The Global Running League (GRL), the organization behind the new RunGP running series, is planning to acquire the commercial operations of World Athletics to modernize the sport, adopting a model similar to Formula One. Led by Marcel Muenster, GRL aims to take over World Athletics’ sponsorship and media rights while allowing the governing body to remain independent. RunGP, backed by Sir Mo Farah, is a team-based series combining elite athletes and influencers, with its first event set for May 9-10 in Qatar. While World Athletics is exploring new commercial partnerships, it has not engaged in discussions with RunGP. The sport faces financial struggles between Olympic cycles, and competition is rising from new ventures like Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track and Saudi-backed Surj Sports Investments. Muenster insists the move is about revitalizing athletics rather than a hostile takeover.
, the organization behind the new RunGP running series, is planning to acquire the commercial operations of World Athletics to modernize the sport, adopting a model similar to Formula One. Led by Marcel Muenster, GRL aims to take over World Athletics' sponsorship and media rights while allowing the governing body to remain independent.){kind=link}