Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: photos and video of the new smartwatch, release date, and “smart marathon mode”

February 21, 2026. The world of technology has its own rhythms. Some companies release new products every month, others once a year, but in such a way that they become the talk of the season. Huawei seems to have chosen the second strategy. On February 26, the company will hold a major global presentation, and a few days before the event, it has begun to slowly lift the veil. One of the most intriguing new products is the Watch GT Runner 2 smartwatch, aimed primarily at runners and anyone who takes sports seriously.

The first generation Watch GT Runner was released back in 2021—an eternity in gadget terms. Back then, the watch was developed in collaboration with two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge. A man who knows everything about running, including how to breathe at the 35th kilometer when your body is screaming at you to stop. The new model, judging by the teasers, continues this philosophy: a focus on serious sports analytics, not just step counting and notifications.

For American runners gearing up for the Boston Marathon or enthusiasts across the pond training for the London Marathon, the promise of advanced analytics at a competitive price point could be a game-changer in their training regimens.

What’s promised in the new model

Official technical specifications are not yet available—the company is holding back details until February 26. But some things are already known. The main feature marketers are touting is an “intelligent marathon mode.” How this will work in practice is still guesswork, but the logic is clear: the watch should not just record distance and heart rate, but help plan workouts, suggest when to speed up and when to slow down to avoid burning out long before the finish line.

For those wanting more visual information, the company has already released a short video where the famous runner Eliud Kipchoge shares his opinion—you can try to catch a glimpse of the new design. Detailed technical specifications and case materials have not been revealed yet—they will be presented at the global event on February 26.

Not just watches

February 26 is shaping up to be rich in new announcements. According to rumors fueled by the media, alongside the Watch GT Runner 2, we might see the Band 11 Pro, the global version of the Mate 80 Pro smartphone, FreeBuds Pro 5 headphones, and the MatePad Mini tablet. This means the event won’t be a pinpoint launch but a full-scale lineup refresh.

Incidentally, Huawei has been ramping up its activity in the wearables segment lately. Recently, the company started selling gold-plated smartwatches in Europe for €3,299—with eSIM support, apparently targeting those who want a touch of luxury along with their technology. They also released a plush AI assistant that talks and remembers your mood. It costs just $57, but that’s a whole different story.

Who needs this

Looking objectively at the smartwatch market, the running niche is one of the most competitive. You have Apple with its Watch, Garmin, which has long been the standard for marathon runners, plus Polar and Coros. But Huawei has an advantage: price and ecosystem. If the Watch GT Runner 2 offers comparable functionality at a more reasonable price with decent integration with Android (and its own proprietary services), then why not?

The other issue is that without Google services, watches outside China still operate in a “almost good, but not quite” mode. Though, to be fair, over the past couple of years, Huawei has learned to make its AppGallery and HMS quite viable. The question is whether a runner who needs to sync workouts with a dozen apps is willing to put up with an alternative app store. We’ll find out the answer after sales begin.

What’s next

Less than a week remains until February 26. There have been no leaks with full specifications yet, which is surprising in itself—usually, the internet is flooded with leaks in the final days before a presentation. Perhaps Huawei has indeed managed to keep the mystery alive. Or perhaps the new product just isn’t revolutionary enough to write about ahead of time.

For those interested in learning about the possible specifications and capabilities of the new device, there is a teaser video with a bullet-point description. Detailed information about the processor, sensor accuracy, and battery life will appear after the official announcement.

I will be watching the presentation with one specific question in mind: can this watch become a real alternative to Garmin for those who don’t want to overpay for the brand and are willing to live within the Huawei ecosystem? If yes, the running watch market will gain a very strong player. If not, it will remain just another “not bad, but better stick with what’s proven.” Time will tell.