The Running Conference 2023 presented by haku took place from 10^th to 12^th December 2023 at Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough University, seeing RIA Members and Alliance Partners get together to network, learn, collaborate and share in a safe business space environment.

Conference attendees were presented with a packed and varied schedule including content across two rooms, speakers, panel discussions, fireside chats, round table discussions, a workshop, different activations, and lots of networking opportunities. All sessions were designed to educate, inform, and create thought-provoking conversations and joined-up action for the benefit and growth of the Running Industry.

Sunday (10^th December) started with a Track and Talk Session hosted by Altra, followed by Business Speed Networking hosted by RIA and haku, opening drinks and dinner, and the ‘Movement for Change’ film and panel evening hosted by Aspire.

Monday morning saw a number of attendees take part in the early morning strength & conditioning session hosted by RUNNA, and the early morning run hosted by RunUltra, ULTRA magazine, The Green Runners and Coopah, and supported by SILVA and Injinji. The first day of content curated by and for the Running Industry focused on The Market Place; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB); and Business Health & Wellbeing.

On Monday afternoon attendees could take part in a Trail Running Experience hosted by Threshold Sports and with Tom Evans, and supported by adidas TERREX, Moonlight, Petzl and Red Bull; a Test and Track Running Experience with Sarah McDonald hosted by On; or a Mindfulness Workshop with expert Celina Hanson hosted by ASICS.

The Running Celebration Evening featured an industry charity prize draw hosted by GivenGain with raised funds split between Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Personal Best Foundation; as well as an evening with SCOTT focusing on off-road running and a panel with Jo Meek and Ellis Bland.

Tuesday morning started again with an option to take part in an early morning run hosted by Red Bull and led by Tom Evans, and supported by Petzl and Bridgedale; or the early morning strength & conditioning session hosted by Soar. Tuesday’s content focused on Sustainability; Research, Data and Insights – featuring “first looks” of various reports for the industry; and Future.

Andy and Sarah from The Running Channel were the official co-hosts of #TRC23, alongside Anna, Vanessa and Matt.

The TRC23 organisers have expressed their gratitude to all Members, Partners and Supporters for the ongoing support, including all the Activation Partners mentioned above as well as the following:

Presenting Partner:

haku

Global Partner:

Ahotu

Conference Partners:

Outside of Ordinary

Marathon Tours & Travel

Sporting Insights

Scimitar

England Athletics
TRACX

Beet It

GetPica

The Running Channel

Endurance Zone

Rab

ERDINGER Alkoholfrei

massive

Merrell

PartnerWise

Running Insights

SportsShoes.com

Easol

Mann Broadbent

Charities and Fundraising Partners:

GivenGain

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust

Personal Best Foundation

Pop Up Discovery Spaces (PUDS):

Beet It

haku

Kitbrix

Loughborough Sport

Movmenta

MYLAPS

Netwomen

Revive Active

Scimitar

Stanley Sports

Podium Supporters:

Craft

hylo athletics

La Sportiva

Ronhill

Salomon

Re-Purpose Collection Supporter:

JogOn

Rebecca Richardson, Lead of TRC and Co-Lead of RIA with Jonathan Midwood, commented:“Jonathan and myself are delighted by the attendance, response, comments and positive feedback from TRC23. There was a real sense of optimism and energy at TRC23 with increased attendance and participation. We cannot wait to announce further partnerships that have been created this year across all ten defined verticals with brands, retailers, events, media, charities, communities, distributors, buying groups, services and suppliers.

“Working with fellow Alliance Partners we brought together various NGB’s, associations and alliances to create connected bridges for the future including the launch of the annual National Running Report with England Athletics. A big thank you to all RIA Members for the ongoing support, and to all Partners and Supporters of TRC23 who have contributed to the success of this year’s conference.”

The Running Conference 2023 presented by haku is the annual RIA Members in-person meet up and features content specifically and purposely curated for RIA Members based on topics that are relevant, timely, and impactful for the sport and business of Running.

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) membership applications for 2024 will reopen on 15^th January 2024. Anyone who wants to apply to join RIA in 2024 and attend TRC24 should complete the application form or contact membership@runningindustryalliance.com .