From solo morning jogs to the finish line of a race, the new Suunto Run is more than just a watch – it’s the tool that helps every runner run their story. We run for fun, to unwind, and to stay healthy. But we also run to see progress, to challenge ourselves, and to compete. With its ultra-lightweight design, vibrant aesthetics, long battery life, special running features, precise tracking, and comprehensive daily support, Suunto Run makes all of this possible.
As running continues to boom in popularity worldwide, Suunto introduces a new sports watch, Suunto Run: a purpose-built device designed to support runners of all levels in achieving their goals, staying motivated, and maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle. With its intuitive design, user-friendly technology, and specialized features, the Suunto Run is also the perfect choice for those looking to find their first sports watch.
The rise of running: a global phenomenon
Running has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity in recent years, with participation in running events and running clubs increasing worldwide and the number of people regularly engaged in running or jogging growing. This expansion is largely driven by the accessibility of running and its significant benefits for both physical and mental well-being.
According to Dr. Neil Baxter, a social scientist who conducted a five year reasearch project into recreational running as a social practice, the appeal of running lies in its ability to fulfill a wide range of human needs. “People turn to running for various reasons – some for health benefits or stress relief, others for personal achievement or the opportunities it offers for coming into contact with nature. It is one of the most accessible and adaptable forms of exercise, which is why its popularity continues to grow,” says Baxter.
“The story of running stretches as far back as human history itself, but recreational running as we know it today is relatively recent. It dates back to the U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s when a few maverick health professionals began recommending jogging as a form of exercise to ordinary people. At the time, the idea of running long distances was still considered too extreme and dangerous for all but elite professional athletes. Today, the landscape of running is entirely different – hundreds of millions of people right around the world are runners, and the sport has diversified into various subcultures, reflecting the motivations, tastes and goals of different social groups,” Baxter continues.
“Today, the internet, data sharing, and wearable sports technology enable new forms of community, connection, competition, and self-knowledge, enriching our relationship with running while also reflecting broader social and cultural trends. Running is a simple physical act, yet we have built a rich and complex culture around it. Because of its mass appeal and central role in many people’s lives, examining who runs, how, and why can provide deep insights into who we are, how we see the world, and what matters most to ordinary people in the society we live in today,” Baxter concludes.
Designed for every runner
The new Suunto Run has been crafted with all levels of runners in mind, from recreational joggers to dedicated runners, helping them monitor their activity, progress, and overall well-being. It offers essential running-specific features, training guidance, and multi-sport tracking to support users in reaching their goals. Whether someone is chasing the runner’s high, preparing for a marathon, or simply aiming to build endurance, this watch serves as a personal coach on the wrist.
With specialized features such as marathon mode, ghost runner, and track running, the Run enables runners to fine-tune their pacing, simulate competition, and track their progress over time. Additionally, the watch includes 34 sport modes, allowing users to cross-train with activities such as cycling, yoga, and strength training to enhance overall fitness.
The device monitors heart rate directly from the wrist. Sleep tracking and recovery analysis further ensure users can optimize their rest to support peak performance. The newly introduced breathing app helps runners and active individuals manage stress, regulate breathing, and maintain balance.
Simplicity meets high-quality design
The Suunto Run is lightweight – just 36 grams – and built for comfort. Its textile strap ensures a snug fit, and with four color variations, users can select a style that matches their personality. For those seeking additional customization, the watch is compatible with all 22mm-wide accessory straps from Suunto.
The Suunto app seamlessly integrates with the watch, providing deeper insights into training, activity levels, and recovery. Users can also store and manage MP3 audio files, allowing them to listen to their favorite music on the Suunto Run without needing to carry a phone or a separate music device while exercising. Additional smart features, such as weather updates, alarms, and activity tracking, ensure the watch remains useful beyond training sessions.
Battery life is another key advantage. In daily mode, the watch lasts up to 12 days on a single charge, allowing runners to focus on training instead of battery management. Even during intense activity tracking, the device remains operational for an extended period, ensuring reliability during long-distance runs or multi-day adventures. Its highly accurate GNSS navigation feature allows users to review their running routes on the watch and within the Suunto app post-training. Additionally, the breadcrumb navigation feature enables users to follow routes even when offline.
With an intuitive interface, the Suunto Run is accessible to both first-time sports watch users and experienced athletes looking for a streamlined experience. The Suunto Run is developed in collaboration with runners and athletes worldwide.
Sources:
- Dr. Neil Baxter, Neil Baxter is a social scientist who conducted a five year study of British running culture with the University of Warwick. The research, which surveyed the behaviours and attitudes of thousands of runners, was published as a book, “Running Identity and Meaning” (Emerald Publishers) in 2021. Baxter is currently writing a 500 year history of running in Britain called “Running Country”. He has also written numerous magazine articles, and recently appeared in a BBC documentary discussing the sociology of running. www.runningstudies.co.uk.
- Outdoor Foundation, "2023 Outdoor Participation Trends"
- RunRepeat, "State of Running 2019"
- England Athletics, “The National Running Report 2024”
- Suunto user data
The Suunto Run sports watch is available through Suunto’s official channels and select retailers, starting:
May 13: sales start in China, Americas, Japan, Korea, Australia, NZ
June 3: sales start in EMEA
June 12: sales start in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong
June 23: sales start in Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan