Transparent. Collaborative. Industry-Led.
Governance at Running Industry Alliance (RIA)
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is an independent, member-based alliance serving the UK & Ireland’s running industry with global reach.
We are proudly independent, commercially minded, and rooted in collaboration. Our governance structure is designed to reflect the diversity, professionalism and ambition of the industry we serve.
RIA is powered by members, for members.
Powered by Members. Built for the Industry.
At RIA, we practice what we promote.
Wherever possible, professional services used by RIA – including accounting, insurance, IT systems, marketing, operations, project delivery, creative and event services – are sourced from within our RIA Member Community.
This approach:
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Reinvests into the industry
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Amplifies member businesses
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Strengthens trusted commercial relationships
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Demonstrates collaboration in action
It is one of the ways we ensure that value circulates within the ecosystem we exist to support.
Leadership & Structure
RIA Strategic Management Team
At the heart of RIA is our Strategic Management Team — a leadership group of senior industry professionals who guide strategic direction, oversee delivery and ensure accountability.
Led by CEO Rebecca Richardson, the team meets quarterly and is supported by an operational delivery team responsible for day-to-day execution.
The Strategic Management Team ensures that RIA remains:
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Member-led
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Financially responsible
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Future-focused
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Operationally effective
RIA Core Team & Sector Forums
To ensure broad industry representation, RIA convenes:
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A wider RIA Core Team (cross-sector representation)
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A Data Team
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A Run Team (Brand & Retail focus)
These groups meet on a scheduled basis with:
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Agendas
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Documented actions
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Tracked follow-ups
This structure ensures insight translates into measurable progress and transparency remains embedded in how we operate.
Our Four Pillars
RIA operates across four strategic pillars:
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Membership
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Events
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Awards
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Data
Each pillar is supported by working groups, advisory input and operational oversight.
RIA Advisory Board
The RIA Advisory Board comprises up to 10 industry leaders, all RIA Members, representing the ten channels RIA serves:
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Brands
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Retailers
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Events
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Community
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Charity
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Services
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Suppliers
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Media
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NGOs/NGBs
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Distributors & Buying Groups
The Advisory Board:
- Supports the CEO
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Guides long-term strategy
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Challenges thinking
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Supports responsible growth
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Ensures balanced sector representation
The Advisory Board works closely with the RIA Team and Working Groups to turn insight into action, ensuring RIA evolves in line with industry needs.
The RIA Advisory Board is chaired by Phil Benton.
Alliance Partners
Alongside our governance structure, Alliance Partners strengthen the ecosystem.
These partnerships act as trusted bridges between Members and specialist organisations, providing access to expertise, services and opportunities that support business growth.
We regularly review partnerships to ensure they continue to deliver measurable value and align with the evolving needs of our Members and the wider industry.
Working Groups
RIA and TIA Working Groups focus on priority topics identified by Members.
Meetings are structured, documented and action-led.
Events Working Group (RIA)
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Sharing best practice in event delivery
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Exploring collaboration, standards and sustainability
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Addressing common operational challenges
NextGen Working Group (RIA x TIA)
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Supporting emerging industry talent
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Improving access and career pathways
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Encouraging innovation and fresh thinking
Charity Working Group (RIA)
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Strengthening event-charity relationships
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Maximising impact and ethical fundraising
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Promoting sustainable partnerships
Women’s Working Group – WMAG (RIA x TIA)
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Championing women across running and triathlon
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Improving representation and leadership pathways
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Addressing participation and industry barriers
Retail Working Group
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Supporting independent and specialist retail
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Sharing consumer insight and trends
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Encouraging collaboration across brands and events
Research, Data & Insights Working Group
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Shaping responsible data strategy
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Identifying research priorities
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Informing long-term sector planning
Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA)
TIA operates under a parallel governance structure, with an independent board and working groups comprised of TIA Members.
Both organisations collaborate where appropriate while maintaining independent oversight.
Member-Only Event Environment
All RIA in-person and online events are member-only, ensuring a trusted, professional business environment.
This protected ecosystem allows members to engage openly, collaborate meaningfully and build relationships with confidence.
Governance Principles
RIA aligns with good governance standards through five core principles:
1. Structure
Clear and accountable decision-making with defined leadership roles and responsibilities.
2. People
Diverse, experienced and committed professionals across Boards, Teams, Partners and Working Groups — all Members.
3. Communication
Transparent, two-way dialogue with Members and industry stakeholders.
4. Standards & Conduct
Ethical, fair and professional behaviour embedded at every level.
5. Policy & Process
Legally compliant, risk-aware and forward-thinking operations.
Conflict of Interest & Integrity
To protect trust and fairness:
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Advisory Board and Working Group members declare potential conflicts of interest.
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Decisions are made in the best interests of the industry as a whole.
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Commercial relationships do not override governance integrity.
Transparency is fundamental to how we operate.
Accountability & Evolution
RIA reviews its governance framework regularly to ensure it remains:
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Representative
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Effective
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Commercially sustainable
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Fit for growth
As the industry evolves, so do we.
Want to Get Involved?
RIA is Member-led.
If you would like to contribute to a Working Group, Advisory role or strategic initiative, please contact us via the contact page.
Thank you for being part of Running Industry Alliance (RIA).