What is RUN X™?

RUN X™ is a groundbreaking global running event that redefines what it means to compete in a world-class race. Organized in partnership by World Athletics—track and field’s world governing body—and fitness tech pioneer Technogym, RUN X™ is the world’s first-ever World Treadmill Championship. It is designed to bring together professional athletes and everyday runners in a unique indoor competition with both virtual and live global engagement.

This event is not just another online running challenge; it’s a fully structured championship series set to connect millions of runners from thousands of fitness and sports centers worldwide. RUN X™ removes all barriers of location, climate, and logistics, enabling athletes to compete at the highest level—anywhere there’s a connected Technogym treadmill.

Watch the video of the promo here.

Who Can Participate?

RUN X™ is open to everyone—from elite athletes to recreational runners. The competition is unique because:

  • Anyone can compete for a world title, no matter their level of experience or geographic location.​

  • You’ll need to visit an affiliated fitness/wellness club equipped with a Technogym treadmill that’s connected to the official digital ecosystem. You can register your club via this link.

  • Runners will compete virtually in a certified 5K (3.1-mile) race tracked by official software, ensuring fairness and standardization.

  • Entrants are ranked in real-time against other participants globally, with online leaderboards displaying country, age group, and overall standings.

The championship is designed to be inclusive: it starts with wide global access then narrows to the best-performers, making it possible for dedicated amateurs to advance alongside seasoned pros.

Read : How to Improve VO2 Max and Running Economy: Best Workouts for Endurance

How Does the Competition Work?

The inaugural RUN X™ unfolds in several phases:​

  1. Qualification:

    • Beginning in Q2 2026, runners register at participating fitness clubs (open for club affiliations in Q1 2026) and attempt the standardized 5K treadmill challenge.

    • Each finish time is digitally verified; real-time global leaderboards keep the competition exciting and transparent.

  2. Advancement:

    • Top finishers—filtered by country and age group—advance to regional rounds later in the year.

    • Regional winners (top 10 men and top 10 women) earn a place in the World Treadmill Championship finals.

  3. World Finals:

    • The championship event will take place at an iconic global location in Q4 2026 (venue details to be announced).

    • The world’s very best treadmill runners, both professional and amateur, will come together to race live for the inaugural world titles.

All results are certified through the Technogym Digital Ecosystem, ensuring accuracy, preventing cheating, and providing a level playing field for participants from every continent.

Where is RUN X™ Happening?

The beauty of RUN X™ is its hybrid global-local model:

  • Qualifiers: Happening in fitness and sports clubs across the world—all you need is access to an affiliated facility with Technogym’s connected treadmill network.

  • Finals: The top 10 men and top 10 women from regional events will be flown to an iconic venue for a grand championship race at the end of 2026. (Exact location is set to be revealed ahead of the event.)​

In effect, the championship removes all climate and travel limitations for most of the competition while saving the in-person spectacle for the climactic finale.

What’s at Stake? (Prize Money & Recognition)

RUN X™ isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s a true world-class competition with serious rewards:

  • A massive $100,000 prize pool is up for grabs at the World Final.​

  • Winners get the official title of World Treadmill Champion—the first of its kind.

  • Plus, World Athletics will grant wild card entries to other prestigious series events, such as the World Road Running Championships, for top performers.

  • All participants receive digital certificates and can compare their results instantly with top runners from every country.

Why RUN X™ is a Game-Changer

RUN X™ is more than a race—it signals a new era for running as a sport:

  • Global Accessibility: It dissolves borders, weather, and travel challenges, making a world championship as accessible as your local gym.

  • Technology & Fairness: The digital certification and leaderboard ensure results are transparent, secure, and instantly shareable.

  • Elite + Everyday: For the first time, pros and amateurs truly compete on an even playing field.

  • Motivation & Fun: Real-time tracking, global excitement, and the road to a live final are designed to inspire participation from millions.

As Nerio Alessandri, Technogym founder and CEO, put it: “RUN X will connect millions of runners with our partner fitness centres around the globe, while our exclusive Technogym Ecosystem will serve as the driving force behind this new competition.”​

Getting Involved & Next Steps

  1. Clubs: From Q1 2026, fitness/wellness centers can affiliate to become official events hubs.

  2. Runners: From Q2 2026, register at your nearest participating club and start training to qualify for the world’s first treadmill championship. Register here to get updates on the race.

  3. Track the Buzz: Keep an eye on World Athletics and Technogym for detailed announcements, rules, and the unveiling of the world final venue.​

RUN X™ marks a monumental step for running on the global stage—making world-class racing accessible to anyone, anywhere.

Will you be on the leaderboard?