My Garmin Descent does not accurately record outdoor run distance

Could you share one you your activities demonstrating the distance discrepancy, and post the link to it here? How much is the difference?

I get the same issue with mine. I run the same route and distance every day and the GPS data change every day. The GPS does not accurately track your movements and constantly things I am running through buildings or zig zagging through a river.

Here is the latest using the Nike Run App on my iPhone and the Garmin Connect app synced to my Descent MK1

The watch consistently measures less than the distance I run. 

Well, I meant rather sharing a link to the activity, so that we can zoom into the map and see whether there are some visible inconsistencies or GPS errors, and where they are - if they are in the proximity of tall buildings, dense vegetation, or similar.

You should also verify the status of the EPO file on the screen Settings » About on the watch. An expired EPO will cause a very slow syncing with individual satellites, and hence it will lead to a much worse and slower position detection.

Hello, in addition to what trux has already said, adjusting some of the settings in the articles below can help with GPS accuracy.

Improving the GPS Accuracy, Distance and Speed Readings of an Outdoor Watch

GPS Drift and Environmental Factor Impact on GPS Accuracy

I’ll give it a try.  It consistently measures less than I actually ran.  Maybe that will help.

Can't find EPO file