Suunto Race S: robust, mapped.
The Suunto Race S targets demanding trail runners and runners.
Strong points:
- Detailed on-board mapping
- Battery life 30 hours in GPS
- More robust case (titanium, sapphire)
- Repairable (unlike the Run)
- Larger screen (1.4″)
- Connected autonomy 14 days
Weak points:
- Heavier (42g vs 35g)
- No MP3 player
- High price (349€)
- Less light than the Run
Key Differences: Where It Really Plays
Mapping
Breed S: yes. Run: no.
That’s the major difference. If you need detailed maps, it’s Race S. If you run on known routes, it’s Run.
Autonomy
Race S: 30 hours. Run: 20 hours.
10 hours difference. For a marathon, it’s overkill. For an ultra-trail, it’s useful.
Weight
Run: 35g. Breed S: 42g.
7 grams. You will feel the difference if you have a small wrist. Otherwise, it is negligible.
Robustness
Race S: titanium case, sapphire crystal, repairable. Run: plastic, Gorilla Glass, not repairable.
If you break your Run, you must replace it. If you break your Race S, you can have it repaired.
Music
Run: 4 GB of MP3. Race S: nothing.
If you like running with music, this is Run. If you don’t need it, it’s Race S.
Price
Run: €249. Race S: €349.
100€ difference. It’s budget. For some, it is decisive.
Who should buy what?
Road runner (3-4 sessions/week)
Suunto Run. You don’t need mapping. Music will be more useful to you. 100€ saved.
Runner who loves music
Suunto Run. The Race S does not have an MP3 player. It’s a deal-breaker.
Trailer exploring unknown areas
Suunto Race S. You need mapping. The 30 hour battery life is useful too.
Ultra-runner (100km+)
Suunto Race S. The 30 hour autonomy is important. Cartography too.
Runner who wants an indestructible watch
Suunto Race S. Titanium case, sapphire crystal, repairable. The Run is not repairable.
Runner on a budget
Suunto Run. €249 vs €349. That’s a big difference.
Runner who wants the lightest watch
Suunto Run. 35g vs 42g. 7 grams less.
Runner who wants it all (mapping + music + lightness)
Impossible. Suunto doesn’t have a watch that combines everything. You must choose your priorities.
Is it worth paying €100 more?
It depends on your needs.
If you run on known routes and like music, no. The Run is enough.
If you explore unknown areas and do ultras, yes. The Race S is worth it.
If you’re afraid of breaking your watch, yes. The Race S is repairable.
If you’re on a budget, no. The Run is excellent for the price.
Where to buy
Suunto Run: Suunto official website, i-Run, Amazon, specialized resellers.
Suunto Race S: Suunto official website, i-Run, Amazon, specialist resellers.
Look for seasonal specials. Prices often drop at the end of the season.
