Suunto Blog

Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB. Where the season awakens among the vines The Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB  is more than a race: it is a declaration that trail running season has officially arrived. Set in the rolling hills of Tuscany's most iconic wine country, this is where winter training meets its first true test. Suunto is proud to be part of this special weekend, open to every runner who loves movement, nature, and the feeling of a fresh season beginning. 2025 edition in numbers · 3,454 finishers out of 3,742 starters (92% finish rate) · 5,200 m D+ on the flagship 120K race And this year's edition promises to be even more exciting and packed with events. Run the Chianti with us Join Suunto's CHIANTI HILLS TRAIL RUN — a 6 km guided experience through the stunning Chianti hills, designed for every runner regardless of pace or experience.  Feel the Tuscany landscape under your feet, share the road with fellow trail lovers, and celebrate the beginning of a new season together. Italian trail runner and Suunto ambassador, Caterina Stenta, will be in Chianti competing in the 20 km and will be leading the Suunto Community Run on the 20th march. CHIANTI HILLS TRAIL RUN programme Friday 20 March: 3.30pm: departure from the Suunto booth – UTMB village (Radda in Chianti) 6 km route through the Chianti hills 4.30pm approx. : arrival at the Suunto booth for an after-run aperitif and to share the training experience Sign up now and book a free trial of one of our sports watches during the running session! CHIANTI HILLS TRAIL RUN by SUUNTO Biglietti, venerdì, mar 20 da 3:30 pm ai 5 pm | Eventbrite

For years, Suunto athletes, adventurers, and creators have pushed our products into new places — testing limits, exploring new ideas, and imagining new tools for training and exploration. Now, we’re opening those tools to the community. Introducing Open SuuntoPlus™ – a new way for developers, athletes, and the wider Suunto community to build their own Sports Apps for Suunto watches.  What is Open SuuntoPlus™?  Open SuuntoPlus™ is a new way for your Suunto watch to gain features created directly by the community.   SuuntoPlus™ Sports Apps are tools that run on your watch during activities, adding new features and insights that enhance your workouts, training sessions, and outdoor adventures.  With Open SuuntoPlus™, developers, athletes, and the wider Suunto community can now create these apps themselves.  New Sports Apps appear in the SuuntoPlus™ Store in the Suunto app, where you can choose free tools that support your training needs.   By opening the platform, new ideas can arrive faster than traditional firmware updates — and continue evolving over time.  What can creators build?  With Open SuuntoPlus™, creators can bring a wide range of ideas to life — from sport-specific tools to new ways of analysing and interacting with training data.   SuuntoPlus™ Sports Apps can include:  Sport-specific tools designed for unique workouts or race conditions  Performance features such as pacing logic, intervals, or threshold calculations  Sensor integrations using Bluetooth Low Energy devices  Real-time insights calculated during activities  Creative tools for navigation, exploration, or gamified training  Whether the goal is deeper performance insight or a completely new training experience, creators can extend their Suunto watch in ways that suit their sport and style.  Examples from the community  Some early SuuntoPlus™ Sports Apps already demonstrate what the community can build. You can see several of these in the video above.  Early examples include:  ParkRun tool – displays a QR code on your watch for ParkRun event registration.  Rugby referee app – helps referees track match time, scores, and game flow during matches.  Tennis Pro – allows players to track points during a tennis match.  Hex Hunter – a gamified app that rewards athletes for exploring new areas.  Beer Mile – a playful app designed around the well-known running challenge.  What this means for athletes  Open SuuntoPlus™ brings more flexibility and faster innovation to your Suunto watch.   For athletes, it means:  More sport-specific tools created by the community  New features arriving faster than traditional firmware updates  More ways to personalise your watch for your training style  Ideas coming directly from athletes and developers  How it works  Open SuuntoPlus™ makes it possible for new ideas to move from concept to wrist quickly.  Creators build SuuntoPlus™ Sports Apps using the SuuntoPlus™ Editor, where apps can be developed, tested, and refined.  Once ready, apps can be submitted through the Suunto Partner Program and reviewed by Suunto before appearing in the SuuntoPlus™ Store.  From there, athletes can discover and download these apps directly in the Suunto app — and creators can continue improving them with updates over time.  Get started  As Open SuuntoPlus™ grows, more Sports Apps will continue to appear in the SuuntoPlus™ Store.  Explore the available apps in the Suunto app to discover new tools that support your training, sports, and outdoor adventures.  If you’re interested in creating your own SuuntoPlus™ Sports App, you can learn more, and get started by joining the Suunto Partner Program.  Learn more about Open SuuntoPlus at Suunto Api Zone

Suunto Ambassador Sarah Perry ran an incredible 637 km in 95 hours at the Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra in Tennessee, breaking the women’s world record. A maths teacher and mountain rescue volunteer from Cumbria, England, Sarah is known for her love of long days on the fells – usually with her dog in tow. But even with years of endurance running behind her, this achievement was something else entirely. “It was the most epic experience,” Sarah says. “I enjoyed every minute and was so grateful to be there. There were serious lows – the heat, sickness, IT band pain – but so many highs too. I loved meeting the other competitors and running further than ever before.” Big's Backyard Ultra was Sarah’s sixth Backyard Ultra, and experience clearly paid off. The event’s unique format – a 6.7 km (4.167-mile) loop every hour on the hour until only one runner remains – requires not just fitness, but faultless pacing and mental resilience. This distance ensures that if a runner completes one lap every hour for 24 hours, they cover exactly 100 miles in a day. “The key is to simply run the lap that you’re in and not think about the bigger picture,” she explains. “You have to manage the small problems and trust that things will get better – and often they do.” As laps turned into days, Sarah’s sleep strategy became a critical part of her success. “I mastered sleeping this time,” she says. “I’d run the night loop, then come in with enough time to eat, drink, do any other admin, and grab a few minutes of sleep. Even a three-minute nap every hour can work wonders!” Her focus never wavered – even after surpassing the previous world record. “Once I’d broken the record, I was really focused on making it to 100 yards,” Sarah says. “I still had it in my legs and head to keep running but a back issue stopped me. I was disappointed but proud.” [Editor’s note: a yard in Backyard Ultra jargon refers to a full 6.7 km loop.] Throughout the race, Sarah relied on her Suunto Vertical 2 – and the Backyard Ultra SuuntoPlus feature – to manage pacing and timing. “I loved the Backyard Ultra feature,” she says. “All I need to know is how far I have left in each loop and how much time until the next lap. It’s perfect.” Sarah is still soaking up the experience and the fact that she is now the world record holder.  “It feels slightly surreal and hasn't really sunk in yet! I always have a variety of goals – number one was to get a PB and then I hoped I could aim for the women's record. I would love to run 100 yards, so this will be my next challenge!” Follow Sarah on Instagram Sarah Perry’s Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra in numbers Laps: 95 (New World Record) Distance: 637 km / 396 miles Total duration: 95 hours Total running time: 81:07:08 Fastest lap: 39:53 Average lap: 51:13 Calories: 37,537 Steps: 822,107 Sleep: No data available Watch: Suunto Vertical 2 Battery consumption: 87% (13% at finish)   All images by Jacob Zocherman / @searchingforzocherman

In ultra running, the crew is often the unsung hero. Crewing tells the story of Martina Valmassoi and Dakota Jones as they switch roles between athlete and supporter across two demanding races. Through La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB in Italy and HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB in the Pyrenees, Martina and Dakota experience both triumph and heartbreak. When Martina’s race in her home mountains takes an unexpected turn, Dakota is there to guide her through disappointment. Just a week later, the roles reverse as Martina helps Dakota push through doubt and exhaustion toward a hard-earned top-10 finish.  The film captures the resilience, trust, and deep connection that remind us: trail running is never just a solo sport. Along the way, you’ll also pick up insights into the art of crewing – valuable lessons you can bring into your own races or when supporting others. Watch the full documentary below and experience the power of showing up for each other:

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. Listen to Gordon’s Run Mix below! Their playlists These aren’t just “top hits” — they’re personal soundtracks built for very specific moments in a run. Whether you’re looking for power, rhythm, or simply a fresh beat to get moving, Kimi and Gordon have you covered. Kimi’s Epics   Gordon’s Run Mix 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