World Athletics is paving the way for a revolutionary shift in sports by proposing a World Treadmill Championships. This innovative event aims to unite gym enthusiasts and competitive athletes under the umbrella of athletics, redefining how people engage with the sport.
By integrating treadmill running into a global competitive framework, the organization hopes to expand its reach and connect with millions who already incorporate treadmill workouts into their daily lives.
“There are millions of people worldwide who use treadmills to stay fit,” said Jon Ridgeon, CEO of World Athletics. “Whether you’re running for 30 minutes at the gym or winning gold at the Olympics, you’re an athlete. This initiative is about making athletics more inclusive and accessible.”
The plan draws inspiration from other sports that have embraced virtual competition. Cycling boasts an Esports World Championships where athletes race on indoor trainers in a virtual setting, while the World Indoor Rowing Championships, introduced in 2018, pits athletes against each other on rowing machines.
World Athletics is reportedly finalizing a partnership with a technology provider to bring the treadmill championship to life.
This move comes as fitness culture continues to surge globally. Events like Hyrox, which combines running with functional workouts, have grown by 1000% in participation over five years. Similarly, traditional running events are seeing unprecedented demand; the 2024 London Marathon shattered records with over 840,000 applicants, a 45% increase from 2023.
Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, emphasized the importance of innovation. “We need to meet people where they are, whether through virtual platforms, Esports, or treadmill events,” Coe stated. “These avenues allow us to evolve and make athletics more engaging for everyone.”
The proposed Treadmill World Championships could usher in a new era for athletics, blending traditional competition with modern fitness trends to captivate a broader audience.
