Wahoo KICKR Run Treadmill Review | A Runner’s Dream

Dimensions/Storability

The Wahoo KICKR Run is a large treadmill. While its dimensions are similar to home treadmills, both manual and electric, what makes this treadmill large is that it doesn’t fold up. Non-folding treadmills, like this one, require a designated space in your home to use them. They don’t store easily like treadmills with folding decks. The Wahoo’s dimensions are 70″ L x 37″ W x 55″ H.

The Wahoo KICKR Run is 275 lbs. It has two front transport wheels, so you’ll need to lift the back end of the deck to move it. It is most likely at least a little challenging to move. It will probably be best to keep it in the spot where you plan to use it and not move it very often.

For floor space, factor in the dimensions above and a couple of extra feet surrounding the treadmill. With any treadmill, you want to avoid shoving it right against a wall or placing anything directly behind the deck. It’s best to keep clearance behind the deck to safely use any treadmill.

Ceiling height is also important to consider. The deck’s step-up height is about a foot high when it’s flat. We don’t have the deck height when it’s fully inclined, but once we get it in for testing, we’ll update this review with our ceiling height recommendations for various user heights.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Let’s examine the available content with the Wahoo KICKR Run Treadmill. The console is very simple (more on this in a moment), without a touch screen or much of a display. There aren’t any onboard workout programs.

Instead, the Wahoo KICKR Run has a manual mode for adjusting the treadmill yourself (again, standard on pretty much all treadmills) and a RunFree Mode. This is what sets the Wahoo apart from other treadmills, both residential and commercial.

RunFree Mode

RunFree Mode is a cool and innovative feature that allows you to control the belt’s pace as you run. It provides a hands-free running experience, so there’s no need to press any adjustment buttons or even the stop button when you’re in the RunFree Mode. The Wahoo KICKR Run senses your movements on the belt to adjust the treadmill’s speed.

It does this with a sensor that’s built into the console. The “time of flight” sensor detects your positioning on the belt. The speed increases when you run towards the front of the deck, up by the console. When you move toward the rear of the treadmill, the speed decreases.

When seeing others run on the Wahoo with this feature, it appears instantaneous, simulating running outside where you set the pace.

This feature is similar to how manual treadmills, like the AssaultRunner Elite and TrueForm Runner, function. The curved slat belts are motorless, so your legs move the belt. Flat slat-belt treadmills, like the Sole ST90, also feature a disengaging motor that allows you to propel the belt yourself.

The Wahoo is a little more similar to the ST90 because it’s also an electric treadmill that requires electricity. It has a motor, but the belt doesn’t consist of slats (I’ll get into this below).

The motor, however, doesn’t seem to disengage in RunFree Mode. To use this feature, you need to turn the treadmill on and start running, unlike a manual treadmill, which you can just hop on and start running.

App Connectivity

Another cool feature is the app connectivity. The Wahoo KICKR Run connects with third-party apps, including Zwift, Wahoo SYSTM, and TrainingPeaks. If you prefer structured workouts and guidance, these apps come in handy.

Currently, Wahoo has great integration with Zwift and features an auto-adjusting incline. This means that when connected, the KICKR Run will adjust the grade of the deck to follow your workout in Zwift. If you run up a hill in the app, the deck will match it. This is really cool. It’s also said to have full connectivity with Wahoo SYSTM to take running workouts on Wahoo’s app.

Wahoo is also working with other apps to allow for connectivity to even more training platforms.

Console

The console is straightforward. I think this has pros and cons. Starting with the pros, the Wahoo KICKR Run appears easy to use. It has minimal buttons and a digital display.

The digital display only reads the treadmill deck’s grade and pace in mph or kph. To track other workout metrics, you have to use your phone, tablet, or laptop and connect it to the Run.

While you can just hop on and go, some people (arguably most) will probably want to track their time elapsed and other metrics, especially if they prefer structuring their training. This means you’ll need to use your device.

I’m conflicted about this. On the one hand, you don’t have to worry about an integrated tablet or touch screen built into the treadmill breaking or becoming outdated. On the other hand, this is an added component that doesn’t come with the treadmill.

I’ve also seen videos of the Run with a tablet on the tray displaying the treadmill’s metrics and a large TV in front of the treadmill displaying Zwift. Although you can see your metrics in Zwift, you might need to use two devices if you want more options for tracking your workouts on the Run while using a 3rd-party app.

The Wahoo KICKR Run is equipped with a tray to use your phone, tablet, or even a laptop up to 17″. The tray features a strap that you can place over your laptop to keep it in place. A pocket inside the tray reveals a holder for your tablet or phone to keep it in place. The tray also has a grippy texture to keep your device from sliding. A USB-C charging port is also built into the tray.

For adjustment buttons, the Run has three buttons for connecting to apps, a stop button, and a button for the RunFree Mode. There is also a safety key to clip to your clothing while running. Don’t forget this is a motorized treadmill.

On the handles are adjustment button levers. Just like most treadmills, the right lever adjusts the speed, and the left the incline and decline. There are three different modes.

When you hold the lever, it adjusts the pace in one-second increments. If you press and immediately release the levers, they adjust in slightly longer increments, and then when you press and hold them for a moment before releasing them, they adjust in larger increments. These levers are there when you don’t want to use RunFree Mode.

Along with the device tray, two cup holders appear to hold standard water bottles.
Overall, the console is simple. More adjustment buttons, like numbered quick-adjusting buttons for the speed and incline, might be nice, but I like the levers to adjust the speed and incline to different levels. They seem like they have good functionality.

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Build Quality

Considering that the Wahoo KICKR Run is said to cost $5000, we expect it to be well-built. Currently, it only has a 250-lb weight limit, which is low for treadmills in this price range. I would like it to handle at least 300 lbs.

With more testing, Wahoo might increase this limit. The Run also appears to be designed for home rather than commercial use.

Frame

The frame appears to be made of welded steel. The current models we’ve seen are said to be prototypes. I assume the frame and welding will be sleeker once released. The Wahoo KICKR Bike is sleek and well-constructed, so I’m sure the Run will be, too.

The frame supports the deck with two steel uprights that extend up to hold the console and handles. The build under the deck is unique to other treadmills. The two front steel stabilizers that support the front of the deck are independent. These legs are designed to level the treadmill if your floor is uneven.

They also work to tilt the deck from side to side. This helps to simulate running on uneven ground outdoors. This cool feature should make the Wahoo feel even more like running outside.

I like the Chevron belt design and Wahoo branding. This looks like a treadmill you’d expect from Wahoo.

The handles are pretty standard. They extend on both sides of the deck for balance, but there isn’t a front handle.

Motor

This treadmill is targeted towards runners and those who like to run. We expect the motor to handle a lot of miles. It is a 3.0 HP motor—on the smaller side of what we recommend for running. Considering its price point and features, the motor should handle distance training. The Peloton Tread has a 3.0 HP motor in comparison, and it has held up with regular use for years.

The Wahoo KICKR Run also has a 15 mph max speed, while most home treadmills max out at 12 mph. Given this max speed and its features, I assume this motor should perform really well. From what I’ve seen about it so far, I assume that it will exceed my expectations—at least, I hope it will.

When watching runners use the FreeRun Mode, the KICKR Run adjusts seamlessly and extremely quickly between speeds. Rather than taking 15+ seconds, the Wahoo only takes a few seconds. If this is the case, it would make this the fastest-adjusting treadmill (by a long shot) that we’ve seen. Once we have it, we’ll be sure to time how responsive it is.

The Run features a 15% incline and -3% decline. The NordicTrack 2450 and NordicTrack 1750 have this incline and decline range. The Run should be plenty challenging to run on. Plus, the -3% decline might not seem like much, but it can certainly help add more variety to your running and simulate running outside – which this treadmill is all about.

From what we’ve seen and heard, the Run seems quiet. Once we get it into our studio for testing, we’ll test its output with our decibel reader to determine how loud it really is.

Deck

The deck is large, at 22″ wide and 69″ long, so there should be plenty of room to run on for all stride lengths. I like the fact that it doesn’t have a motor hood at the top. This way, when you want to increase the speed, you’ll have plenty of room to do so by running at the top of the deck. You also don’t have to worry about hitting your feet on the motor hood like on other treadmills.

I’m curious about the belt’s texture. Since it has this Chevron design, it is hard to tell.

I also wonder how forgiving the shock absorption is. I’m glad Wahoo decided to go with a belt design rather than a flat slat belt like the Sole ST90. The rubber slats on the ST90 are very absorbent, but this treadmill feels more like running in sand rather than bouncy. I hope the KICKR Run feels fairly firm yet comfortable enough to help prevent joint discomfort.

Again, we hope to get it once it is released, so we’ll update this review to let you know what to expect from the cushioning and all of the other aspects of the build quality and tech features.

Warranty

Unfortunately, the KICKR Run’s warranty is currently said to be just one year. I hope Wahoo includes a more extensive warranty. In comparison, other treadmills in its class come with 10-year and even lifetime warranties.

Should You Buy the Wahoo KICKR Run

We’re impressed by everything we’ve seen and heard about the Wahoo KICKR Run Treadmill.

This treadmill has unique features that we’ve been wanting to see on treadmills. The FreeRun Mode allows you to control the belt’s pace for hands-free training. This feature will most likely make it feel like you’re running outside and completely in control of your pace. It also has a 15 mph max speed – higher than most treadmills – so many can sprint on the deck.

The connectivity to Zwift is also impressive. Once connected, the deck will adjust the grade to match the terrain you’re running in the Zwift App. This makes the Run completely hands-free. The deck also tilts, in addition to inclining up to 15% and declining to -3%. This should simulate the experience of running outside on uneven ground.

If you’re an outdoor runner or just looking to get the most out of running on a very interactive treadmill, then the Wahoo KICKR Run appears to be it. We’re excited for it to come out, and it looks like it has the making to be one of the best out there.

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Wahoo KICKR Run Q&A / FAQ

Does the Wahoo KICKR Run Treadmill connect to Zwift?

The Wahoo KICKR Run connects to Zwift to show all your metrics in the app. The Run will even automatically adjust the incline and decline with Zwift to match the grade you’re running at in the app, making for hands-free training with Zwift.

Do You need an app to use the Wahoo KICKR Run Treadmill?

You do not need to use third-party apps or even your device to use the Wahoo KICKR Run Treadmill. It connects to third-party apps with great integration, but these aren’t required. You will want to use your phone, tablet, or laptop to track more metrics than the treadmill’s incline and pace.

Is our Wahoo KICKR Run Treadmill review a paid review?

This Wahoo KICKR Run review is not paid for by Wahoo. This review reflects our unbiased opinion. We review all kinds of treadmills from various brands so we can recommend the best treadmills on the market. Our recommendations are based on our experience using a variety of treadmills.

We do earn a commission from our affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we earn a commission at no extra cost. This helps us create reviews.

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