Runningman Returns: The Transformative Community Movement and Mindset Festival is Back for Year Three

Runningman, the transformative three-day community movement and mindset festival that reimagines what a wellness event can be, is back and better than ever. From September 12 to 14, 2025, Runningman will return to Kingston Downs in Rome, Georgia, inviting participants to explore physical challenge, recovery, and human connection in a setting designed to inspire personal breakthroughs and shared connection.

Co-founded by Jesse Itzler and Devon Lévesque, Runningman launched in 2023 with a mission to make endurance fun, inclusive, and totally different. Now entering its third year, the festival continues to push boundaries by blending movement, mindset, recovery, music, and thoughtful programming into a dynamic weekend unlike any other.

“I was bored of the same cookie-cutter running races and generic retreats. I wanted to build something that breaks every rule,” said Jesse Itzler, Founder of Runningman. “Runningman is a three-day immersive experience that’s part retreat, part summer camp and part mastermind for entrepreneurs, athletes, and the running community alike. There’s no other event on the planet where you can run—or walk—any distance you choose, hop off the track for a yoga class, or catch a talk by an incredible speaker, all while networking with the most interesting people on the planet. The future of fitness isn’t about competition—it’s about connection and Runningman is leading that movement.”

With a focus on personal achievement and community support, Runningman encourages participants to push beyond their expectations in a non-competitive, inclusive environment. The distinctive race format unfolds on Day 2 of the weekend over eight hours on a scenic one-mile grass loop, inviting runners of all levels to choose their own target distances from 5K to 50K. Participants are encouraged to run as long as they like during this window, taking breaks whenever they wish to reset while exploring immersive wellness activities, join expert-led talks, and connect with running community members. In 2024, over 1,000 participants ran a total of 11,335 miles, with 85% of runners exceeding their distance targets.

“This is not your average race or retreat. It’s a full-spectrum experience designed to unlock something in you,” said Devon Lévesque, Co-Founder of Runningman. “You’re surrounded by people who are here to push boundaries, build real connections, and just show up. It’s about movement, having fun, and meeting people that carry with you long after the weekend ends. It’s the best life reset button.“

The continuous one-mile loop fosters ongoing connection and camaraderie. Unlike traditional races with fixed start and finish lines, Runningman allows runners to interact repeatedly with friends and fellow participants regardless of their pace or distance. At the heart of the event, the infield transforms into an immersive expo featuring leading wellness, fitness, and lifestyle brands alongside influential thought leaders.

“The community here is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been – I don’t want to leave, I don’t think anyone wants to. It’s electric,” said David Maus, Runningman Attendee. “It’s a big group of like-minded individuals who care about their health, who care about community, who care about connection, they care about growth. They’re the people I want to be around and I think everyone feels the same way.”

What To Expect in 2025:

• Choose-Your-Distance Race: Run, walk, or jog your goal distance on Runningman’s signature 1-mile loop powered by an incredible community and electric atmosphere. Accomplish or surpass your selected distance of a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, full marathon, or 50k inside an eight-hour window on race day. This choose-your-own-distance format is unique to the endurance space and built to encourage personal breakthroughs.
• Immersive Wellness: Enjoy a diverse lineup of on-site experiences including cold plunges, compression lounges, guided breathwork, goat yoga, meditation, sauna, and more. Throughout the weekend, participants can choose what their body and mind need most, balancing movement and recovery.
• Key Opinion Leaders: Take part in intimate breakout sessions and mainstage conversations with some of the most respected names in fitness, wellness, and performance. Every conversation is designed to challenge your thinking, ignite new ideas, and inspire purpose-driven action. In addition to Jesse’s annual pre-race keynote address, past speakers include Joe Holder, Rich Roll, Courtney Dauwalter, Ken Rideout, and Mat Fraser.
• World’s Largest Sauna: Step inside a 4,200-square-foot sauna with 12 wood-burning stoves. Featuring live DJs, guided sauna rounds, and spontaneous moments of connection. This is not just recovery, it’s a vibe
• Live Music + Nightly Programming: As the sun sets, the main stage comes alive with curated DJs, musical guests, and surprise moments to close out each day with energy and joy.
• Vendor Village: Explore leading brands in health, nutrition, apparel, performance, and tech. Grab samples, try products, and shop gear while enjoying healthy eats, hydration, and snacks throughout the day. The “Better For You Bodega” is a must visit complimentary grab-and-go not to miss.
• Glamping and Camping: Choose from a range of on-site accommodations, including premium glamping setups for 1 to 4 guests, bring-your-own-tent camping, or convenient off-site options at nearby hotels and rentals.