Virtual competitions: Why the Treadmill World Championship is not an absurd idea
Running has long since shifted to the digital world – we compete daily on Strava and Zwift demonstrates how virtual competitions work. Now the next revolution is about to come: an official Treadmill World Championship! What's behind it?
Words: Lukas Motschmann
Photos: Florian Kurrasch
A new approach to competition is causing discussion
Imagine the world's fastest runners competing not on the blue track at the Olympic Stadium or on the streets of Berlin and Boston—but on indoor treadmills, with fans watching screens instead of the track. This vision could soon become reality: World Athletics, the world governing body for athletics, is considering introducing an official Treadmill World Championship. The Daily Mail reported on this in November 2024.
New opportunities through the digitalization of running
The idea behind it? World Athletics wants to further develop the sport of running and adapt it to the modern world of fitness and technology. According to World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon, such an event could help further expand the "virtual running community" and reach new target groups. Millions of people train daily on treadmills in gyms or at home. So why not involve these athletes in official competitions? That's at least the idea of the world athletics governing body. Jon Ridgeon explained to Mail Sport: "There are millions of people around the world who just go to the gym and run on the treadmill. We should create opportunities for these people." The athletics chief continued: "Someone who runs on the treadmill for 30 minutes is just as much an athlete as someone who wins an Olympic gold medal in the 100 meters. It's all athletics." The association says it was inspired by sports like rowing and cycling, which already host virtual events, such as the World Indoor Rowing Championships and the UCI Esports World Cycling Championships. These events have shown that competitions on ergometers and virtual platforms can generate significant attention.
How does treadmill running differ from traditional road and track racing?
Running on a treadmill is fundamentally different from traditional running on the road or track. While outdoor runners have to actively generate their own propulsion, on a treadmill the belt is pulled out from under the feet. This changes the biomechanics of running: rear leg extension is less pronounced, and the stride dynamics differ from natural running. Those who train on a treadmill may therefore have difficulty adapting to road races.
One possible consequence of the Treadmill World Championships could therefore be that training methods need to be further developed to allow for specific adaptations to this running technique. Scientific studies on efficiency and muscle strain on the treadmill could provide new insights for running as a whole.
Economic potential: A new industry around virtual running?
The emergence of a professional treadmill world championship could also open up new economic opportunities. Sports equipment manufacturers could develop special shoes for treadmill training that optimize the altered running experience. Technological innovations such as interactive screens, sensors for performance analysis, or special competition treadmills with precise speed control could also emerge. Platforms like Zwift have already shown that virtual competitions can reach a large audience. A well-organized treadmill league could establish a new sports and entertainment industry in which sponsors, streaming platforms, and technology providers play a central role. Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, is open to the concept of a treadmill world championship: "We need to take our sport to where the people are. Whether virtually, through esports, or on the treadmill—we need to explore everything," he told the Daily Mail.
The advantages and disadvantages of a treadmill world championship
We're already competing against each other on Strava – would we now do it in a direct online battle? What would a Treadmill World Championship look like, given that every gym has different treadmills? Let's summarize a few thoughts in a pro and con:
Per:
- Weather-independent conditions
- Worldwide competition without travel costs through digital events
- Access for fitness athletes who do not otherwise compete
- Precise performance analyses using modern technology
- Potential for technological innovations and new sporting goods
Cons:
- Currently, there are no standardized competition treadmills: Different models have different cushioning systems, speed calibrations, and drive technologies. Without a uniform standard, fair competition is difficult to achieve, as not all athletes would compete under identical conditions.
- Lack of competitive atmosphere and spectator mood
- Different running feel and different biomechanical load
- Less tactics due to constant speed
- All that sweating!
Which professionals are already using treadmill training?
Many top athletes use the treadmill in training—whether for recovery, controlled tempo runs, or as an alternative in adverse weather conditions. Middle-distance ace Jakob Ingebrigtsen, in particular, relies heavily on treadmill training: "For me, the treadmill is much more controlled than running outdoors. I can set a pace and don't have to deal with wind, curves, or other conditions," he says in an interview with Coros.
How useful is treadmill training for amateurs?
For recreational runners, the treadmill offers a great way to train consistently, regardless of the weather. It can be a useful alternative, especially during the winter months or in cases of injury. It also allows for precise control of speed and incline. However, treadmill training should not completely replace running on real ground, as this places a different strain on the muscles.
Looking into the future: Virtual running as a new trend?
Running is increasingly shifting into the virtual world. Platforms like Strava and Zwift demonstrate that athletes can not only connect with each other, but also directly compare and compete against each other. An official treadmill league could enable entirely new competition formats – from digital marathon races to interactive sprint challenges.
But as exciting as these developments are, one thing remains certain: the magic of a live competition with cheering fans and the unpredictable dynamics of a road race cannot be replaced by any treadmill event, no matter how sophisticated.
Or what do you think about it?
