Sir Mo Farah is backing a brand new and modern operating endurance racing sequence that transforms Formulation 1 circuits into world class operating venues.
The initiative known as Run GP – a flagship sequence of the International Operating League (GRL) – and its purpose is to revolutionise operating and attain new markets by means of the merging of elite competitors, mass participation and excessive stakes leisure.
In contrast to conventional marathon racing, RunGP has a workforce primarily based format, integrating elite athletes, influencers and superstar backed squads to have interaction each rivals and followers alike.
The inaugural RunGP, which can be streamed dwell on DAZN, will happen on the Lusail Worldwide Circuit in Doha (Could 9-10), which is dwelling to the Qatar Grand Prix. Different F1 tracks for this 12 months’s sequence are but to be introduced.
Sir Mo Farah (Getty)
The primary occasion can be a high-stakes elite workforce relay, that includes 4 squads competing over seven 1km laps. There will even be a mass participation race over 7.032km – one sixth of a marathon – designed for runners of all ranges.
Farah’s involvement within the challenge extends to a youth targeted occasion known as ‘One Mo Mile’, which sees children race over a mile across the Lusail Worldwide Circuit.
“Once I watch athletics, to me, it’s not as thrilling because it as soon as was,” Farah advised The Unbiased. “How can we make athletics thrilling? How can we make operating thrilling? How do you make operating this large international occasion?
“And that’s what we’re making an attempt in each means that we are able to and join. However this concept actually is to make this league one thing that has by no means been heard of and make historical past.”
Run GP states that one among their distinctive promoting factors is their potential to make use of expertise to boost the expertise for these each competing and watching.
Lusail Worldwide Circuit (Getty)
One instance of that is superior biometrics, showcasing actual time coronary heart fee, perspiration ranges and AI pushed race analytics.
“For too lengthy, operating has been handled as a person pursuit,” mentioned Marcel Muenster, CEO of RunGP. “We’re introducing a brand new, commercially viable format the place the spectacle matches the game, the place expertise enhances the viewing expertise and the place participation is accessible to all. The potential for innovation in operating has been untapped and we intend to vary that.
“Operating is essentially the most accessible sport on the planet however it has lacked a structured aggressive league. RunGP offers the lacking piece, creating an expertise that excites each runners and spectators. With elite workforce competitions and mass participation at iconic circuits, we’re turning operating into one thing larger than ever earlier than.”
» Subscribe to AW journal right here, try our new podcast right here or signal as much as our digital archive of again points from 1945 to the current day right here
