A new global championship will unite professional athletes and recreational athletes - right in gyms around the world. With Technogym providing the equipment and digital platform, RUN X will be the first treadmill world championship, premiering in fall 2026.
A new chapter for running
Technogym and the international athletics federation World Athletics are launching RUN X™ - the world's first treadmill world championship. The competition is a 5 kilometer race that takes running to a new level by blurring geographical boundaries. Participants all over the world will be able to compete against each other in real time - directly from gyms and training centers equipped with Technogym's connected treadmills.
"We are excited to partner with Technogym on the World Treadmill Championships. Together we want to create a virtual competition arena that builds a global community, inspires and motivates athletes to compete and connect with runners all over the world," said Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics.
The starting gun goes off in 2026
Starting in the first quarter of 2026, training facilities around the world can sign up to host RUN X. In the second quarter, registration will open for runners who wish to participate, and the final will be held in an 'iconic location' at the end of 2026. The top runners in each country will advance to regional finals - and finally to the world final, where the top 10 women and men will compete for the title of World Treadmill Champion.
There is a total prize pool of USD 100,000, and World Athletics will also award wildcards to certain international running events, such as the World Road Running Championships.
A digital ecosystem for movement
Technogym has been developing world-class fitness equipment for more than 40 years and is now present in over 50,000 facilities in 120 countries. The company has built a global network of connected treadmills that will now become the hub of the RUN X concept.
"We are very proud to partner with World Athletics - it is fully in line with our long-term mission to get more people exercising regularly. RUN X will connect millions of runners with our partner centers around the world, with Technogym's digital ecosystem becoming the driving force behind this new competition," said Nerio Alessandri, Founder and CEO of Technogym.
Global engagement in a new form
With RUN X, Technogym and World Athletics want to make running more inclusive - regardless of climate, location or level.
The goal is to create a new way of experiencing competition, where recreational and elite athletes meet in the same digital arena.
