Technogym and World Athletics are launching Run X, a connected 5K that becomes the first official world treadmill championship. Starting in 2026, runners will race on Technogym-connected treadmills with certified results, real-time global leaderboards, and a clear route from local club heats to a world final with a $100,000 prize pool.
“Run X will connect millions of runners with our partner fitness centers around the globe, while our exclusive Technogym Ecosystem will serve as the driving force behind this new competition,” said Technogym founder and CEO Nerio Alessandri.
Why It Matters
Running is booming—powered by #RunTok, local run clubs, and destination “run-cations.” Strength training has ruled the gym floor lately, but Run X puts treadmills back in the spotlight, turning any qualified club into a stage for world-class racing.
What is Run X?
Run X is a connected 5K—a race run on treadmills linked to a shared digital system that records, verifies, and ranks performances in real time. By removing travel, weather, and geography as barriers, it makes indoor running sanctioned and comparable worldwide.
Technogym (fitness equipment leader) and World Athletics (global governing body for track, road, and cross-country).
The Technogym Digital Ecosystem, which connects equipment, captures performance data, and powers the global leaderboard.
How The Competition Works
Timeline
Pathway: Club → Country → World
Verification & Fairness
- Performances are certified via the Technogym Digital Ecosystem to ensure comparable results across sites.
- Equipment standards, calibration, and officiating protocols will be published with the 2026 regulations.
The Bigger Picture
Events like Hyrox proved that structured, measurable competitions can energize members and attract newcomers. Run X brings that momentum to running—making indoor 5Ks official, scalable, and easy to host—at the exact moment treadmills deserve a fresh role on the gym floor.
