Running Industry Alliance

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is a membership organisation that brings together all sectors of the running industry (B2B) across the UK and Ireland. Members include brands, retailers, events, communities, charities, services, suppliers, distributors, buying groups, media, and governing bodies. By uniting the industry through one collaborative network, RIA connects people, creates opportunities, shares knowledge, and drives growth. Our purpose is to strengthen and support the running industry so it can thrive, innovate, and continue inspiring more people to run. Through collective membership, RIA exists to galvanise, align, elevate, inform, educate, collaborate, and advance both 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

What does RIA do?
RIA brings together all sectors of the running industry into a connected, ongoing conversation — helping to galvanise, align, energise, elevate, inform, educate, collaborate, and advance the industry while creating an amplified voice for its members. At its core, RIA drives focus and purpose through a thriving community and ecosystem for everyone involved.

Members benefit from purpose-built support, promotional opportunities, and industry connectivity, alongside flagship events: The Running Conference (TRC) each December and The Spring Gathering (TSG) each April — dedicated spaces for the industry to connect, learn, and do business together.

RIA also runs additional member meetups throughout the year, both online and in person, and is expanding opportunities through member-led events, plus European and global partnerships.

“We exist to collectively assist our members to drive the Running Industry forward and improve both 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) is built for every part of the running industry business collective — across all sizes, scales, and stages of growth. Membership spans 10 defined verticals:

• Brands

• Retailers

• Buying Groups & Distributors

• Events

• Charities

• Communities

• Media

• NGBs & NGOs

• Services

• Suppliers

As an independent, member-based (trade / B2B) organisation, RIA provides a safe and collaborative business space where members can connect, share opportunities, and work together for the benefit of the whole industry.

RIA membership reflects the diversity of the running industry across the UK & Ireland, with strong European and global connections. Many international members join to engage with the UK & Ireland market, and vice versa. Whether you’re an established business, a new entrant, or a service provider connected to running — RIA has been built for you.

Through its ecosystem, RIA:

• Creates connectivity and opens opportunities that may have seemed out of reach or too time-consuming.

• Amplifies member voices and shares industry opportunities within a supportive, collaborative climate.

• Drives important conversations — from future vision to best practice — and facilitates the “difficult conversations” that move the industry forward.

• Acts as a bridge across sectors and geographies, uniting parallel industries where running is the common thread.

• Provides structure and support through an experienced industry team, helping members cut through noise, save time, and focus on growth.

RIA is B2B, built for the businesses that power running. Its members are a mix of B2C and B2B organisations who collectively share a simple goal: to strengthen, support, and grow the running industry.

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

RIA Focus Areas

Through ongoing feedback from RIA Members and discussions at The Running Conference, a number of focus areas have been defined to guide industry-wide work from 2024–2028. These sit across the four pillars of RIA: Membership, Events, Awards, and Data.

Top-line focus areas for Running Industry Alliance in 2025 include:

• The Marketplace – strengthening business opportunities, innovation, and commercial growth.

• Research, Data & Insights – driving knowledge-led decisions through collective intelligence.

• Health & Wellbeing – supporting the positive impact of running on individuals, communities, and society.

• Sustainability – championing environmental and social responsibility across the industry.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) – ensuring the running industry is open, accessible, and representative for all.

• Future – anticipating trends, embracing innovation, and preparing the industry for what’s next.

By anchoring these focus areas to our four pillars, RIA continues to create tangible impact: connecting and supporting members, hosting industry-leading events, celebrating excellence, and building stronger insight and knowledge for the collective.

For further details or to get involved please contact RIA Membership by email. 

RIA Member Benefits

Membership Access & Events

• 12-month RIA Membership from approval.
• Guaranteed ticket to The Running Conference presented by haku (7th to 9th Dec 2025, Loughborough University) including all content, activations, networking, meals, and celebrations.
• Access to The RIA Spring Gathering (April, London) and other member meet-ups throughout the year.
• Special rates for partner events like European Running Business Conference, and Running USA Conference – often accompanied by one of the RIA Team.

Visibility & Promotion

• Member profile (logo, website, 300-word “about”) featured on the RIA website.
• Promotion of your business via RIA channels: LinkedIn, Instagram, and weekly newsletter.
• Opportunities to share monthly news, be featured in RIA podcasts, and gain exposure to the wider running industry.

Networking & Connections

• Access to RIA Core Team for business focus discussions and agreed tailored introductions.
• Online and in-person networking opportunities, either RIA, Member or Alliance Partner led. 
• Belong to a community of like-minded running industry professionals, with fast-track introductions and partnership opportunities.

Business Growth & Insight

• First-look access to commissioned industry data, research, and insights.
• Awareness of business, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities – by being part of the eco-system. 
• Access to curated events and services that support your growth in the UK and globally.
• Amplify your brand, connect faster, and build long-term industry relationships.

Extra Perks

• Additional benefits are added throughout the year as RIA membership grows.
• Dual Multisport Membership special rate for RIA x TIA (Triathlon Industry Alliance).
• A special 60% off tickets for Running Industry Awards for RIA Members.
• Access to Member offers or reduced services rate and educational sharing opportunities.
• Access to built for industry reporting either included or special Members rates. 

Join Today

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

Joining RIA Can Help You, your Business and / or Brand 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 or widen and grow your existing 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 and Team 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!
> Special 60% off ticket rates for Running Industry Awards for RIA x TIA Members
> New Dual Multisport Membership for Running Industry Alliance (RIA) x Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA)

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

RIA Online Socials

RIA Online Socials are monthly virtual meet-ups for RIA Members, running February–November each year of Membership.

Each session blends industry insight, peer connection, and practical learning, with rotating themes including:

• Latest industry data & trends – often shared by fellow Members
• Hands-on learning with tools like ChatGPT, LinkedIn, Canva, and more delivered by RIA Team and experts

These socials provide a supportive, collaborative space to share updates, spotlight member businesses, and grow knowledge together.

Members can also get involved by presenting or hosting at future sessions.

Not a member yet? Head to the membership tab to apply and see how RIA can support your business while shaping the future of the running industry.

RIA Podcast

Running Industry Alliance Podcast, created with Supersonic, is a B2B audio series sharing the collective knowledge of RIA Members and industry experts.

Hosted by Matt with rotating co-hosts Becs, Tom, and Phil, episodes cover industry news, data-driven insights, peer support, and behind-the-scenes perspectives – all designed to help your business grow and stay industry connected.

Packed with RIA Member guest features, the podcast is a platform to share expertise and raise your profile. Members can apply to be featured in future episodes.

🎧 Listen on Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Deezer

Not a member yet? Head to the Membership tab to apply and get involved.

MEMBER B2B IN-PERSON EVENTS

KEY DATES FOR 2025 FOR RIA MEMBERS
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) | Calendar of announced events 2025 + 2026

**The Annual RIA Members Conference | RIA Members Event**
The Running Conference presented by haku #TRC25
7th to 9th December 2025 | Loughborough

Track Stars powered by Threshold Sports / krono:sports | RIA Members Event
8th December 2025 | Loughborough

Triathlon Industry Conference | TIA Members Event
8th December 2025 | Loughborough

Running Retailer Sessions | RIA Event + Affiliate Event
RIA Members + Independent Retailers Non-Members by invite
9th December 2025 | Loughborough

Event Organiser Sessions | RIA Members Event
9th December 2025 | Loughborough

Running Industry Awards | Partnership Event with England Athletics, RUN EVENTS and RIA | Affiliate Event
RiA + TIA Members Welcome + Non-Members
Evening of the 9th December 2025 | Loughborough

Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku (RUSA)
RIA Member | International Opportunity | Affiliate Event
1st to 3rd February 2026 | St. Louis, Missouri

The RIA Spring Gathering | RIA Event
22nd April 2026 | London

The TIA Spring Gathering | TIA Event
3rd June 2026 | London

European Running Business Conference
RIA Member | European Opportunity | Affiliate Event
6th to 8th November 2026 | Porto

**The Annual RIA Members Conference | RIA Event**
The Running Conference presented by haku #TRC26
6th to 8th December 2026 | Loughborough

More Events to be announced for RIA Members Access

RIA Member Event = RIA Member access
TIA Member Event = TIA Member access

Affiliate Event = A partner event that RIA Members can access at a reduced rate through being a RIA Member
Non-Members = This event is open to Members and Non-Members – open or by invite

Any questions please contact the RIA Membership Team

The Running Conference (TRC)?

The Running Conference presented by haku (TRC) is the flagship annual event for Running Industry Alliance (RIA), taking place 7th to 9th December 2025 at Loughborough University, UK.

This must-attend B2B event brings the running industry together for three days of connection, collaboration, and future-facing conversation. Exclusively for RIA members, TRC provides a professional safe business space to network, share insights and do meaningful business.

The programme includes expert panels, roundtables, workshops, product launches, and interactive Pop-Up Discovery Spaces (PUDS). Members get first-look access to industry research, data, and insights to inform strategy and innovation.

TRC also features Track Stars 2025, early morning runs, product try-ons, and curated evening celebrations creating energetic opportunities to connect and showcase fellow members.

Each full RIA Membership includes one guaranteed TRC ticket, with additional tickets available to purchase for colleagues in your business.

Visit the dedicated website: www.therunningconference.com for full details.

Not a member yet? Apply today via our short Membership form.

The RIA Spring Gathering?

The RIA Spring Gathering is our Spring flagship event, held annually at a unique location in London for RIA Members.

Open exclusively to RIA Members, The RIA Spring Gathering offers a valuable mid-year opportunity to network, share updates, meet in person and gain fresh insights in a relaxed whilst professional setting.

Not a member yet? Head to the RIA Membership page to apply today and join the conversation shaping the future of the running industry.

Running Retailer Sessions | Tuesday 9th December 2025 PM

Running Retailer Sessions are dedicated insight, conversation, and connection for B2B Running Retailers – designed to listen, support, and take action on the needs of retailers across the UK and Ireland running sectors.

Held alongside The Running Conference, this focused time features:

🔹 Exclusive Retail-Only Content
Practical, relevant sessions covering the state of play in retail, consumer trends, data insights, and emerging business challenges for running retailers.

🔹 Retailer Voice at the Forefront
This is a “have your say” platform – not just talks, but two-way conversations. Retailers are encouraged to share discussion points, ideas, and areas where change is needed.

🔹 Roundtables, Networking, and Insight Sharing
From peer-led roundtables to open-floor discussions, the format is built for participation – ensuring the voices of those on the retail front lines are heard loud and clear.

🔹 Connection with the Wider Industry
As part of the wider Running Industry Alliance (RIA) annual event, Running Retailer Sessions attendees also benefit from networking opportunities with brands, event organisers, distributors, media, and more on-site at TRC25.

Running Retailer Sessions supports the future-facing growth and sustainability of the retail channel in the running industry. If you are in B2B Running Retail, this is your space to be seen, heard and look into the future of retail.

🟩 No Access Without a Running Retailer Day Ticket + GREEN LANYARD
Spaces are limited and by invite – must be pre-registered to attend and a current RIA Member

Visit The Running Conference for further details and to contact the team. 

RIA Event Organiser Sessions 2025 at TRC25 | Tuesday 9th December 2025 | AM SESSIONS

RIA Event Organiser Sessions are a dedicated morning of insight, collaboration, and practical value for B2B RIA Event Organiser Members – built to listen, support, and drive forward the needs of mass participation, grassroots, and community-focused event professionals from across the UK, Ireland, Europe and international.

Held alongside The Running Conference, this curated morning includes:

🔶 Exclusive Event-Focused Content
Relevant, real-world sessions tackling key challenges and opportunities in the events space – from participation shifts and tech tools to commercial sustainability, partnerships, and environmental impact.

🔶 Organiser Voice at the Centre
This isn’t just presentations – it’s a two-way platform for open discussion. Event organisers are encouraged to share industry happenings, learnings and ideas. RIA, fellow Members and partners are here to listen and act collaboratively.

🔶 Connection, Workshops, Panels, and Peer Learning
The format includes hands-on workshops, expert-led panels, and knowledge-sharing roundtables to bring insight and inspiration direct from those shaping the future of events. This is a safe space business environment, everyone in the room is a RIA Member.

Event Organiser Sessions support the growth, innovation, and long-term health of the running and multisport events industry. If you’re creating, producing, or delivering events – this is your time to connect, share and be heard.

🚫 No Access Without a TRC25 Event Organiser Session Ticket + ORANGE LANYARD
Spaces are limited and invite-only. Pre-registration is required.

Visit The Running Conference for further details and to contact the team.