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What is Running Industry Alliance (RIA)?
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is a member-based independent national trade (B2B) organisation built for purpose for the UK & Ireland Running Industry with global reach. Running Industry Alliance exists to collectively assist RIA Members to drive the Running Industry forward to improve the Sport and Business of Running, supporting all RIA Members, the Running Industry and RIA Alliance Members. The aim being to help galvanise, align, elevate, inform, educate, collaborate and advance through collective membership and dedicated running industry support aspects.
Get in touch to discuss your business being involved with RIA and supporting the industry together, head to the membership tab to contact RIA today
What does RIA do?
RIA helps to bring together various sectors of the Running Industry into a connected and continual conversation to help galvanise, align, energise, elevate, inform, educate, collaborate and advance whilst creating an amplified voice for various sectors. Driving focus and purpose through a thriving community and eco-system for all RIA Members.
RIA provides its members with purpose-built benefits and promotional opportunities, Industry connectivity along with the annual The Running Conference (TRC) in December and The Spring Gathering (TSG) in April for its members and the Running Industry to meet in person to connect, learn and do business together for the benefit of driving the Running Industry forward.
There are additional RIA Member meet ups (in person and online socials) throughout the year and we are always adding additional business networking opportunities to the members calendar.from RIA Member based events, plus European and Global partnerships.
“We exist to collectively assist our members to drive the Running Industry forward to improve the Sport and Business of Running”
Get in touch to discuss your business being involved with RIA and supporting the industry together, head to the membership tab to contact RIA today
Who is RIA built for?
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Members
RIA focusses on all sizes and scale of the Running Industry (B2B) by the following 10 defined verticals:
- Brands
- Retailers
- Buying Groups and Distributors
- Events
- Charities
- Communities
- Media
- NGB’s and NGO’s
- Services
- Suppliers
“RIA is an independent member-based trade organisation for all sectors and defined verticals of the Running Industry for RIA Members to be able to come together in a safe business space environment and create a collective approach to working together for the benefit of the industry,”
> RIA Membership reflects the wide diversity of the Running Industry business collective in the UK & Ireland, European and Global connectivity
> RIA is also the connecting bridge for the Running Industry business collective wanting to work with RIA Members in the UK & Ireland. We have many Members from Europe & USA join us for example to engage with UK & Ireland Members and vice versa
> RIA is for existing, established and new brands and / or services entering / for the Running Industry, anyone who is connected to Running Industry then this has been built for you
> RIA drives connectivity whilst sharing Running Industry opportunities within the group eco-system, climate and economy to work together to amplify and continue the drive forward the industry as a whole
> Creating new opportunities that have not been seen as possible before or too time-consuming, RIA does the heavy lifting, filtering information into bite-sizes pieces and showcasing members
> RIA drives conversations that need to be had, whether highlighting by topics, championing vision as a collective, utilising expertise with the group to share best practice, connecting together to be the drivers of change and support the future of running industry as an alliance approach
> RIA breaks down barriers and has the “difficult conversations” for RIA Members, with the emphasis on creating lasting, actionable and positive change
> RIA believes in building not dividing, a new way to unite, meet, discuss, work together through an alliance network with a supported structure and experienced industry RIA Team
> RIA comprises of sector opportunities for all defined verticals and parallel verticals across industries where “running” is the thread
> RIA is B2B, RIA Members are predominantly B2C or B2B if offering services or supply to the sector
Get in touch to discuss your business being involved with RIA and supporting the industry together, head to the membership tab to contact RIA today
What are the RIA focus areas?
RIA FOCUS AREAS: Through working with feedback from The Running Conference and RIA Members a number of focus areas have been defined for 2024 to 2028 industry focus work.
Top-line focus areas for Running Industry Alliance in 2025 include:
- The Market Place
- Research, Data and Insights
- Health and Wellbeing
- Sustainability
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
- Future
For further details or to get involved please contact RIA Membership by email.
What are RIA Member benefits?
There are a wide variety of member benefits for being part of RIA, top line benefit headlines include:
- 12 month access to the Running Industry Alliance as a member, from the point your membership application is accepted and invoice process is completed
- Access to the biggest annual member meet up = The Running Conference presented by haku, held in Loughborough on the 7th to 9th December 2025
- Access to attend The RIA Spring Gathering, held in London on the 23rd April
- Access to other RIA Members “social” meet ups across the calendar year
- Further RIA Member benefits are highlighted below
- Added benefits are often added through the year and as RIA Membership continues to grow in the UK, Ireland and globally with Alliance Partners
Assets:
- Members logo, url link and up to 300 words “about” are featured on the RIA website in the members section, see all on-boarded and your fellow RIA Members here
- Promotion of your brand or business joining with a link to your RIA Member profile on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram (RIA channels)
- Promotion of your brand or business joining in the RIA Members Newsletter (now weekly)
Content, Spotlight, Awareness and Profile Raising:
- Access to supply monthly news about your business that is running related, this will be featured across various RIA news channels (B2B and B2C) each month
- Access to apply to be on the Running Industry Alliance podcast, covering essential news, insights and happenings in the Industry each month
- Access to all content at The Running Conference including “first look” at commissioned or collaborative data, research and insights for the Running Industry and wider awareness work
- Access to The Spring Gathering (April)
Events & Networking:
- Full RIA Membership includes one “guaranteed” ticket to access The Running Conference (TRC), the annual RIA Members Conference held at Loughborough University in December
Ticket includes all content, all data / research & Insights, networking, activations, free parking, all food (2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, 2 x dinner), two industry celebration evenings and more!
Not to be missed if you work within the Running Industry, this is the biggest annual RIA Members meet up of key decision makers across the industry - Access to The Spring Gathering, held each year in April in London
- Access to other follow RIA Members events, launches, championships and meet ups across the year`
- Trade Show access to Outdoor Trade Show (OTS) collab partnership for “Trail Running Area”. OTS is held annually in June in Liverpool and RIA Members get access to OTS member exhibition rates as part of the collaboration.
- Access to the European Running Business Conference held by European Athletics (special ticket rate for RIA Members to purchase), with assisted meet up. Next ERBC is in November in Greece (2024)
- Access to Running USA Conference (special ticket rate for RIA Members to purchase) and assisted meet up at RUSA. Next Conference is February 2025 in the USA (2025)
- More being added as RIA Membership increases and the network continues to grow and expand
Connection:
- Members are open to discuss their next 12 month focusses with one the RIA Core Team so that additional opportunities and potential connections can be discussed together
- Online “social” opportunities
- RIA Expert connection opportunities
- RIA Match opportunities = member business to member business
- Opportunity to “belong” in a group of likeminded running industry people
- Fast connection to fellow Members (if both parties agree to be introduced)
- Opportunities to connect through the Alliance Partner bridges RIA build for RIA Member benefit
Joining RIA can help you to:
- Raise awareness of your brand or business through RIA channels (news, LinkedIn, podcast, socials and more)
- Amplification of your news and happenings through RIA Channels
- Help you to connect into the industry with faster integration and grow your network
- Meet people in the industry that you may never meet or have the opportunity to meet
- Quick access to the latest industry and fellow member news
- Awareness of business opportunities, partnership and sponsorship options within the network and beyond
- Access to RIA Member events and curated industry events that are useful and have purpose for your brand / business
- Special rates to access partner events, services, suppliers and fellow relevant conferences in the UK and Globally – often with a group of fellow RIA Members attending
- Enable you to access the network and become part of the eco-system through annual membership and building meaningful partnerships
- Help you to create connections and potential longevity relationships in the industry through membership recognition
Additional benefits are available at The Running Conference – Built for RIA Members, the Running Industry, the B2B must-attend annual event!
Get in touch to discuss your business being involved with RIA and supporting the industry together, head to the membership tab to contact RIA today
What is The Running Conference (TRC)?
The Running Conference is built for all Running Industry Alliance Members and features Running Industry specific curated content in a safe-space business environment.
This is our biggest annual RIA Members meet up an takes place 7th to 9th December at Loughborough University.. We have separate website with the latest TRC25 information on, please visit to find out more. 1 x “guaranteed” ticket is built into full RIA Membership (further tickets can be purchased subject to availability). This is an absolute must-attend event for anyone in the Running Industry and sector (B2B).
Go to www.therunningconference.com for further information about The Running Conference.
The Running Conference 2024 presented by haku : 7th to 9th December 2024 | Loughborough
If you are not a RIA Member you can apply today here: Membership and complete the application form, a member of the RIA will be in touch within 24 hours.
What is The RIA Spring Gathering?
The Spring Gathering is a Spring Gathering in April, this started in 2023 and will continue as part of RIA Membership. This is held annually at a RIA Member location in London.
You must be a Member of the Running Industry Alliance to be able to attend this annual event, it is a safe space businessl networking and social environment.
Save the Date: The Spring Gathering 2025: 23rd April 2025 | London
If you are not a RIA Member please visit the RIA Membership to apply today.
Triathlon Industry Conference 2025
Triathlon Industry Conference 2025
Triathlon Industry Conference (TIC25) will be held in conjunction with The Running Conference at Loughborough University, UK.
Taking place on Monday 8th December 2025, TIC25 will be a single day conference for Triathlon Industry Association (TIA) members only.
TIC25 is being run alongside the Running Industry Alliance (RIA) established annual members event, The Running Conference (7th -9th December 2025). This gives an opportunity for TIC25 attendees to network with the triathlon industry, as well as the wider running industry on-site at the The Running Conference.
Be part of Triathlon Industry Conference. JOIN TIA and get involved.
Running Retailer Day 2025
Running Retailer Day 2025
Running Retailer Day will be held in conjunction with The Running Conference at Loughborough University, UK.
Taking place on Tuesday 9th December 2025, RRD will be a single day conference RIA Retail Members only.
Contact RIA Membership Team if you need further information.
What are RIA Online Socials?
RIA Online Socials are a calendar if online events for RIA Members to access. They run from February to November 2025 onwards and each month consist of an online member meet up combined with a session to get to know one of the members with an industry educational theme.
Get in touch to discuss your business being involved with RIA and supporting the industry together, head to the membership tab to contact RIA today
What is the RIA Education Hub?
RIA Education Hub is a portal for RIA Members to be able to access learning and education for actionable change either individually, in their business or in the industry. There will be a range of content that is a mix of curated, bite-size and more in-depth accredited courses announced at TRC24 for 2025 onwards. This education has been built for RIA Members and their teams who are in the Running Industry and launching with a DEIB content accredited courses delivery partnership. RIA will be constantly adding content and education to the RIA Education Hub for RIA Members and their teams to access. This will be a mix of free and paid for content and courses depending on the subject, focus, length of courses and accreditation aspects. The aim is for as much content to be online as possible for ease of learning and education access.
Get in touch to discuss your business being involved with RIA and supporting the industry together, head to the membership tab to contact RIA today
What is the Trade Show collaboration (OTS)?
Trade Show access opportunities include “Trail Running Area” which is in partnership with the Outdoor Trade Show (OTS), held in June each year in Liverpool. This brings the Running and Outdoor industries together and has been viewed as a very supportive and collaborative partnership that was built for trade show purpose and to create connected and new industry opportunities.
RIA Members have a “member rate match” to OIA at OTS to exhibit in the dedicated “Trail Running Area” in association with OTS at the trade show and also ticket access to attend by being a RIA Member.
If you are not a RIA Member please visit the RIA Membership to apply today.
What is the RIA Podcast?
Originally the Running Industry Podcast (2020) hosted by Matt Ward, now having joined forces with RIA to become the collaborative podcast Running Industry Alliance Podcast in association with supersonic from 2023 onwards. The first B2B collab series will encompass up to 12 episodes, each featuring chats with various RIA Member guests “in conversation with” about the running industry.
The new collaborative podcast will be hosted by Matt as Anchor with Becs, Jonathan and Tom, rotating on episodes around various content.
You can listen on the player or Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Deezer.
Get in touch to discuss your business being involved with RIA and supporting the industry together, head to the membership tab to contact RIA today
Key dates for 2025 for RIA Members
MEMBER B2B IN-PERSON EVENTS
Running Industry Alliance (RIA)
Calendar of announced events 2025 + 2026
Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku (RUSA)
RIA Member | International Opportunity | Affiliate Event
2nd to 4th February 2025 | Louisville, Kentucky
and social – Outdoor and social | Affiliate Event
11th to 13th March 2025 | Edale, Peak District
The RIA Spring Gathering | RIA Event
23rd April 2025 | London
Outdoor Trade Show | Affiliate Event
10th to 12th June 2025 | Liverpool
**The Annual RIA Members Conference | RIA Event**
The Running Conference presented by haku #TRC25
7th to 9th December 2025 | Loughborough
Track Stars powered by Threshold Sports / krono:sports | RIA Event
8th December 2025 | Loughborough
Triathlon Industry Conference | TIA Event
8th December 2025 | Loughborough
Running Retailer Day | RIA Event
9th December 2025 | Loughborough
Running Industry Awards | Partnership Event with England Athletics and RIA | Affiliate Event
9th December 2025 | Loughborough
European Running Business Conference
RIA Member | European Opportunity | Affiliate Event
6th to 8th November 2026 | Porto
More Events to be announced for RIA Members Access
RIA Event = RIA Member access
Affiliate Event = A partner event that RIA Members can access at a reduced rate through being a RIA Member
Any questions please contact the RIA Membership Team
How to contact RIA & TRC Team
Any questions please email the RIA Membership Team.
Apply for RIA Membership - Enquiry Form
If you are not a RIA Member please visit the RIA Membership to apply today, one of the RIA Team will be in touch within 24 hours.
What is the relationship between Triathlon Industry Association (TIA) and Running Industry Alliance (RIA)?
In July 2024, TIA and RIA confirmed a strategic merger. This saw TIA merging its operations into RIA. While TIA and RIA effectively operate as separate entities, the two industry associations make use of shared resources.
The goal of RIA x TIA is to foster synergy, industry connections and drive growth for both organisations, with running being a natural connection between them.
At the heart of this new collaboration, RIA is extending a commitment to support the triathlon industry. A key benefit for TIA members includes a new Triathlon Industry Conference dedicated day on Monday 9th December 2024 at RIA’s established annual members event, The Running Conference (8th -10th December).
Can I be a member of RIA and TIA?
Yes. Companies can join both TIA and RIA.
For any company that wishes to join TIA and is already a full member of RIA, and attending The Running Conference TRC24, there is no charge for attending the Triathlon Industry Conference on Monday 9th December.
So, for RIA member companies, the TIA membership fee would be £450 + VAT (before 31st October 2024) giving access to all TIA research and 1 x place at the Triathlon Industry Conference (TIC) on Monday 9th December.
What are the pricing options for RIA Membership?
Full RIA Membership 2025
£950 + VAT for 12 months RIA Membership including one guaranteed ticket to The Running Conference 2025 (TRC25), 7th to 9th December 2025
Part RIA Membership 2025
£600 + VAT for 12 months RIA Membership. Does not include a guaranteed TRC25 ticket. There may be an opportunity to purchase a ticket later in the year, subject to availability however ticket prices may vary.
For more information re Triathlon Industry Association please visit HERE.
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) Team
Miles
Neil
Helen
Tom
Virgil
Matt - Podcast & Host
Paul
Membership Team
Events Team
Accounts Team
RIA Alliance Advisory Board “Now”
Andrew Smith, CEO at Human Race
Chris Conlan, Co-Founder at Outside of Ordinary
Dan Isherwood, Head of Operations at England Athletics
David Birch, CEO & Founder at Endurance Zone
David Robinson, Founder RunActive
Gary Cove, MD at My Sporting Times (iTAB)
Gary Roethenbaugh, Co-Founder at Triathlon Industry Association (TIA)
John Chatwin, Global Managing Partner at PartnerWise
Jon Rew, MD at Scimitar
Jon Wild, Brand Director at OSC-Running (Ronhill, Hilly, OOFOS, Topo)
Layla Smith, Founder & MD at Aspire
Mel Bound, Founder & CEO at This Woman Runs
Richard Payne, Joint MD at Sporting Insights
Siobhan Curtis, Marketing and Communications Director at Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All
Will Golder, CEO at RaceNation
RIA Alliance Advisory Board “Future”
Adam Renshaw, Founder & Director at and Social
Andy Baddeley OLY, CEO & Co-Founder at The Running Channel
Charlotte Melchert, CEO at World’s Sports Group (Ahotu)
Dan Cartner, Head of Marketing, SportsShoes.com
Jules Stephenson, Co-Founder at Emancipated Run Crew CIC
Juls Sobik, Head of Sporting Events & Volunteering at Alzheimer’s Research UK
Katie Goble, Head of Partnerships & Marketing Lead at Runna
Keith Marshall, Owner at Sports Insight & Running Insight Magazine
Michelle Castro, Marketing Brand Manager at SCOTT Sports
Nick Tuppen, CEO at Threshold Sports
Olly Laws, Commercial Strategy EMEA Footwear Lead at On
Robin Bush, Founder at Ultra Magazine
Scott Purchas, Founder & MD at girodilento
Steve Ball, Director at Sports Timing Plus
Will Cowell, Key Account & Marketing Director at Brandwave Marketing
Will Irwin, UK & Europe Lead at GivenGain
About RIA
Welcome to Running Industry Alliance, a membership-based independent national trade organisation built for the UK & Ireland Running Industry
We exist to collectively assist RIA Members to drive the Running Industry forward to improve the Sport and Business of Running by:
- VISIBILITY: Proactively making sure Running is in and at the forefront of conversations and RIA Members are visible across channels and involved in various conversations.
- AWARENESS: Showcasing RIA Members news, partnerships, recruitment needs, sponsorship opportunities and awareness of RIA Member activity through RIA channels (B2B and B2C). This includes website, newsletter, social media including open and closed LinkedIn channels, opportunities at The Running Conference, in conversations, industry podcast, networking and social events that are remote / online and live / in-person and more.
- GROWTH: Showcasing opportunities across Alliance Partner bridges and with experts linked to other organisations that RIA is building and creating. Working collaboratively together with a connected approach and a focus on collective growth across the whole running sector and supported thread to and from sectors both in the UK & Ireland and globally.
- CONNECTION: Connecting members together to start conversations and enhancing the narrative through a thriving positive and energetic eco-system. Creating connectivity and new opportunities through RIA Membership and ongoing support to nurture and thrive together and as an industry.
- INSIGHTS: Establishing the true value of the Running sector through shared research, insights, data and facts. Supported by an official insights partner of RIA, RIA Members, Alliance Partners and other expert channels support. Focussing on implementation of new reports and agreements to establish “state of the nation” for running and the running industry.
- BENEFITS: Delivering purpose-built member benefits, supporting content, facilitating access to educational topics and discussions with face to face meet ups and opportunities to “do business” together in a supported, like-minded and safe business environment.
- RECRUITMENT: Creating opportunities, new channels and accessibility to sectors to retain talent in the industry whilst also nurturing new talent to assist in progressing the sectors and being able to propel forward with expertise, knowledge and experience.
- NETWORKING: Creating a network of opportunity through RIA Membership for you, your brand and business. RIA holds the annual members-only The Running Conference (December in Loughborough), an important in person annual conference for the Running Industry to meet, learn and do business together. A mix of RIA Member networking and social events across the year that include remote (virtual) and live (in-person) to create a continual conversation and showcasing opportunity through being an RIA Member including The RIA Spring Gathering (April in London) and OTS Trade Show (June in Liverpool).
- SUPPORT: Supporting RIA Members and RIA Members supporting each other, an eco-system of positive energy and a propelling forward nature has been created. As a collective RIA focus on the priority subjects that need attention, sharing knowledge, education and best practice for all to be aware of what is needed to be done for not only now and immediate but for future generations and ensuring a thriving industry.
RIA FOCUS AREAS
Through working with feedback from The Running Conference and RIA Members a number of focus areas have been defined for 2023 to 2028 industry focus work.
Top-line focus areas for the Running Industry include:
- The Market Place
- Research, Data and Insights
- Health and Wellbeing
- Sustainability
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
- Future
For further details or to get involved please contact RIA Membership by email.
RIA WORKING APPROACH
We are NOT here to duplicate great work already being done in the Running Industry, we are here to connect and enhance whilst helping develop business relationships, networks, bridges and fast track growth opportunities for RIA Members combined with education and shared learnings, propelling the running industry forward as a whole whilst adding value and creating new business opportunities.
We are here to showcase the Running Industry and facilitate closure of any gaps or removal of barriers whilst creating strong bridges with experts and networks to other organisations to ensure growth, add value, best practice, finding new ways to work together and streamlining focus for the Industry through a collective member approach.
We are here to support all RIA Members, the Running Industry and connecting Alliance Partnerships.
Together we are stronger
Together we will grow
Together we break down barriers
Together we are heard as an amplified voice
Together we advance the sector
Together we make a difference faster
Together we are Running Industry Alliance
We have created an FAQ section to make is easy to answer any questions you may have about RIA (at the top of the page).
If there is a question that is not answered here please email membership with your question, we will add to the FAQ on a regular basis.