RunFree mode [RUN]

What is it?

RunFree mode is a button-selected mode that allows you to run freely, naturally changing pace and stride without having to manually adjust the KICKR RUN's belt speed.  The KICKR RUN will automatically change the belt speed to keep you in the middle of the deck.

How does it work?

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RunFree mode uses the KICKR RUN's time of flight sensor (a specific type of optical sensor in the console) to determine your relative distance to the console at the time you press the RunFree button, and then continuously check this distance and make changes to the belt speed in real time to keep you at your starting distance, regardless of your increasing or decreasing your pace or stride length.  If you increase pace or stride, which momentarily moves you closer to the front of the treadmill, the KICKR RUN will compensate by increasing the belt speed. Similarly, if you slow down and move further away from the front, the KICKR RUN will automatically decrease the belt speed.

How to use it

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We recommend getting comfortable with manual speed control of the treadmill before using RunFree mode.

  1. Start by manually increasing the pace to a comfortable running pace faster than a 20 min/mile (12.5 min/km). Note: the RunFree button will not respond if current pace is below this threshold.
  2. Having reached a comfortable running pace, reach out your right arm, and ensure you are running at a distance on the treadmill deck that you can reach the STOP and RunFree buttons, but only with your arm close to fully extended.
    • When you press the RunFree button, the time of flight sensor will determine the distance between the part of your body that is at the height of the sensor and the sensor. If you move closer to the sensor, the KICKR RUN will increase the speed of the belt, and if you moves further away, it will slow the belt speed. 
  3. Press the RunFree button.
  4. Continue running. Notices the slight changes as you run.
  5. Decrease your pace slightly. Notice how the belt slows to match your pace.
  6. Increase your place gradually. Notice how the belt speeds up to keep you on the middle of the treadmill deck.
  7. Press the RunFree button again to return the KICKR RUN to manual control mode at whatever pace you are currently at OR press the STOP button or Speed paddle to bring the belt to a gradual complete stop.

Set a pace limit

Enabled in October 2025. Requires Wahoo app version 6.67, KICKR RUN firmware version 1.6.14.

By default, RunFree mode is enabled up to the max speed of the RUN at 4 min/mile (2:30 min/kilometer).  In order to increase safety and comfortability, you can set an upper pace limit (maximum belt speed calculated as a pace value) for use with RunFree mode between 4-12 min/mile (2:30-7:30 km/mile) in the Wahoo app.  When set correctly for your abilities, this will keep the belt from speeding up beyond the pace at which you can run.

How to use

  1. Ensure Wahoo app (iOS or Android) and KICKR RUN firmware are on the most current version.
  2. Navigate to Devices > KICKR RUN.
  3. Select RunFree pace limit.
  4. Toggle to Enable pace limit.
  5. Set your preferred upper pace limit (fastest potential belt speed) by using the Slower / Faster buttons (moves 10 second increments) or the slider (moves in 1 second increments).
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The pace limit value will be stored in the KICKR RUN's firmware, and only overwritten by you or someone else who has paired to the RUN in the Wahoo app and changed the value.

Notes

  • RunFree mode requires a starting pace faster than 20 min/mile (12.5 min/km), but once started, you can slow your pace to allow for walking.  Below 30 min/mile (18 min/km), the belt speed changes will become slightly erratic.  The KICKR RUN has a minimum pace of 40 min/mile (24 min/km).
  • Initiating RunFree mode when you are too close to the console can make acceleration difficult. Similarly, starting it when you can't reach the button can make changing modes or stopping the treadmill more difficult. Finally, because most people lean forward when increasing their pace, anticipating your torso angle a little can prevent unintended belt speed acceleration caused by leaning forward immediately after pressing the RunFree button.
  • Grade/incline paddle control has no effect on pace/belt speed, and so can be used during RunFree mode.  Pressing the Speed paddle during RunFree mode will bring the belt to a complete stop.
  • If a manual pace is set above your designated Pace Limit, RunFree mode will be disabled until you manually set the pace slower than the limit you have set.

Video Tutorial

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