Unlock your new personal best: Zwift launches Zwift Academy Run 2020

Online training platform Zwift has announced the first Zwift Academy Run program. Designed to help you become a better runner than ever. For a lucky few, there is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to take on a marathon major at the 2021 Berlin Marathon and receive pro-level support from some of the world’s best coaches and brands. 

Zwift Academy Run invites runners of all levels to enrol and become fitter and faster by completing an exclusive 8 workout training program designed by Terrence Mahon and Jen Rhines. Jen is a 3x American Olympian and Terrence has coached multiple Olympians including Deena Kastor and Ryan Hall.

For those who complete the program, Zwift Academy Run is offering six spots (three men, three women) to join the Zwift Academy Run Team for 2021. 

Apparel and footwear

adidas will supply all athletes with top of the line training apparel and run footwear and will also invite all team members to take part in the Berlin Marathon. In addition, team members will receive an all-expenses-paid training camp to visit adidas headquarters. Here they will undergo a series of performance tests to help set goals and their training for the year ahead. It will also be the first chance for the team to bond in person before they meet again on the start line in Berlin. 

Coaching and mentorship

Athletes will receive coaching and mentorship throughout the year in the build-up towards the Berlin Marathon from both Terrence Mahon and Jen Rhines. To help athletes through their training on Zwift, Woodway will be providing treadmills for the ultimate indoor pain cave and Garmin® will provide GPS smartwatches, heart rate monitors and cadence sensors for accurate performance metrics and race day pacing. Berlin MarathonAthletes will receive coaching and mentorship throughout the year in the build-up towards the Berlin Marathon from both Terrence Mahon and Jen Rhines. To help athletes through their training on Zwift, Woodway will be providing treadmills for the ultimate indoor pain cave and Garmin® will provide GPS smartwatches, heart rate monitors and cadence sensors for accurate performance metrics and race day pacing. 

Nutrition, maintenance and eyewear

Maurten will provide products based on their hydrogel technology and athlete consultation from their extensive experience within endurance sports. Hyperice will provide a full suite of warmup and recovery tools, while Oakley will provide eyewear featuring their custom PRIZM technology. 

“Year after year, Zwift Academy delivers our biggest training program and unites the community in a common goal”, says Eric Min, Zwift CEO and Co-Founder. “It’s fantastic that we are now able to deliver the experience to runners as well. Thanks to Zwift, I too have discovered the joys of running, but I’m still a relative newcomer to the sport. It’s fantastic that Zwift Academy is able to cater to all abilities and experiences. There’s a fantastic prize for a lucky few, but for the rest, like me, it will provide a great opportunity to improve their running.” 

To be eligible for selection, entrants must enroll in the Zwift Academy Run program and complete a total of 10 activities on Zwift – all 8 Zwift Academy Run workouts plus two Zwift Academy Run events, with a selection of distances available. 

Apply now

Online registration for Zwift Academy Run is open now. The in-game program will begin October 15th, and extend through December 9th. For more information, and to register, head to www.zwift.com/ZARun 

For more information on the Zwift Academy Road and Tri programs, head to zwift.com/academy