© Copyright – 2025 – Athletcs Illustrated
German-American economist Theodore Levitt said, “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.”
It appears that Healthcare entrepreneur Marcel Muenster has created and now is in the process of innovating things for the sport of athletics, fronted by Olympian Mo Farah of Great Britain.
Mo Farah launches RunGP
Mo Farah has launched a series of running races modelled after Formula 1 (F1) auto racing. It is called RunGP, as in Grand Prix, not a play on ChatGP. RunGP looks to manage World Athletics’ commercial operations — sponsorship and media agreements.
World Athletics is considering creating a company to manage broadcast rights. It is understood to be open to new partners.
RunGP took the stage at @websummitqatar to unveil the future of endurance racing 🏁
— RunGP (@rungp_global) March 2, 2025
A new format. A new way to compete. A new era for running.
Watch @marcelmuenster break it all down ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pJLxjuJtdm
Marcel Muenster, a healthcare entrepreneur with the novel Doctor in your Pocket, digital medial services, is the chief executive of both Global Running League (GRL) and RunGP. He believes World Athletics needs new and innovative events to breathe new life into the sport, particularly by integrating mass-participation running events like marathons.
GRL’s inaugural event will be streamed live by Dazn, and will take place at the Lusail International Circuit, which is home of the Qatar Grand Prix, on May 9 – 10.
World Athletics makes profits in Olympic years. These profits are not earnings, but payments made by the International Olympic Committee. During 2022 and 2023, World Athletics lost £13m and £12m, respectively.
RunGP may have some competition with former sprinter Michael Johnson, having launched Grand Slam Track to commence in 2025. Meanwhile, a Saudi company called Surj Sports Investments is considering investing in athletics, according to a recent report by Reuters.
Integrated events
GRL’s team-based format sees professional athletes join forces with influencers and celebrities. The main event will be a team relay, with four squads competing over seven 1km laps.
Prior to the main event, runners of all levels will be able to participate in a mass participation race over 7.032kms, which is one-sixth of a marathon distance. The project will also see Farah spearhead a youth-focused event called “One Mo Mile.”
“When I watch athletics, to me, it’s not as exciting as it once was,” Farah told The Independent. “How do we make athletics exciting? How do we make running exciting? And how do you make running this big global event?
“And that’s what we’re trying, in every way. But this idea really is to make this league something that has never been heard of and make history.”
On the prospect of RunGP co-existing with Michael Johnson’s sprint-focused Grand Slam Track (GST) and World Athletics’ long-established Diamond League, Farah is not concerned about the idea of all three competitions splitting attention for athletics.
“Michael Johnson is a friend of mine,” Farah added. “He’s doing an amazing thing to create more in athletics. We’ve got to get athletics back on the map.
“But if you look at that, that’s purely done from sprint or 5K. We’re talking about the distance here. We’re going to go full out, we’ll do the marathon, half marathon and beyond. But really this event is for the masses, not just the elite level, for everyone and everyone. From kids to all the way through.”
Muenster has plans for technology to be integrated in the league. The idea is to show human data with advanced biometrics. For example, show real-time heart rate, sweat levels and other AI-driven race analytics.
“We’re introducing a new, commercially viable format where the spectacle matches the sport, where technology enhances the viewing experience and where participation is accessible to all. The potential for innovation in running has been untapped and we intend to change that.
“Running is the most accessible sport in the world, but it has lacked a structured competitive league. RunGP provides the missing piece, creating an experience that excites both runners and spectators. With elite team competitions and mass participation at iconic circuits, we are turning running into something bigger than ever before.”
