. Very clever.
The backrest of the seat can be adjusted all the way down to a horizontal position (for use with a compatible bassinet). When down, a mesh back panel can be opened up for the dual purposes of being able to see your bundle of joy (and vice versa) and to improve airflow. The adjustable strap gives you the ability to tailor the backrest’s angle to your child’s needs, which is good for finding the ideal angle for nap time. Meanwhile you’ll want it to be as upright as possible when running.
For shade and protection against the elements, a canopy concertinas over the seat, providing a UPF 50+ shield against those dastardly UV rays. There’s also a separate raincover thrown in, which is a real bonus considering this kind of thing isn’t included in some pricier strollers. There's also a sizeable storage basket beneath the seat.
Hauck say that the Runner 2 is suitable from birth, though it recommends that you pair it with its 2 in1 Carrycot for this. It doesn’t state when it’s safe to jog with your child, though most strollers of this kind state sometime around 9 months. It’ll also be suitable for toddler of up to 22kg (48lb), which should cover them all the way up to school age.
It’s also compatible with a car seat if you buy Hauck’s adapter, which slots into the groves vacated when you remove the front bar.
On the tarmac and trails
I took my little cherub out on runs and strolls around my neighborhood and to the local park, which has some rougher trails through a picturesque gorge. In terms of walking, it’s definitely one of the best strollers I’ve had the pleasure of testing. It handles well, moves smoothly, can take to multiple terrain types and the ample storage basket below the chair is big enough for a decent sized daypack. Also, living in England, which can be a little wet at times, the inclusion of a rain cover is a real plus.
When it came to running, I found the Runner 2 was nice and smooth on tarmac – not exactly gliding like some premium strollers but still very impressive. On gravel trails, the dual wheel suspension was working a little harder but the running was still enjoyable.
Generally, the various adjustments you can make, such as the angle of the seat, the height of the handlebar or the concertina sunshade, I found to be really intuitive. The way it folds down is also really impressive and I love the way it’s designed as such that you can then wheel it away like a suitcase in its more compact form. Packed down, it’s quite bulky compared to some strollers, especially given its large rear wheels, but it's pretty much average when compared to other running strollers. This does mean that it’d be a bit of a squeeze in smaller car boots.
There’s not a lot of subtlety, everything adjusts in a very emphatic way, which is what you want from something you’re putting precious cargo in. The same is true of the 5-point harness, which clicks into place in a very satisfactory manner but also comes apart to make loading and removing child from the seat very straightforward.
I recently tested the much pricier Baby Jogger Summit X3 on the same trails as the Runner 2 and found it to be a smoother ride, particularly on the rougher terrain. Plus, the lack of a handbrake or wrist leash on the Runner 2 made me think twice before gleefully launching into a long downhill section.
Nevertheless, considering the price difference, a direct comparison seems somewhat unfair. If you’re looking for a jogging buggy for reasonably kind terrain that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, the Runner 2 is a solid option.
