# Elite Marathon Smartwatches Kipchoge Has Tested the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 in Porto Alegre By Adam Harrie | Published 2026-07-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gt-runner-2 References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/from-the-lab-to-the-road-how-training-science-arrives-in-brazil-with-the-huawei-watch-gt-runner-2-302823463.html)  Eliud Kipchoge wore the 'HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2' during the NB42K Porto Alegre marathon, showcasing the smartwatch's professional-grade GPS accuracy and [full-marathon monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marathon-series) capabilities. The two-time Olympic champion, who serves as Huawei's global ambassador, helped develop the device alongside the high-performance team at dsm-firmenich, testing its Intelligent Marathon mode on the same course where he won his first Olympic gold in 2016. The smartwatch's [virtual pacer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sir-mo-farah) calculates real-time pace deviations and displays an on-screen avatar that guides runners kilometer by kilometer toward their target pace, bringing a feature once reserved for elite athletes and professional coaching teams to everyday runners. Huawei has shown how [athlete collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/derrick-henry) are helping wearable brands bring elite-level training technology to a broader community of recreational runners. Image Credit: Huawei ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 85% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Elite-coached Wearables:** Professional athlete input is transforming consumer devices into credible training companions with features modeled on high-performance coaching systems. - **Virtual Pacer Guidance:** Real-time avatar-based pacing creates a more intuitive layer of feedback for recreational runners seeking structured marathon support without personal coaches. - **Precision Marathon Tracking:** Advanced GPS accuracy and race-specific monitoring are raising expectations for wearables that can deliver dependable performance data across full endurance events. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sports Technology:** Athlete-tested devices are expanding the market for performance tools that translate elite training methods into accessible digital products. - **Consumer Wearables:** Premium smartwatch brands are finding differentiation through specialized fitness modes that serve serious amateurs as well as lifestyle users. - **Endurance Fitness:** Marathon communities are becoming fertile ground for connected products that blend biometric tracking, pacing intelligence, and race-day personalization. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Maraton Runner Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazfit-cheetah-2-pro.md) - [Athlete-Targeted Aluminum Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huawei-watch-fit-5.md) - [Recovery Guidance Sport Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazfit-balance-ultra.md) - [Performance Trail Running Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-trail-running-watch.md) - [Beginner-Friendly Running Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garmin-forerunner-170.md) - [AI-Powered Wearable Data Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/racepace-premium.md) - [Outdoor Athlete Smartwatch Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honor-watch-6.md) - [All-Scenario Tech Device Presentations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/your-spark.md) - [Lightweight Earbud-Equipped Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huawei-watch-buds-2.md)