Technogym and World Athletics launch RUN X™, the world’s first treadmill championship

Technogym and World Athletics have teamed up to launch RUN X™, the first-ever 5K treadmill championship that lets anyone compete against elite runners — from their local gym. The inaugural event kicks off in 2026 with a $100,000 prize pool and wild card entries to World Athletics events up for grabs.

From gym to glory

While outdoor races battle weather, crowds, and logistics, RUN X™ brings competition straight to your gym’s treadmill. Starting Q1 2026, fitness centers worldwide can join the network, with member registration opening Q2 and races happening Q4.

Here’s how it works

Runners complete a 5K on certified Technogym treadmills that automatically verify and upload results to a global leaderboard in real time. You’ll see exactly where you stand against both weekend warriors and elite athletes across age groups and countries.

RUN X is the first-ever World Treadmill Championship.

Top performers in each country advance through regional championships to qualify for the world final in late 2026. The 10 fastest men and women globally will compete for the inaugural treadmill world title, a share of the $100,000 prize pool, and wild card entries to the World Road Running Championships.

Building a new kind of competition

With Technogym’s presence in over 50,000 facilities across 120 countries and World Athletics’ global reach, RUN X™ brings large-scale competition indoors — no travel costs, weather delays, or 4am start lines. Just show up, run, and see where you rank worldwide.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the partnership “creates a virtual competition space that builds a global community” and could “bring new audiences into the sport.”

The catch

You’ll need access to a participating gym with connected Technogym treadmills, which might limit participation in some areas. But if the competition grows, we could see gyms start marketing their RUN X™ capability as a membership perk.

Bottom line

RUN X™ turns every treadmill session into a potential world championship qualifier, blending accessibility, community, and competition in one global race.

Get the details and sign up to participate here.