Huawei Partners with Eliud Kipchoge's Running Team to Innovate Sports Technology

On January 5, 2026, Huawei announced a landmark partnership as the official technology partner of the dsm-firmenich Running Team, which includes marathon superstar Eliud Kipchoge. This collaboration is focused on enhancing global running culture and inspiring more people to engage in the sport. The merger of technology and athletics has already generated significant attention in both the tech and sports industries, prompting widespread speculation about Huawei's strategic movements in health and fitness.

In the past decade, Huawei has established itself as a leading player in the health and fitness sector, thanks to its diverse range of products. The HUAWEI Band and WATCH FIT series are designed for everyday wellness, while the WATCH D series sets new standards in advanced health monitoring. The WATCH series integrates cutting-edge smart capabilities with professional health management, reinforcing Huawei’s reputation as an innovative leader. The WATCH GT and WATCH Ultimate series cater to demanding sports activities such as skiing, diving, cycling, and trail running. Notably, Huawei has collaborated with over 100 runners to conduct extensive long-term testing in the running sector, achieving a remarkable accuracy rate of over 97% in predicting race outcomes.

Furthermore, Huawei has developed a state-of-the-art machine-learning model for fatigue assessment, enabling scientifically-informed training for runners. This solid foundation makes the partnership with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge particularly successful. Kipchoge's commitment to scientific training and unparalleled firsthand experience complement Huawei's technological strengths, creating a genuine synergy between elite sports and innovative technology.

This partnership goes beyond mere branding. Huawei is expected to leverage insights from Eliud Kipchoge and the dsm-firmenich Running Team to identify the core needs of world-class athletes during their most demanding training sessions and competitions. For a team consistently breaking world records, a smartwatch is an indispensable tool. It must meet the highest standards of elite sports and undergo rigorous testing under real-world conditions. Top runners require uncompromising precision in location tracking to maintain stable pace and distance data even in challenging environments like urban canyons and complex terrains. They also need highly accurate physiological monitoring to capture essential metrics, including resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality, and training load. This data will provide crucial insights for adjusting training and racing strategies.

Other critical factors include battery life for long-distance events, comfort during high-intensity activities, and scientifically-backed algorithms. Insights gained from this collaboration will significantly refine Huawei's algorithms and enhance smartwatch functionality, ultimately leading to the development of products better suited for professional scenarios.

Anticipation is high for Huawei’s new smartwatches, which will integrate insights from elite runners and promise innovation in data accuracy and real-world adaptability. Whether meeting the demanding requirements of elite runners or enabling fitness enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of data-driven training, this groundbreaking partnership is set to redefine the industry. The resulting product innovations and their global impact are sure to excite runners and industry observers alike.