History of the TLD

.run is a generic top-level domain that was introduced as part of ICANN’s New gTLD program and delegated into the DNS root in 2015. It became generally available for public registration later that year and has since been used by individuals and organisations around the world. It was created to offer a thematic namespace centred on the concept of “run” and active lifestyles, though use cases have broadened over time.

Main Use and Industry Position

.run is positioned as a niche extension ideal for running, fitness, sports and related online projects. It resonates with athletic brands, event organisers, personal blogs about training, clubs and apps focused on active lifestyles. Because it is less crowded than traditional extensions like .com or .org, it often allows more desirable names to be available.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared with general extensions like .com or .net, .run offers thematic clarity that signals a specific focus on sport or activity. Its niche identity can help with branding and recall among targeted audiences. .com remains more widely recognised globally, while .run can help stand out in fitness and sports verticals specifically.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

 Pros

• Strong thematic identity for running and active lifestyle sites

• Higher likelihood of getting desired names than some crowded extensions

• Suitable for branding fitness, events and community projects

Cons

• Less globally recognised than .com or .org

• May not convey authority outside the niche

• Adoption and trust levels can vary by audience
  
  

Registration Criteria

Anyone can register a .run domain on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no residency, industry or membership restrictions. Registration follows standard domain requirements such as valid characters, compliance with general internet naming policies and respect for trademarked names.

Summary

.run is a generic TLD introduced in 2015 that serves a niche around active lifestyles, running and sports-related online presences. It offers a clear branding advantage for fitness and community projects, with open and unrestricted registration. It remains less mainstream than legacy extensions but valuable for targeted use cases.