Suunto Blog

Some runners chase silence. Others chase the perfect beat. For Suunto athletes Kimi Schreiber and Gordon Clark, the right audio – whether it’s music, podcasts, or both – can turn a good run into something unforgettable. Mood over miles For Kimi, music is inseparable from running. “I always run with music — in training and in competitions,” she says. “Every session, every run, and every day is unique. That’s exactly how I feel about choosing my music: it’s all about mood, not intensity.” Her playlist changes depending on how she feels that day, but there’s one moment where it matters most — right before the start. “That’s when I need music the most. It keeps my nerves in check and gives me that final boost of self-confidence. Without it, running wouldn’t feel the same for me.” Kimi’s approach is deeply personal. Music isn’t just about beats per minute — it’s about emotional connection. She’s even named her running playlist Kimi’s Epics, a collection built to make her feel powerful from the first step. Listen to Kimi’s Epics below! Warming up the mind Gordon’s relationship with audio on the run is more… eclectic. “I’d reckon 90% of the time I’m running with headphones,” he says. “Only on long, remote trail sessions might I ditch them – partly to hear the sounds of nature, and partly so I’m not mauled by a mountain lion or bear.” For the first miles of his runs, Gordon often listens to podcasts. “It tunes the brain in and on,” he explains. “I’m warming up the body, doing a little self-assessment, then a light stretch before the main part of the run.” Halfway through, though, the mood can shift. “By then, some internal dialog is going hard. I need to hush that up and focus – open up the stride, play with speed. That’s when music comes in.” While he doesn’t usually race with headphones, Gordon makes exceptions for big endurance challenges, like double marathons or extended marathon efforts. “In those types of runs, music helps me stay locked in – until I switch it off to feed off the crowd’s energy.  Add music to your performance  Suunto Wing 2 headphones bring open-ear sound to movement – combining powerful audio, real-time voice feedback, and LED safety lights in a lightweight, waterproof design. It’s made for athletes and adventures who want to stay motivated, aware, and in motion – no matter the conditions. Built on feedback from the first Wing, the new model improves endurance, and everyday usability. Learn more about Suunto Wing 2 >>>

UTMB week in Chamonix is one of the most electric moments in trail running. Whether you’re cheering for a friend, following the elites, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, being in the right spot makes the experience unforgettable. Suunto athletes Stephanie Case and Elise Poncet share their top recommendations – from festive fan zones to quiet scenic viewpoints – to help you plan your UTMB adventure. The legendary UTMB, a 174 km run around the Mont Blanc, starts in Chamonix on August 29 at 5:45pm. St. Gervais – Kilometer 23 (Friday night) The first major aid station of the UTMB – and this year it’s powered by Suunto. Expect a live DJ, a buzzing crowd, and an incredible atmosphere as runners make their way into the heart of the night. Join the Suunto crew to cheer athletes as they hit their first big checkpoint. Notre Dame de la Gorge definitely is one of the most legendary spectator spots. (Image by The Adventure Bakery) Notre Dame de la Gorge – Kilometer 37 (Friday night) One of the most legendary UTMB viewing spots. Stephanie describes it as “a magical, somewhat chaotic light show” where bonfires, neon tunnels, and cheering crowds push runners toward Col du Bonhomme. Step back from the party for a moment and you’ll see a surreal sight: headlamps winding up the mountain like stars in motion. Rifugio Bonatti – Kilometer 96 (Saturday morning) For a calmer experience, Stephanie suggests heading to Rifugio Bonatti, which is not an aid station but rather a point along the course, with incredible views of the Grandes Jorasses. Here you can cheer while enjoying pasta, coffee, or even a beer in relative peace, far from the chaos of the big checkpoints. Stephanie is a Chamonix-local who is commentating the UTMB live during the race week. (Image by Freetrail/Ryan Thrower) Grand Col Ferret – Kilometer 106 (Saturday morning) The highest point of the course at 2536 m is also one of the most dramatic. Stephanie calls it the place to “bring a cowbell, a flag, and your lungs” as runners struggle to the top of this iconic climb on the Italian–Swiss border. Vallorcine – Kilometer 158 (Saturday morning) Both Stephanie and Elise highlight Vallorcine as the place to be in 2025. A massive French fan zone will transform the village into a wild cheering party. Expect costumes, noisemakers, and nonstop encouragement as athletes tackle the last big valley crossing. Parking is tight, so take the train for the easiest and most eco-friendly access. Elise lives in the Chamonix Valley and knows the mountains inside and out. (Image by The Adventure Bakery) La Flégère – Kilometer 170 (Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning) The last climb before Chamonix, and one of the most emotional places on the course. Elise calls it “incredible” with panoramic Mont Blanc views, while Stephanie notes you’ll see runners at their most raw – some breaking, some soaring, all of them on the edge of finishing UTMB. Reach it via the cable car from Les Praz (€24) or hike up from the valley with the Suunto crew: Come to the Suunto booth at 1pm on Saturday and join a cheering run up towards La Flégère. Plan Your Experience From the chaos of Notre Dame de la Gorge to the emotional final push at La Flégère, these spots capture the full spirit of UTMB: the atmosphere, the scenery, and the sheer grit of the runners. And if you’ve got time, exploring the valley’s trails will only deepen your appreciation of this iconic race. As Stephanie puts it: “UTMB race week is one of the most exciting times to be in Chamonix valley, whether you are racing or not!” Bonus: Trails for Visitors If spectating isn’t enough and you want to explore Chamonix’s trails yourself, Stephanie recommends these memorable outings: La Jonction – A steep, 1500 m climb starting from Les Bossons, with breathtaking views of the Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers. Lac Blanc – A two-hour hike from the Flégère cable car with iconic views of Mont Blanc. Perfect for a lunch stop at the refuge. Refuge de Bellachat & Brévent – A bigger day out from Chamonix with 1600 m of climbing, ridgeline views of the Mont Blanc massif, and the option to descend or take the cable car down. READ ALSO: The adventure to follow the UTMB – Navigate to these 5 cool spectator spots

Movement has the power to bring us closer — to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us. For Hagia and her father, it’s not about racing or winning. It’s about sharing moments of freedom, connection, and understanding. This is their story. Meet Hagia, a 12-year-old autistic girl who finds peace in motion. Running and swimming are not about competition — they’re her way of feeling free. By her side is her father, Udey, who joins her in every step and stroke, using movement as a bridge into her world. A story of love, freedom, and connection. Watch the film now! 

We are ready - are you? The 18th edition of the Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB features a particularly challenging course, with a total distance of 120 km and 5,800 meters of elevation gain. The maximum race time is 30 hours, starting from Cortina. Once again this year, all races are fully booked across the event. Each day is dedicated to a different distance, creating a full schedule of daily events — with the exception of 27 June, when both the longest race (120 km) and the intermediate race (50 km) will take place: 25 June 2025: Lavaredo 10K – 10 km – elevation gain 200 m⁺ 26 June 2025: Lavaredo 20K – 20 km – elevation gain 1,000 m⁺ 27 June 2025: Lavaredo 50K – 50 km – elevation gain 2,600 m⁺ 28 June 2025: Lavaredo 100K – 100 km – elevation gain 4,600 m⁺ 27 June 2025: Lavaredo 120K – 120 km – elevation gain 5,800 m⁺ Many of our Suunto athletes are ready to give it their all: Ugo Ferrari Nadir Maguet Florian Olivier Claudia Tremps Martina Valmassoi Courtney Dauwalter Alyssa Amos Clark Katarzyna Wilk Andreas Reiterer Tony McCann Suunto will be present in the village with a stand where our team will be happy to share the latest brand news and showcase our products. But that's not all — take part in the HOP HOP RUN in collaboration with Näak and Buff. Experience the thrill of running 8 km through the beautiful Dolomites and try one of our sport watches during the run! We look forward to seeing you on Friday, 27 June at 10:00 AM at the Suunto stand at the UTMB Expo / Ice Skating Stadium – Cortina. 👉 Register now and book your unique opportunity to test one of our sportwatches during the run! Register

Suunto teams up with Paris-based sports crew PWRUP for a bold new watch strap collaboration inspired by trail running, island adventures, and the power of community. Born in Paris in 2019, PWRUP (short for Power Up) is more than a sports crew – it’s a movement. A vibrant collective of runners, cyclists, climbers, and explorers, PWRUP has trail running at its heart but thrives in all forms of motion. They’re known for blending lifestyle with performance, constantly pushing limits while building community through shared energy and unforgettable adventures. Describing themselves as a family, PWRUP is as much about people as it is about sport. Whether they’re navigating the streets of Paris or volcanic trails on remote islands, they’re always seeking connection. “I started running in 2015 to stay in shape and quickly fell in love with the sport, discovering its deep impact on my creativity and mental clarity,” says Ruddy Trobrillants, one of the crew’s core members. “Whether navigating the streets of the city or the volcanoes of nearby islands, I’m always chasing connection, balance, and the next big adventure.” That spirit – of movement, discovery, and energy – is now woven into a new collab between Suunto and PWRUP. “The first time I ran with a Suunto watch was during Transvulcania, an intense Ultra marathon in La Palma, in 2022. This is definitely my favorite race, and it allowed me to discover this amazing island,” Ruddy says. “So, when I had the chance to work on a strap design with Suunto, I directly knew that I was going to mix PWRUP DNA and to pay homage to the Isla Bonita.” The SUUNTO x PWRUP watch strap reflects the volcanic earth and rugged rock formations leading up to El Roque de los Muchachos at 2,400 meters above sea level. Embedded with subtle particles to mirror the rocky trail and designed with layered PWRUP logos to symbolize the energy within you, the strap is more than gear – it’s a story. A reminder that the power is already inside you.   Photography by PWRUP – WORN WILD 

Check out these 10 essential running features of the Suunto Run watch and see which ones can support you in reaching your goals! We run to have fun, to unwind, to stay healthy. But we also run to see progress, to push our limits, to compete. Whatever your target, Suunto Run supports you with these ten run-specific features – and more. Interval runs Build structured workouts in the Suunto app and let your watch guide you through the session! With custom intervals, you get exactly the right stimuli for your training goal.  Ghost Runner  Ghost Running is perfect for pacing long runs and steady efforts. Set your target pace and try to keep up with your virtual pacer. And it works both ways – you can use it to avoid going too fast on those easy, long days.  Goals Setting a clear goal helps you stay focused and committed. With Suunto Run, you can define targets for each workout based on duration, distance, ascent, or calorie consumption.  Track running The dedicated track running mode captures your every lap with precision. Select the lane you’re running in, hit start, and the feature calibrates during your first lap – giving you highly accurate data throughout your session.  Marathon Time Suunto Run’s Marathon Time gives you a real-time estimate of your marathon finish time based on your current pace. It helps you pace yourself more evenly and avoid going out too fast on race day. Voice feedback  Pair your Bluetooth headphones with Suunto Run to receive voice updates on your lap performance – even without having your mobile phone with you. For example, turn on auto laps to get regular summaries without needing to glance at your watch. Metronome Cadence – the number of steps you take per minute – is a great indicator of efficient running form. Use Suunto Run’s metronome to maintain your target step frequency. A cadence of around 180 steps per minute is commonly recommended. Hydration reminders Especially during long or hot runs, staying hydrated is critical. Set hydration and nutrition reminders on your Suunto Run to help you stay fueled and performing your best. Connect with your favorite running apps All your runs sync automatically to the Suunto app, where you can analyze your sessions and track long-term progress. The Suunto app also connects with hundreds of partner services, including Strava, Adidas Running, MapMyRun, ASICS Runkeeper, and many more.  Plus all the essentials Beyond these nine run-specific features, Suunto Run offers everything you’d expect from a high-performance GPS watch: optical heart rate measurement, accurate dual-band GPS for pace and distance, recovery and training load insights, heart rate variability tracking, sleep monitoring, and much more. Learn more about Suunto Run at suunto.com/suuntorun