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TomTom – New Spark3 / Runner3 Announced

1 September 2016
the5krunner

TomTom Spark 3 Runner 3 Aquifer music midresLots of announcements today of new stuff from TomTom. Let’s start with the SPARK 3 / RUNNER 3.

The previous version in the UK was the similarly-looking RUNNER 2 which itself followed the UK’s original RUNNER product. The RUNNER 2 was released in the US as the SPARK (Sept 2015). To cut a long story short, there is no SPARK 2 just a SPARK 3.

The SPARK3 / RUNNER 3 remain watches for serious runners.

The RUNNER2/SPARK was highly successful and I would argue was a key reason why TomTom quickly grew its MySports user base beyond a million users. Expect more growth with the improved v3 product. Here’s why:

Latest v3 advertised features-

  • Route exploration (GPX upload+follow and breadcrumb modes)
  • Compass
  • Customizable straps (thinner than current/V2, better for 247 wearability)
  • Sleep tracking
  • Built-in music player (still a rare feature in the market)
  • Built-in cardio sensor (optical HR – TomTom have a sound oHRM)
  • GPS tracking
  • 24/7 activity tracking
  • Multisport mode
  • 3 weeks of activity tracking
  • 11 hours of GPS tracking
  • Water resistant (40m/130FT)
  • Interval training
  • Race mode

The feature set marks an incremental and creditable upgrade from the v2 product BUT also with a whole new set of ROUTING/EXPLORATION functionality. Whilst the new product is similar-looking to the v2 there are further options to customise the appearance with alternative, thinner straps.

FIRST THOUGHTS

I’ve not seen the device yet close-up. It looks to build hardware and features around what runners are looking for. So: it builds multi-sports around what a runner might want; it builds activity tracking around what a runner might want; it builds music around what a runner might want; and it builds routing/exploration around what a runner might want. It’s called the RUNNER3 because it is a watch designed for runners in every respect.

So you won’t get power meter support (you will get speed/cadence), you won’t get a true triathlon-mode (you will get successive multisport modes), and you won’t get turn-by-turn navigation.

The price points are competitive mainly because, for the full feature set, there is no other product that can do the same for the same price! It’s a unique product.

You can pre-order now for delivery in October:

£120-£190.00 Link $130-$250.00 Link

There will likely be many variants to exclude certain features such as music, headphones &/or optical HR as well as options for different band/wrist sizes.

More to follow.

 

Last Updated on 16 January 2026 by the5krunner

My favourite kit and nutrition

  • Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
  • Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
  • Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
  • Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
  • Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
  • Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
  • Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.

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