Starting from the 16th of this month, Suunto is rolling out an important update to the Suunto Race, Suunto Race S, Suunto Vertical, and Suunto 9 Peak Pro. This update has a firmware version number of 2.43.8, and it brings a long list of improvements and bug fixes to the mentioned watches.
Suunto Race, Race, Vertical and 9 Peak Pro Get Important Update – New Map and Running Features
Let’s Break Down What’s New
Looking at the changelog, there’s a new outdoor track running mode. That might not sound like a big deal unless you’re someone who actually trains on tracks — then it’s gold. The update adds lane selection for 400m tracks and even supports custom track lengths from 200m to 400m. So whether you’re doing intervals or sprints, the watch now knows exactly what lane you’re in and how long each lap really is. Pretty cool, right?
Next, Suunto has made some smart changes under the hood when it comes to GNSS performance. For the Suunto Race, Race S, and Vertical (but not the 9 Peak Pro), your watch will now automatically optimize its satellite connections every single night — as long as it’s connected to Wi-Fi. No need to do anything manually. This is going to be helpful for anyone who relies on accurate mapping and route recording, whether you’re hiking, trail running, or cycling.
Speaking of maps — there’s also a fresh winter map style added in this update. If you’re hitting snowy trails or navigating icy terrain, the new visuals should make it easier to read your route and surroundings. It’s a small change, but when you’re out in the cold, clarity matters.
One of the biggest highlights here is the new data fields you can add in your sport modes. This isn’t just about showing more numbers — it’s about showing the right numbers. You now have way more flexibility in what you see during your workout.
This update also expands the range of data fields that you can display during a workout. It’s not just about the usual pace and heart rate anymore. You now get finer control with options like ZoneSense durations for aerobic, anaerobic, and VO2Max zones. You also get detailed lap information such as previous lap average pace, heart rate, power, and more.
If you’re a multisport athlete, especially a triathlete, there’s good news too. You can now view average pace and power across the entire activity, giving you a much clearer picture of your overall performance during training. This consolidated data should help you understand how you’re doing across transitions during your workouts.
This update also adds a bunch of lap-specific metrics, including Lap ascent duration and Lap descent duration. You also get Total ascent/descent duration, Moving time, Total time, Rest time and Pause time.
So whether you’re climbing a mountain or cruising along flat terrain, you’ll get a much more detailed breakdown of your session. And if you’re into analyzing every second of your workout, these additions are going to make reviewing your activities a lot more insightful.
Real-Time Zone Feedback
Another nice touch? During your workouts, you can now see your current heart rate zone, power zone, and pace zone directly on your watch face. That makes it super easy to stay within your target ranges without having to dig through menus or guess how hard you’re pushing.
Who Benefits Most From This Update?
Honestly, this update might not seem massive at first glance, but for people who live and breathe data — runners, cyclists, triathletes, and outdoor enthusiasts — it’s a solid step forward. Being able to customize your data fields, track zone durations, and get more precise lap metrics gives you a much clearer picture of your performance.
How to Get the Update
Right now, this firmware update is being rolled out gradually to all Suunto Race, Race S, Vertical, and 9 Peak Pro users. If you haven’t gotten the notification yet, don’t worry — it should show up soon.
Once it hits your device, installing it should be straightforward. Keep your battery charged, let the download finish, and your watch will restart automatically once the update is applied.