World Treadmill Championship opens 5km race to amateurs and elite runners

A new World Athletics-sanctioned treadmill championship is inviting recreational runners to race against elite athletes, with a $100,000 prize pool and a world final in Italy next March.

The competition, called Run X, is built around a 5km time recorded on a treadmill at an official centre. Entries are free, and runners can try more than once before the 24 January deadline; only their fastest time counts.

The top quarter of competitors in age groups from 18 to 75 and over will represent their country at regional events. The 10 fastest men and women in each age category will then advance to the finals. The prize money is divided between the overall men’s and women’s podiums across seven age groups, but organisers have not published the exact breakdown.

There are 20 participating countries so far, while the list of registered elite athletes has yet to be disclosed. British marathon runner Charlotte Purdue, who logged 18 minutes 15 seconds for her 5km attempt, said the event offered “added motivation” and could help bring more people into running.

The format is also being presented as a way to make running more accessible. World Athletics president Lord Coe called it a “great opportunity” to attract a new audience, while She Strides running-club founder Hollie Thackway said treadmill running can help women keep training when they feel unsafe running outdoors in winter.

There is no official treadmill 5km world record recognised by World Athletics. Organisers also hope to develop the discipline further, including through possible esports competitions within five years.