BEIJING, China, April 11, 2026 – Swiss sportswear brand On today launched the inaugural event of the On Squad Race, a global series celebrating the crews and communities at the heart of modern run culture. The event series kicked off in Beijing with a fast-paced, high-energy competition set within a multi-story car park, a format that will be replicated in major cities worldwide.
A celebration of modern run culture, the series connects communities and crews through a unique and fast-paced relay competition held in unconventional urban venues. The venues will feature spiralling ramps, as the unique race format is centered around “The Spiral” – a challenging course where each runner must complete one lap of the course, running down and then back up the ramp before passing the baton.
All venues will offer a raw yet elevated aesthetic to create an immersive atmosphere for both runners and spectators. Racing is designed to be fast, fun, and playful – a competition that champions community and teamwork. At each stop, 40-60 local squads will compete in a thrilling 4-lap relay. Squads of four with a maximum of two male runners will compete against each other and the clock, with the fastest squad from each city securing a coveted spot at the world final.
On Squad Race will travel from Beijing to cultural hotspots including Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Berlin, Barcelona, Tokyo, London, Mexico City, Singapore, Sydney, and many more before culminating in a World Final in Los Angeles this September. (See the full list of locations here.)
“With On Squad Race, we’re creating more than just a competition; we’re building a global platform to celebrate the crews and individuals who are at the heartbeat of run culture,” says Karl-Johan Bogefors, Senior Director of Brand Experience at On. “We want to shine a light on run culture in each of our locations, but ultimately, On Squad Race is about bringing people together through a shared passion for running, competition, and community in a way that only On can.”
To further unite the community, participating crews will receive a unique “On Squad Race” Performance-T. Inspired by classic concert tour merchandise, the T-shirt will serve as a tangible symbol of belonging for all participants. The series will also highlight the Cloudmonster 3, On’s latest running hero product that all participants will have the opportunity to trial on-site.
About On
On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Sixteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® and LightSpray™ innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.
On is present in more than 80 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.