Suunto Run vs. Suunto Race S: A Comparative Analysis and Ranking

Suunto Race S: robust, mapped.

The Suunto Race S targets demanding trail runners and runners.

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Strong points:

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  • 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
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Weak points:

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  • Heavier (42g vs 35g)
  • No MP3 player
  • High price (349€)
  • Less light than the Run
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Key Differences: Where It Really Plays

Mapping

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Breed S: yes. Run: no.

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That's the major difference. If you need detailed maps, it's Race S. If you run on known routes, it's Run.

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Autonomy

Race S: 30 hours. Run: 20 hours.

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10 hours difference. For a marathon, it's overkill. For an ultra-trail, it's useful.

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Weight

Run: 35g. Breed S: 42g.

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7 grams. You will feel the difference if you have a small wrist. Otherwise, it is negligible.

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Robustness

Race S: titanium case, sapphire crystal, repairable. Run: plastic, Gorilla Glass, not repairable.

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If you break your Run, you must replace it. If you break your Race S, you can have it repaired.

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Music

Run: 4 GB of MP3. Race S: nothing.

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If you like running with music, this is Run. If you don't need it, it's Race S.

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Price

Run: €249. Race S: €349.

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100€ difference. It's budget. For some, it is decisive.

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Who should buy what?

Road runner (3-4 sessions/week)

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Suunto Run. You don't need mapping. Music will be more useful to you. 100€ saved.

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Runner who loves music

Suunto Run. The Race S does not have an MP3 player. It's a deal-breaker.

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Trailer exploring unknown areas

Suunto Race S. You need mapping. The 30 hour battery life is useful too.

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Ultra-runner (100km+)

Suunto Race S. The 30 hour autonomy is important. Cartography too.

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Runner who wants an indestructible watch

Suunto Race S. Titanium case, sapphire crystal, repairable. The Run is not repairable.

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Runner on a budget

Suunto Run. €249 vs €349. That's a big difference.

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Runner who wants the lightest watch

Suunto Run. 35g vs 42g. 7 grams less.

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Runner who wants it all (mapping + music + lightness)

Impossible. Suunto doesn't have a watch that combines everything. You must choose your priorities.

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Is it worth paying €100 more?

It depends on your needs.

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If you run on known routes and like music, no. The Run is enough.

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If you explore unknown areas and do ultras, yes. The Race S is worth it.

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If you're afraid of breaking your watch, yes. The Race S is repairable.

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If you're on a budget, no. The Run is excellent for the price.

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Where to buy

Suunto Run: Suunto official website, i-Run, Amazon, specialized resellers.

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Suunto Race S: Suunto official website, i-Run, Amazon, specialist resellers.

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Look for seasonal specials. Prices often drop at the end of the season.

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Read also

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