Running with Apple watch and iPhone.

I always run with my phone and watch, I got the watch so I could leave my phone at home but the Apple Watch has failed me in the past, so I start the run with phone, and have it with me all the time, however I also wear the watch because I like to pause/stop without reaching for the phone.

Some times during long races the watch disconnects, is there a way to “ping” on the watch to try to reconnect?

I want to use it the watch to keep the pace.