Graco Relay Jogger Review: The Budget-Friendly Buggy That Got Me Rolling
If you’ve got a young child and want to keep running, you’ll quickly discover that not all buggies are created equal. The Graco Relay Jogger was my first proper running buggy – and while it’s no longer widely available, it deserves a place in my journey and might help someone else starting theirs.
Why I Bought It
Back in 2016, I wasn’t getting the miles in. My wife and daughter were out at dance classes most weekends, and I was stuck indoors with a restless toddler. I needed a solution that let me train and keep my son entertained. Enter: the running buggy.
After digging through reviews, watching YouTube demos, and figuring out what features mattered, the Graco Relay Jogger stood out. It ticked my boxes:
- ✅ Pneumatic tyres
- ✅ Decent suspension
- ✅ Swivel-to-fixed front wheel
- ✅ Decent storage and included accessories
- ✅ Quick fold mechanism
All that, and it was priced under my self-imposed budget. Amazon UK had it with a rain cover, parent organiser, and a child’s drink tray included. Sold.
Setup & First Impressions
It arrived in a huge box – but once unpacked, assembly was quick. Clip on the rear wheels, canopy, organiser, and bar… done. I had to inflate the tyres, and found the front wheel’s tight spoke gaps tricky with a standard compressor. A cheap valve adapter solved it.
First Push (and Nerves) – We took it for a test walk before parkrun that weekend. I had Joe strapped in, front wheel locked, kit on… and suddenly felt stage fright. So we walked. Call it a warm-up. Soon we hit the local cycle path, and we turned that walk into a jog, then a proper run. And it just… worked.
Running Performance
The Relay is sturdy and well balanced. On the flat, it rolls smoothly. Cornering is easy with slight pressure on the handle – and for tighter bends, push down slightly to lift the front wheel and pivot. Suspension and tyres absorb bumps well. The ride is stable, even at pace.
Downhills are where you miss a handbrake. Without one, you’re either resisting the buggy or letting it pick up speed. I prefer the latter – just go with it.
Storage & Transport
It folds with a single handle pull. The rear wheels pop off via quick release, and with those removed it fit (just) in the boot of my Mk7 VW Golf. Compact? Not quite – but manageable.
Everyday Use
We used this buggy daily. School runs, training runs, and parkrun weekends. It’s not just a running tool – it became our main pushchair. The fixed wheel locks in place easily, and the tracking dial helps if it pulls slightly to one side.
It doesn’t have a wrist tether in the UK model (why, Graco?), but I picked one up separately and fitted it easily. Highly recommend.
Gripes
- ❌ No handbrake on UK model
- ❌ No tether strap included
- ❌ Slightly awkward valve access on the front wheel
But for the price? I can’t complain.
Verdict
The Graco Relay Jogger gave me my first proper taste of running with a buggy. It held up well, handled all terrain, and let me bring my son along for the journey. If Graco pushed the running angle more in the UK, I think it would’ve stayed in production. As it stands, it’s a gem that flew under the radar. If you spot one second-hand, it’s still worth a look.
Would I buy it again? If I was starting out – yes. But I’d add a tether (pictured), maybe slime the tyres to prevent punctures, and be aware of its limitations on downhills.
If you’re considering getting into buggy running, this one made it possible for me. It might for you too.
If you’re still in research mode, I also wrote a guide on how to choose a running buggy that suits your everyday life here.
Useful Bits I Bought:
Update: We’ve since moved on from the Graco to a specialist buggy – if you’re running with older children or have additional needs to consider, check out my latest buggy review – The Specialist Running Buggy That Got Us Back on the Road