Virtual Partner

Virtual Partner
Overview
Introduced	2003 (Forerunner 201)
Type	Training Feature

Virtual Partner is a pacing feature developed by Garmin that allows users to race against a virtual competitor set to a specific target pace or speed during workouts. The feature displays real-time feedback showing whether the user is ahead of or behind the virtual partner, helping athletes maintain consistent pacing throughout their activities.

Overview

Virtual Partner functions as a training aid that creates a simulated competitor running or cycling at a user-defined pace. During an activity, the watch displays a comparison screen showing:

• The user's current position relative to the virtual partner
• Distance ahead or behind the target pace
• A visual representation of both "runners" on a track-style graphic

The feature is available for pace-based activities including running, cycling, and other endurance sports, though availability varies by device and activity type.

History

Virtual Partner was introduced with the Forerunner 201 in 2003, making it one of Garmin's earliest training features. The Forerunner 201 manual described Virtual Partner as a "Goal Oriented Training Feature" that allowed users to set distance and time goals, with the watch computing the required pace and displaying a visual representation of two runners—the user and the virtual partner—on screen.

The feature continued in subsequent Forerunner models including the Forerunner 305 (2006), Forerunner 405, Forerunner 410, Forerunner 610, and Forerunner 310XT, becoming a standard feature across Garmin's running watch lineup.

The feature represented one of Garmin's earliest attempts to gamify training by providing athletes with a competitor to race against, even when training alone. This concept later evolved into more advanced features such as Virtual Racer (introduced with the Forerunner 610 in 2011) and Race an Activity.

Current Status

Virtual Partner remains an active feature in Garmin's current product lineup as of 2026. It is available on:

• fēnix series (including fēnix 7 and fēnix 8)
• Venu series (including Venu 4)
• Quatix series (including quatix 8)
• Forerunner series (select models)
• Edge cycling computers

In August 2025, Garmin released firmware update 28.20 for Edge cycling computers, which added a global toggle allowing users to disable Virtual Partner for courses. Prior to this update, Virtual Partner was always displayed when following a course, which some users found intrusive during navigation.

How to Use

To enable Virtual Partner on compatible Garmin devices:

1. From the watch face, hold the menu button
2. Select the activity profile (e.g., Run, Bike)
3. Navigate to Data Screens or Training Pages
4. Add a Virtual Partner data screen
5. Set the target pace or speed

During the activity, users can scroll to the Virtual Partner screen to view their progress relative to the target pace. The display typically shows a graphical representation of two figures on a track, with distance ahead/behind indicated.

Limitations

• Virtual Partner may not be available for all activity types on all devices (e.g., pool swimming, skiing)
• Target pace can typically only be entered in fixed increments (often 5-second steps), limiting precision
• On some devices, Virtual Partner cannot be disabled when following a course (addressed in Edge firmware 28.20)
• The feature requires manual pace entry; it does not automatically adjust to training goals

Related Features

• Virtual Racer – An evolution of Virtual Partner introduced in 2011 that allows users to race against previous activities rather than a fixed pace
• Race an Activity – The modern implementation of racing against saved activities
• PacePro – A pacing strategy feature that creates dynamic pace targets based on course elevation and target finish time
• Courses – Route-following functionality that can incorporate Virtual Partner pacing

See Also

• Forerunner 201
• Forerunner 305
• Forerunner 405
• Forerunner 410
• Forerunner 610
• Garmin Connect