World Athletics has launched a brand-new event in which runners from around the globe compete on a treadmill. The format turns the traditional track or road race into a head-to-head contest run entirely indoors, allowing athletes to take part without travelling to a fixed venue.
The competition is designed to be accessible. Participants complete their run on a treadmill under standardised conditions, and their times are recorded and compared with those of rivals from other countries. Organisers say the controlled setting makes results fair and easy to verify, while the global reach gives amateur and professional runners a chance to compete on the same stage.
To enter, athletes need a treadmill, a reliable internet connection and a registered profile. Entry instructions, distance options and submission deadlines are published on the official World Athletics channels. Runners are encouraged to check the rules carefully, as technical requirements such as treadmill calibration and video verification may apply.
The event is expected to appeal to a wide audience, from casual joggers chasing personal bests to elite athletes looking for a new kind of challenge. Its success will depend on how many runners sign up and whether the format holds up over future seasons.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing