Wahoo KICKR Run Treadmill Review | Advanced Training for Everyone

Can a treadmill really stand out at this point? We’ve got decline and workouts and screens, but is that all we really want from a treadmill? The Wahoo KICKR Run is turning everything on it’s head with some seriously futuristic features.

In fact, some of what you’re used to has been striped away, like that massive screen and console with built in fans or quick touch buttons.

The KICKR Run is designed to help you focus more on your run and less on all the buttons. But HOW?? I’m so glad you asked because our team has been using it  for a few months now to get dial in features like automatic pace adjustments and side to side tilt.

Wahoo KICKR RUN Review

The ticket price on this treadmill is no joke. Which means it’s got some big shoes to fill, so let’s talk about what sets is apart from competitors.

First of all, it’s “the treadmill that’s not a treadmill”. So maybe what we really need is to think of this a little bit different. It’s about the experience you have while training, meaning making it feel a whole lot more like running outside!

KICKR Run Deck

Honestly, I don’t often have a lot to say about treadmill decks so it’s intriguing that it’s the first thing I wanted to point out here.

On a standard treadmill there’s some bounce, often areas you can adjust to make the treadmill flex more or absorb your foot strike. The Wahoo flips that and gives you a surface similar to running on a hard-packed trail.

100% I could feel this and so could the other folks who have been testing it. My husband said it’s far more enjoyable than the older treadmill we have and RJ (Coach Stacey’s husband) said he actually feels like he wants to run faster on this belt. Which makes sense because it’s providing more energy return!

Stacey: I honestly haven’t ran on a treadmill that the deck felt so smooth underfoot. I’ve added daily walks on it and love it.

Seriously. We really like it.

It also doesn’t have that front plastic piece which we all either kick or get afraid to kick and end up changing our stride!! They call it the EndlessDeck. The pattern on it makes me feel like I’m playing Mario Cart, but besides that I again really like this feature…why aren’t more this way?!?!

That being said it’s also a big hunk of a machine and the deck is no joke, so it’s very good that they deliver and set up the treadmill! And yes it’s big because instead of the motor being at the front under that plastic, it’s buried deep in the deck.

Console

Wait what console? This has probably been the hardest adjustment for myself and Stacey, who both love treadmill running. We’re just used to a screen and quick taps.

The KICKR Run has WiFi and bluetooth designs that allow you to:

• Connect your watch so it gives you the EXACT data of your treadmill run
• Use any training app you like from Zwift to iFit or whatever on your chosen screen
• Via the Wahoo app download courses and run them

All of that to say you can use your phone, a computer, or a TV screen to use the app you desire. Since I’m not someone who particularly follows any workouts, I have the Wahoo app open on my phone to load up a route and then the TV set to something like Survivor.

On the console you will find:

• Incline
• Speed
• Run free button
• Paddles to adjust speed and incline

Event the paddles have multiple functions. Like a light tap gets you a small change, a slightly longer hold gets you a bigger change, but just holding it does nothing.

Stacey: The paddles are super sensitive, and I may have hit them a little too hard, as the speed went to 7 mph really fast. But once you get used to them, it makes changing the incline and speed seamless instead of having to hit a button and wait for it to change like on other treadmills.

Side to Side Tilt

Incline and decline you’ve all likely experienced. The machine slowly whirs and moves.

This is not that. This is terrain mode which is similar to when you’re running outside and hit a little bit of dip. It’s a quick little lateral tilt and then right back to level.

I’d say it reminds me of running on a cruise ship.

You can turn this feature on or off in the Wahoo app. I really liked the idea of it, but found if I was looking down at my phone screen on the platform the motion made me, well motion sick. However, if I was looking up at a hanging TV no problemo.

Run Free Mode

Ok this is probably the biggest feature of the machine…I didn’t mention it first because the other things were really exciting too.

Have you ever run on a curved treadmill? Notice on that how you are in control of your speed and it can take some practice to not just start running super fast?

This has a similar feeling, but with a boatload of technology to give you that hands free, run without thinking about it experience!

A sensor under the console bar detects where you are on the treadmill.

It uses this to adjust your running pace up if you’re moving forward (ie ready to run an interval or perhaps running downhill where your speed naturally increases). Or if you start to move back a little then it begins to slow the treadmill so that you will stay centered.

All of this is to help you feel more like you’re running outdoors!

You know where you don’t have to pick a pace, but instead are running by effort.

Watch Connection

This is a seemingly small feature and yet the one that it going to make so many runners happy!! Due to the very easy WiFi on the KICKR run, your watch can connect to the machine.

This means getting your exactly lap paces, exact elevation gain and decline, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, cadence,  along with your HR.

OMG no treadmill calibration setting that still doesn’t work, just the actual data from the machine.

Route Simulation

While there are a number of routes in the Wahoo app for some big races, you can also download the file for any race or any run you’ve done.

Once you upload it to the Wahoo app, you’ll select the route to start your run and then bam the machine is going to simulate the route!

What if you just want to do the Newton hills in Boston? Easy. You’ll upload the route and then can move your starting point to the hills. This works for trail routes, road routes….I suppose you could upload a track but the side to side tilt is not yet able to turn you in a circle.

Quick Take

Downsides of the Wahoo KICKR Run?

Listen we always give it to you straight, so a few things to keep in mind.

Obviously the $5,000 price point means right now it’s not the go to treadmill for every home. But it’s absolutely going to appeal to a lot of people who have been using Peloton or Woodway and want a really seamless experience AND a way better deck.

The machine weighs 429lbs and feels hefty in the space. Once you place it, you better be darn sure that’s where you’d like it to stay. There are no rollers, no folding deck or space saving features here.

But the biggest thing for many will be that it requires a specific outlet. In fact, none of the outlets in our basement or garage were sufficient and needed to be upgraded 120V (220V UK), dedicated 15A circuit.

This is largely due to the fact that the machine can so quickly pick up speed to hit that 4 minute mile…a feature I might be able to use for sprints on my best day ever.

We’ve had a few months of running and training now on the Wahoo KICKR Run, so let us know what other questions you have!

Which of the features gets you most excited?

Looking for more treadmill talk?

• Best Treadmill Running Shoes
• Maximize Your Treadmill Training for Race Day
• Treadmill vs Running Outside

The Wahoo KICKR Run was provided to use for free for review, all opinions are our own.