The NN Running Team, home to champions like Eliud Kipchoge, is officially rebranding as the dsm-firmenich Running Team. The new title sponsor brings a science-based approach to nutrition, while Huawei returns to the running watch market as the team’s official technology partner to drive sports innovation.
Science and Nutrition: A New Era for the Team
dsm-firmenich, a company with over 20 years of experience in professional sports, has stepped up as the new title sponsor for this elite long-distance running group. For the past nine years, the team flourished under the support of NN Group, breaking world records and earning numerous Olympic and World Championship medals. Now, the team gains a partner focused on combining science, nutrition, and data analytics. The shared goal is to develop innovative health solutions that help athletes maximize performance, endurance, and recovery.
Huawei Returns to the Running World
Alongside the rebranding, the team announced a new technological partnership with Huawei. This marks the Chinese brand’s official return to the specialized running watch segment after a four-year hiatus since the global launch of the Huawei Watch GT Runner. The company will serve as the official provider of smartwatches, which will be used to collect training data and optimize performance for runners at all levels.
TruSense Technology and Sunflower Precision
The upcoming Huawei smartwatches are built on advanced health and training monitoring systems. Key features include TruSense technology, which improves measurement accuracy, and the Sunflower positioning system, designed to ensure precise tracking even in challenging environments. According to Huawei, these devices have undergone testing with over 100 runners, achieving 97% accuracy in performance predictions.
Champions Driving Innovation
World-class athletes Eliud Kipchoge and Joshua Cheptegei are actively involved in the software development process. By sharing data and insights from their real-world training sessions, they help tailor the watch’s functions to meet the actual needs of runners. Additionally, a machine learning model for fatigue assessment will help athletes better plan their training and recovery by precisely adjusting workloads to their current physical state.
Strong Foundations: NN Group and Nike Remain
Despite the name change, the team’s core foundations remain stable. NN Group continues its involvement as a founding partner. Furthermore, Nike, which has been the team’s primary kit and equipment provider since 2017, will continue in that role.
A Future Driven by Data
The partnership with dsm-firmenich and Huawei opens a new chapter for the team, focusing on optimizing health and performance through data analytics. With the continued support of long-term partners like Nike and NN Group, these athletes are equipped with the tools needed to keep pushing the boundaries of professional sport.
