Runners who find sports watches to be overwhelming or cluttered now have a pared-down option. By taking a run-first approach, the Suunto Run ($250) eliminates some data bells and whistles to concentrate on training, racing, and recovery. This streamlined approach also reduces the watch’s heft and price.

Suunto Run Watch Features

The Suunto Run leaves off some techy functions that other smart watches feature, but it doesn’t skimp.

We’ll lead with the weight. This watch weighs 36 g, which is a few grams shy of the sleek Suunto 5 Peak’s 39 g. Then there’s the best-in-class brightness from the AMOLED display.

The Suunto Run comes with 34 different sports modes, including several styles of runs. The non-running sports modes include cycling, circuit training, climbing, jump rope, and more.

Marathon and Track activities are new additions to the running modes, joining treadmill and trail running. In marathon mode, runners can see real-time estimated results and adjust their efforts accordingly. In track mode, runners will get more accurate data from speed work.

Other standout features include Ghost Runner mode, which lets runners virtually race their friends on the same segment, interval run planning, and setting goals to reach.

Battery Life

The watch delivers up to 12 days of battery life in daily use. AI boosts the Suunto Run’s operating system for what Suunto claims is its fastest performance to date, and it also helps improve battery life.

The Suunto Run’s intelligent battery modes are Performance, Endurance, and Power Saving. Performance mode uses the All-Systems GNSS navigation for the most accurate location tracking for up to 20 hours. Switch into single-band GPS, and it can last up to 30 hours. Additionally, it has a breadcrumb navigation feature that works offline.

Specs

• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Glass: Gorilla Glass
• Diameter: 46mm
• Thickness: 11.5mm
• Weight: 36g (textile strap); 51g (silicone strap)

Carryover Features

The Suunto Run Watch still offers weather updates, alarms, and activity monitoring. It works with the Suunto App to gain better insights into training, activity levels, and recovery.

Other Suunto functions of the watch include the touchscreen lock and the ability to store and play MP3 audio files if a user wishes to leave their phone at home.

Suunto Run Watch: The Bottom Line

This watch is a good option for anyone who uses it predominantly to track their runs and doesn’t need it for tracking sleep or a full suite of recovery information. Its price point ($250) also makes it competitive with other smartwatches. To compare, check out GearJunkie’s guide to the best smartwatches.

The Suunto Run is available in four colors with a comfortable textile strap. It’s also compatible with other Suunto 22mm-wide accessory straps. Suunto Run is currently available through Suunto.com and Amazon.