Just 36g! Introducing the Suunto Run, SUUNTO's Lightest Sports Watch Ever, Designed for Runners

Founded in Finland in 1936, SUUNTO's sports watches are beloved worldwide for their high functionality and stylish Nordic design. The new 'Suunto Run' was developed to support all runners, from those who enjoy casual jogging to serious competitors aiming to break records in races. Despite weighing just 36g, it boasts a long battery life. Let's delve into the capabilities of the 'Suunto Run,' which is equipped with all the essential features a runner needs.

A Lightweight and Slim Model Designed for Runners

"Under the slogan 'Adventure Starts Here,' Suunto develops products like sports watches and dive computers. Our sports watches are broadly categorized by use: Adventure, Performance, and Diving. The Adventure line is for those who enjoy exploring and mountaineering, while the Performance line is geared towards people who train and run," says Kazuhiro Nishiyama, Country Manager for Suunto Japan.

Many who enjoy hiking, trekking, and diving are likely already fond users of Suunto sports watches. And now, the new 'Suunto Run,' as its name suggests, is a model specifically dedicated to running.

"The Suunto Run supports all runners by specializing in the features they need and stripping away everything else. The result is a model that weighs a mere 36g and has a slim profile of just 11.5mm thick."

Another welcome feature for runners is that despite its ultra-light and ultra-thin design, it delivers solid, long-lasting battery performance. It offers up to 20 hours in training mode with GPS and up to 12 days in daily use mode (tracking activity and sleep). You won't have to worry about the battery level every time you go for a run.

High Visibility and Simple Controls Are Also Key Features

It features a high-definition 1.32-inch AMOLED display, ensuring excellent visibility day or night. You won't struggle to see the display on a bright sunny day or have trouble checking your pace and distance at night. It uses durable Gorilla Glass and is also water-resistant (50m), so you can use it with confidence even on rainy days.

Of course, you can review your route after training, but by linking with the Suunto app, you can gain a deeper understanding of your training details, activity levels, and recovery status. By utilizing dedicated features like Marathon Mode, Track Running, and the Ghost Runner, which guides you at your set target pace, you can also manage your pace, simulate races, and conduct continuous performance analysis.

"As you'll find when you actually use it, the UI (User Interface) is very simple and allows for intuitive operation. Control via the touchscreen and the three buttons on the right side of the body is a common specification across Suunto sports watches, so anyone who has used another Suunto model can use it without hesitation. Conversely, it's also a smooth transition for Suunto Run users who decide to switch to a different Suunto model."

Having used a past Suunto model myself, I found the basic operations unchanged and was able to navigate it swiftly without looking at the manual.

"Other attractive features of the Suunto Run include its high-precision GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) navigation capabilities (using GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, and BEIDOU), its sophisticated Nordic design, and a price point that is accessible to entry-level users (¥43,890, tax included)."

What's Missing from the 'Suunto Run'?

Achieving an incredible lightness of just 36g and a remarkable thinness of 11.5mm, the 'Suunto Run' is packed with all the essential features a runner could want, and at a budget-friendly price. While this makes it seem like the perfect sports watch, you might be curious about what was trimmed down to keep the weight and cost so low.

One key feature left out is SuuntoPlus. This is an extended functionality feature designed to enhance training and outdoor activities, supported by models like the 'Suunto Vertical' and 'Suunto 9 Peak Pro.' New apps are regularly added to the SuuntoPlus Store. Essentially, this means the 'Suunto Run' falls short of other models when it comes to expandability.

Furthermore, the 'Suunto Run' comes with 34 sports modes, including cycling, yoga, and strength training. In comparison, the 'Suunto 9 Peak Pro' boasts over 95. It also lacks the map functionality found in models like the 'Suunto Vertical'.

That said, it's equipped with all the essential features a runner needs, so this isn't a deal-breaker. Instead, you get to fully enjoy the incredible benefits of its ultra-light, ultra-thin, and low-cost design.

The 'Suunto Run' also allows you to store music (4GB), and Suunto has the perfect companion for it: the 'Suunto Wing' bone conduction headphones, designed for running. They let you listen to your music while staying aware of your surroundings. Plus, they're waterproof and dustproof, so you don't have to worry about sweat or dirt. They even support head gesture controls and have LED lights to boost your visibility at night.

If you're a runner who loves to listen to music on the go, you'll definitely want to check these out.