Stylish looking watch, with colourful straps.

When it comes to trail running and enjoy a range of other outdoor adventures, having the right gear can make all the difference. Beyond your shoes, suitable clothing and running pack, a reliable GPS watch is often the most valuable tool on your wrist. The stylish, and affordable Suunto Race S is built with that purpose in mind: delivering accuracy, durability, and a range of key features designed specifically for those who explore adventures off the beaten track.

First Impressions

Unboxing the Suunto Race S feels like stepping into a new chapter of adventure. The strap (available in vibrant “Power Orange” among other colours) is bold, comfortable, and designed to stand out, and it does. The packaging itself, marked with “Adventure Starts Here,” sets the tone—you know this is a watch that’s been made for more than just telling the time.

The Race S is the lighter and slightly smaller sibling of the Suunto Race, but don’t let that fool you: it still packs serious outdoor technology into a sleek, comfortable design, that not only looks good, but performs incredibly well, through a range of activities.

GPS Accuracy You Can Trust

For trail runners, GPS accuracy is everything. Whether you’re climbing technical singletracks, navigating forests, or exploring mountain ridgelines, you want your data to reflect the reality of your run.

Suunto has a strong heritage in precision instruments, and the Race S continues that legacy. It uses dual-frequency GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), which means it connects to multiple satellite constellations simultaneously. The result? Better accuracy in environments where GPS alone might struggle—dense forests, gorges/canyons, or urban areas with tall buildings.

In testing, the Race S locks onto satellites very quickly and maintains a strong signal throughout a run. Routes map cleanly without the strange “zig-zagging” you sometimes see on lesser devices. For anyone tackling long trail runs, races, or backcountry routes, this reliability is a huge confidence booster.

Training and Performance Features

The Race S is more than a navigation tool—it’s also a performance coach. Key features include:

Wrist-based heart rate monitoring: Accurate and responsive enough for day-to-day training, though chest straps are still an option for those who want absolute precision.
VO₂ max and training load insights: Helps you balance training intensity and recovery.
Customisable sports modes: Trail running, ultra-running, cycling, swimming, hiking—you name it, the watch can track it. There is a huge range to choose from.
Recovery and sleep tracking: Because outdoor performance depends on more than just your mileage.

The large, bright AMOLED display makes it easy to read data mid-run, even in sunlight. With customisable screens, you can prioritise the stats that matter most: pace, distance, elevation gain, or navigation prompts.

Navigation and Safety

Getting lost on the trails is no one’s idea of fun. The Suunto Race S offers:

Turn-by-turn navigation with route syncing via the Suunto app.
Breadcrumb trails so you can retrace your steps if needed.
Barometric altimeter for precise elevation readings—a must-have for mountain runs.
Compass and waypoint navigation for quick orientation in unfamiliar terrain.

These tools provide trail runners with peace of mind when exploring new routes or venturing into remote areas. You can create new routes using the Suunto app and, of course, follow them on the trail with real-time route navigation.

Recently, during a 25 km trail run, I designed a route that I had never tried before and followed it step by step to complete the journey. Throughout the activity, the route was clearly visible, with elevation changes marked and every twist and turn easy to manage.

As a result, I completed the loop stress-free, with no mishaps, and I had a wealth of data to review afterward.

Battery Life

One of the standout features is the battery performance. Depending on the mode, you can expect:

Up to 40 hours of continuous GPS tracking in performance mode.
Extended up to 70 hours in power-saving mode.
Daily use with innovative features lasting over a week between charges.

This makes the Race S ideal for long training days, multi-day adventures, or ultra races requiring reliability without constant charging. I believe the Suunto race and Solar Vertical offer more, but for what the Race S offers, it is a fantastic choice.

Built for the Outdoors

Suunto watches have always been known for their durability, and the Race S continues that tradition. It’s:

Water resistant up to 100m, so rain, rivers, or sweaty runs aren’t a concern.
Made with toughened glass and a robust case, ready for scrapes and knocks on rocky trails.
The strap is well constructed and the pin locking system enables the perfect fit.
Lightweight enough to be worn comfortably for hours on end.

Why Choose the Suunto Race S?

For trail runners and outdoor explorers, the Race S offers a compelling balance: lightweight design, outstanding GPS accuracy, reliable navigation, and long-lasting battery life.

It’s a watch that doesn’t just record your runs—it supports your adventures, keeps you safe, and helps you perform at your best. Whether you’re training for your next trail marathon, exploring local forest paths, or tackling alpine terrain, the Suunto Race S feels like a partner on your wrist.

Verdict:

The Suunto Race S is one of the most accurate and adventure-ready GPS watches currently available. After using Garmin products for a number of years, I have been most impressed by this wonderful watch and I'm glad I decided upon this change.

If trail running and outdoor exploration are your passion, this is a tool that will enhance your journeys and give you the confidence to go further. It is well-made, stylish and affordable, making it a great option for all types of runners and outdoor enthusiasts.

For more information about the Suunto watch and other products: Suunto Race S Watch

Other good reviews: Gritty Runners

There are many more on YouTube offering detailed comparisons with other similar products.

Suunto Race S: A Trail Runner’s Perfect Companion