RUN X: The 5K Treadmill Championship
Ready to take your running to the world stage? UWL is proud to be the first university in the UK to host RUN X, the World Treadmill Championship created by Technogym and World Athletics.
Whether you're a regular runner, chasing a personal best or simply looking for a new challenge, RUN X gives you the opportunity to compete against runners around the world, track your performance on a global leaderboard and see how far your 5K can take you.
And with a USD 100,000 prize pool and the opportunity for the top overall male and female athletes to receive wild-card entries to the 2027 World Athletics Road Running Championships, there's plenty to run for!
Get involved
What is RUN X?
RUN X is the world's first World Treadmill Championship, bringing together recreational runners and competitive athletes for a connected global 5K competition.
Created by Technogym and World Athletics, the competition allows runners to complete certified 5K runs on compatible Technogym treadmills at official centres around the world. Your performance is recorded and ranked on the global leaderboard, giving you the chance to compete against runners from different countries.
RUN X is designed for all abilities. You don't have to be an elite athlete to take part. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself, improve your time or compete for a place in the next stage, your RUN X journey starts with a 5K.
What's up for grabs?
USD 100,000 prize pool
The absolute finalists will compete for a total prize pool of USD 100,000, with the rewards reserved for the overall finalists rather than the age-group competitions.
A World Athletics opportunity
World Athletics may award wild-card entries to the best overall male and female athletes, giving them the opportunity to compete in the 5K road race at the 2027 World Athletics Road Running Championships.
Compete on a global stage
See your performance ranked alongside runners from across the world and work towards progressing through the competition stages.
Your category, your race
RUN X features male and female categories and age-group divisions, helping runners compete within their respective categories.
Prize money and progression are subject to the official RUN X competition rules. Wild-card entries are awarded at World Athletics' discretion.
How does it work?
1. Qualify
Complete a certified 5K run at an official RUN X centre during the qualification phase, running from 23 October 2026 to 24 January 2027.
2. Climb the leaderboard
Your performance is recorded so you can see how you compare with other runners in your category and around the world.
3. Progress to Regionals
The top 25% of runners in each category following qualification progress to the regional stage, where they compete for a place in the World Finals.
4. Take on the world
The World Finals take place on 20 and 21 March 2027, bringing together leading runners to compete for the world title and the available finalist prizes.
Upcoming qualifier dates at UWL
Your opportunity to join the competition starts here at UWL Sports Centre. Choose a date and get in touch with our Gym team to find out how to participate.
24 October 2026
Qualifier event
14 November 2026
Qualifier event
12 December 2026
Qualifier event
16 January 2027
Qualifier event
23 January 2027
Qualifier event
Please contact the Gym team to confirm availability, booking arrangements and the requirements for participating in an official qualifier.
Who can take part?
RUN X is open to runners aged 18 and over, from everyday runners to competitive athletes. You don't need to be a professional runner to get involved. The competition includes different age categories, allowing you to compete within your category.
Age groups include 18–23, 24–35, 36–45, 46–55, 56–65, 66–75 and over 75. Your age category is determined by your age on 31 December 2026.
How do I sign up?
To participate, you'll need to register for RUN X and create your personal RUN X ID. You can register through the official website or through the available registration options at an official centre.
Registration for the RUN X competition is free, although access to an official centre may be subject to that centre's own fees and arrangements. Please contact the UWL Gym team to confirm any applicable costs and booking requirements.
Explore RUN X
Contact details
Have a question about RUN X or want to find out more about taking part?
su.gym@uwl.ac.uk
020 8231 2020
This is just the beginning. Your 5K could take you further than you think.