At Web Summit Qatar 2025, legendary four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah and Marcel Muenster, CEO & Founder of Global Running League (GRL), introduced a groundbreaking initiative set to revolutionize the world of running. The Global Running League (GRL) is designed to bring running back into the spotlight, blending elite competition with accessibility for all levels—creating an engaging, team-based format unlike anything seen before.
A New Era for Running: Global Running League Debuts in Qatar
The first-ever Global Running League event is set to take place on May 9th and 10th, 2025, at the Lusail Circuit in Qatar. The choice of venue aligns with GRL’s mission of reinventing running as a televised, high-energy experience, with events being held on F1 race circuits worldwide.
Key event details:
- Day 1 (Fun Day): A community-driven experience, open to all levels of runners.
- Day 2 (Performance Day): A competitive race format showcasing elite and amateur athletes.
- DAZN Partnership: GRL has partnered with DAZN as a global distribution partner, bringing running back to TV and live streaming.
A Vision for a New Generation of Runners
For Sir Mo Farah, this initiative is about more than competition—it’s about giving back to the sport and inspiring the next generation:
“As an athlete, I’ve achieved everything I could. Now, I want to give back to the sport and community, helping younger generations find joy in running.”
GRL shifts the focus from individual competition to a team-based experience, making it more engaging for participants and spectators alike. Each team consists of seven members, with different skill levels ranging from elite to amateur, ensuring inclusivity and diverse participation.
Engaging the Next Generation: The One More Mile Initiative
A core part of GRL’s vision is to combat global inactivity, particularly among children and adolescents. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 1.8 billion people worldwide are inactive, with 80% of them being children and young adults.
To address this, GRL is launching a kids’ event, called One More Mile, designed to get children as young as four involved in running:
- Age 4+: 400m race
- Ages 5-15: Distances up to a full mile
“Getting kids moving and making running fun is essential. This isn’t just about sport; it’s about promoting active lifestyles,” said Farah.
Innovation, Technology & The Future of Running
GRL isn’t just changing how running is organized—it’s also redefining how it’s experienced. The league incorporates elements of Web3, cryptocurrency, and digital engagement to attract a new generation of runners and fans.
- F1 Circuits: Hosting events at Formula 1 race tracks brings a unique, high-energy atmosphere.
- Web3 & Crypto: Integrating blockchain technology to enhance fan engagement and participation.
- Broadcasting Revolution: Bringing running back to mainstream television and digital platforms.
Muenster emphasized the importance of making running more accessible and entertaining:
“Running has been the fastest-growing sport since COVID. People run for different reasons—some for competition, others for mental well-being. GRL gives everyone, from elite runners to casual joggers, a platform to enjoy and engage with the sport.”
Bringing Running to the World Stage
GRL is set to transform the global running scene by combining top-tier competition, entertainment, and community engagement. This innovative format ensures that whether you run a 5-minute mile or a 20-minute mile, there is a place for you in the league.
As Sir Mo Farah summed it up:
“This is about giving people a reason to run, a place to belong, and a way to have fun while being active. That’s what the Global Running League is all about.”
With its debut in Qatar and ambitious plans for global expansion, the Global Running League is poised to change the future of running, inspiring millions to lace up their shoes and hit the track.
